We got caught for mooring fees in Wallingford this morning. Not that we would be so dishonest as to try to dodge them but we do find it a bit much that you have to pay £5 per night just for the privilege (of what?). As we see it you get very little, certainly no security. We already pay a hefty licence fee to be able to cruise the Thames and it's the space in the water we are taking up after all. Moorings are free at other (more attractive) stops like Goring, so what makes Wallingford's town clerk think it's fair to charge. It also amuses me to think they have to pay wages to the collector, so is it worthwhile revenue for the town anyway? I suppose the argument might be we are covering maintenance of the bank edge and the mooring rings, but one of those was broken!
Farmers will charge also, that's fair we think if its their own field but some (as in Lechlade) expect £4 even though the bank pathways along their fields are public footpaths. Would they charge the walkers and cyclists?
Anyway, on to Pangbourne where they are happy to let you moor for free on a public green space that is very pleasant and only a short walk from the shops and pubs. We wonder why they no longer charge, as they used to when we moored here on the barge some 15 years ago. All we can think is that Pangbourne's town council is happy to encourage boaters as they might spend money here.
The wind has got up again and Pete went for a wavey paddle in his canoe - wind nearly ripping the paddle out of his hand a couple of times. He missed the downpour though.
Farmers will charge also, that's fair we think if its their own field but some (as in Lechlade) expect £4 even though the bank pathways along their fields are public footpaths. Would they charge the walkers and cyclists?
Anyway, on to Pangbourne where they are happy to let you moor for free on a public green space that is very pleasant and only a short walk from the shops and pubs. We wonder why they no longer charge, as they used to when we moored here on the barge some 15 years ago. All we can think is that Pangbourne's town council is happy to encourage boaters as they might spend money here.
The wind has got up again and Pete went for a wavey paddle in his canoe - wind nearly ripping the paddle out of his hand a couple of times. He missed the downpour though.
Mooring fees is charged according to the facilities provided by specific marina. Though we can secured our moorings by providing mooring fees.
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