It came as a bit of a shock to arrive at Cockwood Harbour and find that it wasn’t there, even though for the last year or more we had witnessed the slow decline, and maybe the demise, of a small boat. The boat always used to remind me of a gondola; long, slim and dark, but without the high curved ends at the back and front. Perhaps it had begun its life as a rowing boat – the long vessel looked as though it would slice through the water at great speed, not latterly, of course. For ages the boat held water, increasing amounts; at length we marvelled that the boat was filled to the brim with water and yet still managed to keep afloat. At last, perhaps only a week ago, Chris and I noticed that the boat no longer floated when the tide was in; nevertheless, when the tide was out, the boat resting on the mud still brought a touch of elegance and glamour to the harbour.

Now the boat has disappeared and has been usurped by a newer, more serviceable but less attractive replacement. I wonder if the graceful gondola will ever reappear. Perhaps at this very moment she is being loving restored in the owner’s carport or a boat repair yard. I hope so. We shall miss her.