April 30th 2021 would’ve been Captain Tom Moore’s 101st birthday; in recognition and in remembrance of his achievement, a new challenge was announced by his family. They challenged ordinary folk to complete a hundred somethings to raise more funds for The Captain Tom Foundation – ‘whether you bake 100 cupcakes or walk 100 laps – help celebrate Captain Tom’s achievements.’ The official ‘Captain Tom 100’ has now finished, but I’ve challenged myself to write a 100 word blog each day for 100 days. I started on May 1st and when I complete my task, I’ll donate £100 to his Foundation.
Day 28
A lovely day, normal service is resumed. Breakfasted with daughter in a favourite place, we toured the charity shops, then set forth to the Underfall Yard, Bristol.
In 1809 the Floating Harbour was created. The Overfall dammed the River Avon with sluices beside it. Silt settled, impeding ships which the Overfall dam removed – however, manually digging out mud was the best method. Digging disrupted shipping so 1830-ish, Brunel suggested developing sluices and using dredgers to remove the silt. The sluices were renovated over the years, but installed in the 1880s, they still work today, see the history of Underfall!
Lois Elsden 