0:00:02 > 0:00:04Around the coast of Britain are cities
0:00:04 > 0:00:05where lives are shaped by the sea.
0:00:05 > 0:00:07- SHIP HORN BLOWS - Gets the heart going a bit.
0:00:07 > 0:00:10Each city is a gateway to the wider world.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13And around each city,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16thousands of people work in jobs that touch all of our lives.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18Lovely to meet you.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20- Whether it's keeping us safe... - The casualty's breathing.
0:00:20 > 0:00:21..or keeping us smiling.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24Yes, my love? Don't spend your bus fare, will you.
0:00:25 > 0:00:27Jobs that keep the nation afloat.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31We're at call 24/7, 365 days a year.
0:00:31 > 0:00:33From clocking on in the morning...
0:00:34 > 0:00:36..to relaxing after work.
0:00:36 > 0:00:37The seaside beckons.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41Around the shores and rivers of their home towns,
0:00:41 > 0:00:43water brings people together.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48On the west coast of England,
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Bristol's port is waiting for a precious cargo.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Guys, we got a bit of a problem with these traffic lights, haven't we?
0:00:54 > 0:00:57In the old docks, new skills are on show.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59That's better, that'll do.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Eight weeks ago, I couldn't do a single length.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02It feels like a big challenge.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05And the Harbour Festival has more on show than usual.
0:01:05 > 0:01:08I've got two naked people struggling to get out of the water.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36The Port of Bristol sits at the point where the River Avon
0:01:36 > 0:01:38empties into the Severn estuary.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48It's made up of three docks that handle around 3,000 ships a year
0:01:48 > 0:01:50from all over the world.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59And just 18 men are responsible for tying and untying them,
0:01:59 > 0:02:01day or night.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03It's a job they call hobbling.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08Quite a busy week so far, as you can see, all the wrong side of midnight.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13Alan Ring is one of this select group of dock workers,
0:02:13 > 0:02:15known as pill hobblers.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19We come on whenever there's ships coming in,
0:02:19 > 0:02:23two or three hours before high water, two or three hours after.
0:02:23 > 0:02:28So, you could be out six, eight, nine hours, home,
0:02:28 > 0:02:30and wait for the next tide.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33There's basically two shifts in a 24-hour period.
0:02:38 > 0:02:40So at the moment we've got the Aristidis,
0:02:40 > 0:02:44which is currently holding a cargo of molasses.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48We're just waiting for her to come alongside so we can receive her lines.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51Matthew Stephen, or Boff as his friends call him,
0:02:51 > 0:02:53is the newest recruit.
0:02:53 > 0:02:54In the split.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Another two lines to go.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00We're fine, as long as these go up all right.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Basically, if we're not there, if the hobblers aren't in attendance,
0:03:04 > 0:03:07the ships don't get moored, they can't come alongside,
0:03:07 > 0:03:09they can't discharge cargo, you can't pick up cargo.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11So the hobblers are quite an intrinsic part
0:03:11 > 0:03:14of the day-to-day running of the port.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18The pill hobblers have a unique history,
0:03:18 > 0:03:21dating back to medieval times.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24To be one, you have to live in the village of Pill,
0:03:24 > 0:03:26two miles upriver from Avonmouth.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30In the days of sail, they've no engines,
0:03:30 > 0:03:33and when a ship comes into a river or an estuary,
0:03:33 > 0:03:36they're at the mercy of the tides.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38And because of our position on the river,
0:03:38 > 0:03:43we play a major, major part in Bristol developing as a port.
0:03:43 > 0:03:47In effect, this was part of the Port of Bristol.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53The old Port of Bristol is a few miles upriver from Pill.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58Beyond Isambard Kingdom Brunel's famous suspension bridge,
0:03:58 > 0:04:02there are plenty of reminders of its proud maritime past.
0:04:05 > 0:04:09Today, warehouses and wharfs have been redeveloped
0:04:09 > 0:04:12into bars, shops, and luxury apartments.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20Even one of the city's cranes is getting a face-lift.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- Hiya, you all right? - You all right?- Yeah, good.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Tom Dixon and his team are in the final stages of converting it into
0:04:28 > 0:04:31a high-end bed and breakfast, and with only a week to go before
0:04:31 > 0:04:34the first guests arrive, the pressure's on.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36This is a little bit all hands to the pump
0:04:36 > 0:04:39just in this final push to get it all finished.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46The whole project is about being creative and clever in how you use
0:04:46 > 0:04:48materials, so recycling where we can,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51trying to keep things as locally as possible.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54We are going to have a compost loo and a shower,
0:04:54 > 0:04:56we are even going to try to use an old watering can
0:04:56 > 0:04:59for the, for the shower head, which I think is going to be really fun.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Oh, look at that. Ollie, that's brilliant.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06- Looks all right, doesn't it? - It looks awesome.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08Great call on painting it black as well.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10It looks just brilliant.
