| This is how she turned out. A 1913 Tims of Reading single outrigged gig. She was in Henley Auction of Thames Boats & Memorabilia some time ago, looking very sorry for herself. At the auction, the son of a sculling family fell in love with her elegance and grace. She would be light & fine enough, he could see, to cover miles without heavy grunt & sweat. He'd had a glass, possibly two, of champagne. She came under the hammer and before he had quite realised what he was undertaking, he was her new owner. A long job, but eminently worth it. Asking 'those who know' on the river led David to Mr Tims the son. He kindly spoke to his father, 96 but still alert. Oh, yes, he remembered that fine little gig. He had her built and put in his hire fleet in '13. He didn't allow any old tearaway to take her out, only couples who had experience, were careful. He was a good boatbuilder Mr ... - the name tallied with the initials I uncovered stamped on the keel. David had clearly seen her as perfect for just the same use as old Mr Tims had in mind. Sadly we could arrange no gilded youth reclining against the backrest in this photo, and so Dragonfly trims slightly by the bow. |
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