Exeter Canal

[Bob Adams]

Good evening, can anyone help a friend currently living in France and writing a piece for Maritime South West on the last days of commercial trade along the Exeter canal to the basin at Exeter. We would like to contact Captain Ron Gardener who was skipper of the Countess Wear, the sludge boat. We know he worked the canal for many years.
We are aware that before the turning point was built in the basin, vessesl were turned in the river or towed backwards down the canal to the river Exe.After the horses were paid off in the 1950's how were the vessels towed? We think the Exmouth pilot boat was used but does anyone have knowledge of this?
We are particularly interested in the cargo handling in the 1950's and 60's. Old stories from those who sailed the canal and anything at all that would make ineresting content in the aformentioned article.
Thanks to anyone who is able to help. Bob Adams

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Bob
I know very little about the Exeter Canal,and hope that others will come forward to assist !
In the meantime i really dont know if any of this will help,but i suppose its worth trying!
See the following Links!
Cheers

Exeter Memories -The History of Exeter Quayside and Canal

Exeter Ship Canal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://www.exeter.gov.uk/ChttpHandler.ashx?id=2288&p=0

Exeter Ship Canal

Historical Features

[Bob Adams]

Thank you Castleman, I have looked at the links and I am sure there is useful information there. I look forward to any other information that the members may have.

[Captain Kong]

The ESSO Poole used to run up the Exeter Canal, I was never there, but heard tales of old Stan the Skipper, long dead now, who used to carry deck cargoes for the locals from one end to the other. totally unauthorised of course.
Cheers
Brian