0:05:10 > 0:05:11This is the living area,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14and we're going to have a big sofa along here, loads of plants.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16We've got the really cool wall at the end.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20And then it's just the amazing view, that's really what this is about,
0:05:20 > 0:05:23so it's really going to feel like this bubble of nature.
0:05:26 > 0:05:27There is still a lot to do.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29And with only seven days to go,
0:05:29 > 0:05:32the project's architect Simon Parfitt
0:05:32 > 0:05:34is literally climbing the walls.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37The most difficult challenges have been around the structure
0:05:37 > 0:05:40and getting that to work, and then it's really just been timing,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43trying to get around the weather.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45We're doing the last seals on the roof.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47So been welding the roof watertight.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50We've had just torrential rain for the last three or four days.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54We're maybe one day behind, perhaps two days behind.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57We've got no contingency time at all now,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59so we really are up against it.
0:06:06 > 0:06:08Back in Pill,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11Alan likes to keep some of the old hobbler traditions alive,
0:06:11 > 0:06:12including sculling.
0:06:12 > 0:06:15This, sculling, is a form of moving a boat,
0:06:15 > 0:06:17propelling a boat with one oar.
0:06:17 > 0:06:21It was a common practice in dockland, rivers.
0:06:21 > 0:06:25And if you imagine you're coming alongside a moving vessel,
0:06:25 > 0:06:28if you're rowing, you then, as you come alongside,
0:06:28 > 0:06:30you have to pull the oars in.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34So there is a point where you have no control over that boat.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Nowadays, you would just pull the cord and go "zzz"
0:06:37 > 0:06:39and zip across with your outboard motor.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50He's on his way to pick up their newest hobbler recruit, Boff.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51All right, Boff.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54I joined up in April of this year.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58So still an infant in comparison to some of the other guys
0:06:58 > 0:07:01which have been doing it for many, many years.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07At their height, more than 100 Pill hobblers worked the ships
0:07:07 > 0:07:09coming in and out of Bristol.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14It's different to any job that I've ever had.
0:07:14 > 0:07:18The hours can be unsocial, we work tidal hours,
0:07:18 > 0:07:22so we're at call 24/7, 365 days a year.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26Today, the hobblers are taking their work boat downriver
0:07:26 > 0:07:27for some maintenance.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32Makes it a little bit easier, having an engine,
0:07:32 > 0:07:34as opposed to doing it by oar.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38In a few days' time they'll be taking care
0:07:38 > 0:07:42of a multi-million pound cargo at the Royal Portbury Dock.
0:07:42 > 0:07:44Your first commitment is to the job
0:07:44 > 0:07:46and to the running of the port.
0:07:52 > 0:07:56The Bristol Harbourside Triathlon is a week away.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00A gruelling sporting event, it involves swimming in the city docks.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04For Alex De Mornay, that's a daunting prospect.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Just two months ago, she could barely swim.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12Today is her final lesson before the race.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Well, I've had to start from scratch, basically.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18Eight weeks ago I had my first lesson,
0:08:18 > 0:08:20Tuesday, 18th of April, I remember,
0:08:20 > 0:08:23and I've had a half-hour lesson once a week since then.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34The hardest part has just been learning to combine everything,
0:08:34 > 0:08:37each of the individual bits of the stroke on their own are OK,
0:08:37 > 0:08:40but putting it all together is remarkably complicated, actually.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Ah!
0:08:46 > 0:08:47I also have a tendency to panic.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50So when I can't feel, when I feel like I'm not about
0:08:50 > 0:08:52to breathe properly, then it makes me panic
0:08:52 > 0:08:55and I guess that's my biggest fear for the triathlon.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59Wait, wait, wait, Alex. Don't drop your elbow before right hand.
0:08:59 > 0:09:02Do it... Yeah, better.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04When I started eight weeks ago,
0:09:04 > 0:09:07I couldn't do a single length in pool.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11And on Sunday I've got to do 750 metres in Bristol Harbour,
0:09:11 > 0:09:14so it feels a little bit like a big challenge.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Alex is taking part to raise money for Parkinson's UK,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21a charity that's very close to her heart.
0:09:21 > 0:09:24My father had Parkinson's disease.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26He had that when I was growing up,
0:09:26 > 0:09:29and very sadly he died when I was just 24.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31And that was very painful to watch
0:09:31 > 0:09:35because it is a disease that robs you of so much.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39It's not just her dad who battled with the disease.
0:09:39 > 0:09:4213 years ago, my mum was diagnosed with Parkinson's,
0:09:42 > 0:09:46and then, a few years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with Parkinson's,
0:09:46 > 0:09:49so it just feels like the whole family has been really affected
0:09:49 > 0:09:51by this disease.
