Ups and Downs of a Lockkeeper

A light-hearted look at the lock-keeper's job, be it a rural little lock on the canals or an ultra-modern affair at a huge marina. Jake Kavanagh presents a humorous survey, using his inimitable cartoons and anecdotes, of the scrapes people get into when trying to use locks. He focuses on notable events like the Henley Regatta, which afford many opportunities for horrors to unfold. Readers have enjoyed Jake's tales for decades; this is the perfect book for his devotees.

About the Author

Jake Kavanagh was born into a boating family and for many years lived by the Thames at Marlow. After a variety of jobs, the river eventually drew him back; Jake joined the Thames Water Authority as a lock-keeper, working the locks around Windsor for many years.

Praise for Ups and Downs of a Lockkeeper

“Do not read this book while edging your 52ft hired narrow boat towards an impossibly small lock. It would seriously damage shipping.”
– Southern Evening Echo

“Excellent reading whilst queuing for those over-busy Thames locks on a summer weekend.”
– Waterways World