Punt. 1. A flat-bottomed shallow boat, square at both ends; (now chiefly)spec. a long narrow boat of this kind propelled by means of a long pole thrust against the bed of a waterway, and used on inland waters, esp. as a pleasure boat, as a ferry over short distances, or for fishing.¹

The Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson, has invited businesses to put forward plans to operate punts and canoes on the Great Ouse in Bedford. Apparently this is dangerous according to the rowing community.

Having lived in Oxford, I can vouch that I have seen punts and rowers operating on the Isis at the same time. All it seemed to take was a little caution on both sides. Of course those who are punting must also exercise care in how they punt. Will there be a difference in Bedford punts? After all, there is a right end and a wrong end from which to punt depending on whether you are in Oxford or ‘the other place’.²

At some point in every punter’s career, there comes a moment when a particularly enthusiastic thrust has sent the punt whizzing (well, gliding) off in one direction while the pole, due to mud, weeds or malicious scuba divers, remains behind. You must resign yourself to either leaving the pole, or leaving with it. Always choose the former! You’ve been provided with a paddle for a reason, and the pole will remain rooted in place until you can return. The alternative does not bear contemplating; you will stay hanging over the water while the punt floats off without you.³

No one wants to end up looking like the dragon from Daily Info.

Whilst it is rather pleasant to watch rowers in action on any river, they are not the only river users that should be allowed or indeed encouraged. Canoeing and punting can be enjoyed by many more than those who can row. So, by opening up the Great Ouse to these facilities, I can safely say that, for once, I approve of the Mayor of Bedford’s plans. Unlike when I disagreed with his closing of Bedford’s Civic Theatre.

^1. “punt, n.1”. OED Online. December 2011. Oxford University Press. http://www.oed.com.libezproxy.open.ac.uk/view/Entry/154714?rskey=nd3wkW&result=1&isAdvanced=false (accessed February 13, 2012).
^2. I’d better watch out when I get home or Andrew will have my guts for garters…
^3. “A Guide to Punting in Oxford”. Daily Info, Oxford. Daily Information Ltd. http://www.dailyinfo.co.uk/guide/punting.htm (accessed February 13, 2012).