Bringing in the ships

Listen to Ray Buck, river helmsman and Peter Hodge, last City Docks pilot, recount their memories of bringing the big ships into Bristol Docks. They travel up the River Avon aboard the tug boat 'John King'

[@thebristolpilot]

There are still 2 city docks pilots who are also channel pilots, I myself was one between 1995 and 2019 before I retired.

[@770les]

He’s a happy happy guy

[@stepheneurosailor1623]

I enjoyed this short film.

[@MegaBoilermaker]

Served my apprenticeship for Charles Hill and sons, Ray Buck was always known as having an acerbic sense of humour.

[@paranormal2112]

Do you by chance know where I can find the full version of this? I cannot find it anywhere and would love to have it (as an ex-pat Bristolian it is part of my heritage!). Cheers!

[@JayBee6011]

+Paranormal 2112 Hi - This was a 2 part film made by 'Element Productions' for HTV in the year 2000 called 'Time and Tide'. I came across a VHS recording of this when I worked at the former Bristol Industrial Museum and uploaded part of it as part of Bristol Docks heritage. Although there is mention of it on the BFI website, I don't think it's available to buy or download.

[@paranormal2112]

Thanks!! If you ever come across the full version please do let me know! I have several generations of family that worked at the Bristol Docks, so it is a great trip into their lives! Cheers - Richard.

[@JayBee6011]

I have put several short films on my channel (JayBee6011) showing glimpses of our docks heritage which may be of interest.

[@paranormal2112]

Cheers!!! Many thanks sir!
and Happy Christmas!

[@peterashford7855]

shame about Ray Buck

[@PillSharks]

Peter Ashford why is that?

[@johnsawyer2516]

Pill Sharks Because he sounds like he was a pain in the ass

[@rjmun580]

Not much of a man for progress was he. If he could have gone back to the days of sail he'd then be wanting to go back to the good old days of the coracle.