The Beale Park Thames Boat Show 2009 is set to be an historical event

Thursday 4th June 2009

This year's Beale Park Thames Boat Show has even more to offer with: the part-build of a replica of Sir Ernest Shackleton's boat, the "James Caird", the introduction of a talks and demonstrations marquee and the chance to win two boating holidays; all packed into the three day event (5^th - 7^th June 2009), at the Park, in Lower Basildon, Berkshire.

Show organisers are delighted to welcome the "James Caird", which students from the International Boat-building Training College (IBTC) will be working on at the show.

"It is a great honour to have this remarkable vessel at our event," said Gillie Jackson, Show Organiser.  "Her presence is a tribute to our past and the individuals concerned, as well as giving us an insight into the boating industry of the 20^th century." 

One of the UK's leading regional boat shows, the Beale Park Thames Boat Show enjoys the continued support of the Environment Agency, The Waterways Trust and Wave Seven Marine Ltd, market leader in the provision of mooring systems, who are part sponsoring the show's pontoons with the installation of their EZ-Dock solution. 

In an announcement made earlier this month, The Waterways Trust made a generous donation to the Park to fund the creation of the Boat Show's dedicated website – www.bealeparkboatshow.co.uk, which went live at the beginning of April.

Catering for a broad section of the boating community and introducing many to life at the water's edge, this popular event offers boating enthusiasts and newcomers alike, an action packed day out with something for everyone.

New for this year, organisers are introducing a series of talks and demonstrations with a 'watery' theme.   Gillie continued,  "This new attraction is the brain child of our exhibitors and will feature talks on everything from what to look for when buying a boat to a tale about a family of otters."

Set against a stunning backdrop of the River Thames in Berkshire, one of the showground's most outstanding features is its seven acre lake which enables visitors to take to the water quickly and easily - catering for their boating needs and showing a large variety of vessels with everything from wooden boats, canoes and coracles and sailing and motor boats, to steam, electric, solar and pedal powered craft.

The show's most popular elements include: free river trips and family canoeing (subject to availability), a "try a boat" scheme operated by exhibitors, boating displays on the lake, a demonstration by Newfoundland dogs, a craft and specialist food produce tent, cookery workshops, live music, dancing displays, a beer tent, children's activities and a Classic Car Display, featuring what is believed to be the only remaining Jensen Ford Woodie.

Visitors will also have the chance to win two boating holidays this year, as show organisers join forces with Andy and Bonny Cowley, owners of the "African Queen", who are offering a magical weekend break on the River Thames - and Crown Blue Line,  a member of the European boating holiday specialist Le Boat group, who are offering an on-line competition to win a family cruising holiday.  To enter visit: www.leboat.co.uk/beale-park-competition.

Show opening times are Friday 5^th and Saturday 6^th June, 10am to 6pm and Sunday 7^th June from 10am to 5pm.  Ticket prices on the gate are £7 adult and £2 for children (2yrs-15yrs).  Under 2s are free. Family tickets are £15 (2 adults and 2 children).

Advance tickets are £6 adult, £2 for 2 - 15s and £14 for a family ticket, available on-line at www.bealeparkboatshow.co.uk or on tel:0118 976 7498.  Tickets include reduced entrance to Beale Park wildlife park during the Boat Show.