Post by Mark GoodgeOn Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:49:28 -0000 (UTC), Recliner
Post by ReclinerIt seems that the bridges of Ely aren't as battered as on the Thames, so
<https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/next-year-s-boat-race-on-april-3-co
uld-be-moved-off-the-thames-owing-to-bridge-saga-x67zdk985?shareToken=6
adcc5cbca5b6fb05d260ecfc826ea46>
As someone who grew up near Ely and lived there for many years, I
thought I'd explain, particularly for the benefit of my London friends,
what difference this will make.
Firstly, instead of the Middlesex station and the Surrey station, the
two sides of the river will be designated the Fen station and the other
Fen station.
Notable landmarks on the route, instead of the Harrods repository and
Fulham FC, will include the former sugar beet factory and the Anglian
Water depot.
Not wishing to quibble, but do you mean Environment Agency?
Post by Mark GoodgeNotable bridges on the route, instead of Hammersmith and Chiswick, will
include the Ely-Norwich railway line and the B1382.
Which are about 100m apart.
Post by Mark GoodgeOpportunities for spectators will be limited, as most of the course runs
through open countryside where the river banks are private property.
There's lots of fishermen, dog walkers, and others, to be seen on the
eastern bank all the way from Queen Adelaide to Littleport. Policing it
would be a nightmare.
Post by Mark GoodgeBut you should get a good view from the public right of way 76/12
footbridge, assuming it can take the weight of more than half a dozen
people at once, as well as the Black Horse pub in Littleport.
It was renamed "The Swan [on the river]" several years ago. But I expect
the finish to be just south of that (and the adjacent road bridge).
There's an EA landing stage just opposite the pub, but you couldn't
easily take a boat out of the water there (neither at the Swan's
moorings). Thinking about it, I expect they'd close the road from QA all
the way to Littleport, as well as that end of Victoria St (including the
level crossing) to give room for support infrastructure.
Post by Mark GoodgeMedia facilities will also be somewhat restricted, but a decent cup of
tea can always be found at the award-winning Peackock's Tearoom
I'm not sure it would be open at that time of year, but they might make
an exception. However, it's very small, and only the first couple of
dozen customers would get served. A better option would be to have a
"pop up" refreshment facility in the Maltings (Covid rules permitting).
Post by Mark Goodgewhile more substantial fare will be available from the Ely Kebab House
and Fortune Garden Chinese Takeaway.
The latter is normally only open in the evenings, except, bizarrely
Tuesdays, when it's closed all day. That's caught me out a few times.
And (paging Ian Batten) they still only take cash.
Post by Mark GoodgeWhile the Cambridgeshire Fens may seem a world away from the delights of
the metropolis, I'm sure locals will look forward to welcoming visitors
to the home of St Audrey, from whom we get the word "tawdry",
Strictly speaking it's from the allegedly somewhat tatty produce at St
Audrey's annual fair.
Post by Mark Goodgeas well as Hereward the Wake and Oliver Cromwell.
When you've finished watching the boat race you might want to visit
other local landmarks, including the location of the photoshoot for the
sleeve of Pink Floyd's "The Division Bell", and then pop into the
cathedral to see the world-famous Virgin Charlie Dimmock sculpture.
Who knows, with so much local culture, the boat race might never return
to London!
Mark
--
Roland Perry