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Fenland Poetry and Verse - and More
Turf and harvested crops were often transported to places like Ely and Cambridge, usually in a 'gang' of three lighters. These were poled, or hauled by a 'haling' donkey or, when there was space and a breeze, towed by the lead boat using a sail.
Coming Home
by Neil Ford
We've been out on the water with a full load to carry,
The breeze is a good ‘n for sure.
The sedge we unloaded on the wharf in the City
Will be used in the ovens, making bread and much more
We've had a brisk wind, on a lovely bright day
Old Reuben stands down in the hold
Up ahead is the ferry outside the Lord Nelson,
We’ll stop for a beer to warm up from the cold
Sedge makes us good money, there's always demand
It's a horrible crop to manhandle
It cuts like a saw if you're not well wrapped up
The buyers are happy, It's good they don't wrangle
Refreshed in the ale house we’re now heading home
Into Reach Lode we steer
Upfront is the Cock Up where we turn down for Wicken
Old Reuben plods homewards, he knows it's quite near
The lads in the crew are a good hearted bunch
Happy to be nearly home
They'll be up and ready right early tomorrow
Another day’s work but never a moan
Neil Ford
Ely, Cambridgeshire
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