0:09:52 > 0:09:57Her mum, Elizabeth, is cared for in a specialist nursing home in Sussex.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01It doesn't kill you, but it just makes your life so hideous
0:10:01 > 0:10:04in so many ways and you lose so much control.
0:10:04 > 0:10:06KNOCK ON DOOR
0:10:06 > 0:10:07- Hi, Mum.- Hi, lovey.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09Hello. How are you?
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- How are you?- Gorgeous to see you. What have you got in there?
0:10:12 > 0:10:15I've got my tri-gear.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17It means an enormous amount to me.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19Um...
0:10:20 > 0:10:22You know...
0:10:22 > 0:10:25She's such a lovable child, person,
0:10:25 > 0:10:27she's such a lovable child.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29So then I have goggles,
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- polarised lenses.- Mm-hm.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33So they are quite wide.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- Are you going to try them on? - I won't put them on. I'll do that.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39I can't see a thing.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41I think she's immensely courageous.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45And so lovely that she cares.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50And it makes a great difference to my life.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56I felt powerless for years, because there's not much you can do,
0:10:56 > 0:10:59there are, obviously, medications and things
0:10:59 > 0:11:03but on a day-to-day basis, it is a very tough thing to deal with.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07And I'm not a scientist, I can't contribute to research or anything,
0:11:07 > 0:11:09but the one thing I can do, is try to raise some money
0:11:09 > 0:11:12for those people who are researching.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14That's why I decided to do the triathlon.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19So I've got to somehow read through these between now and the race.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21THEY CHUCKLE
0:11:25 > 0:11:28It's nearly midnight at the Royal Portbury Dock.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34Pill hobblers Alan and Boff are starting the second half
0:11:34 > 0:11:36of a gruelling double shift.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41At the moment, tired. Still waking up a little bit.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43Give us another half an hour or so,
0:11:43 > 0:11:46and I'll be wide awake and fighting fit then.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49I finished over in Avonmouth this morning, started at ten,
0:11:49 > 0:11:51finished at about seven.
0:11:51 > 0:11:54By the time showered, had something to eat,
0:11:54 > 0:11:57taken the dogs out, bed by nine,
0:11:57 > 0:12:00up by midnight ready to go again.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02RADIO STATIC
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Boff's not been long in the job, so how's he measuring up?
0:12:06 > 0:12:08He's doing OK, yeah.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12They do say it takes a couple of years to get used to the tides
0:12:12 > 0:12:16and the rosters and the timing, you know, things like that.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19You know, he's coming on well, yeah.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23I've got to put up with him until I retire anyway,
0:12:23 > 0:12:25so I've got to say nice things!
0:12:27 > 0:12:30The ship they're tending is the Ciudad de Cadiz.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34It's waiting to load an £8 million cargo from the Airbus factory
0:12:34 > 0:12:35ten miles up the road.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43At Airbus, Stewart Slatford is the man in charge
0:12:43 > 0:12:45of delivering it to the port safely.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Right, let's go and find some wings.
0:12:50 > 0:12:51Welcome to darkness.
0:12:53 > 0:12:54Hope the lights come on.
0:12:56 > 0:13:00Beneath the tarpaulin is one of two wings for the military aircraft,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02the A400M.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05They were made here at the Filton factory a week ago,
0:13:05 > 0:13:08and are each worth £4 million.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14This is quite an expensive load, obviously.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Normally about six escort vehicles.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19We look after the security of the load
0:13:19 > 0:13:22as we're travelling down the motorway.
0:13:22 > 0:13:25They'll be travelling in convoy, and to keep stops to a minimum,
0:13:25 > 0:13:28they have a secret weapon that is sure to be the envy
0:13:28 > 0:13:30of every motorist.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34On our usual route we have full control of the traffic light system.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38So we have a little transponder tag in each vehicle,
0:13:38 > 0:13:39so as we approach a set of lights,
0:13:39 > 0:13:42they turn green for us, red for everybody else.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Not that we're going to tell necessarily,
0:13:44 > 0:13:46but that's what the transponder tag looks like.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48That means I can run a red light.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Well, no, because it will make them green.- Good point.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53You won't run a red light, that'll make them green for you.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58It keeps the whole convoy together,
0:13:58 > 0:14:01we don't have any issues with red lights, it keeps everything moving,
0:14:01 > 0:14:04and keeps our convoy on time.
0:14:09 > 0:14:12Jerry Williams is driving the lead truck.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14- RADIO:- Keep that line, Jerry. Looking good.
0:14:14 > 0:14:16Oh, I'm looking good.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19No, the trailer's looking good by the sounds of it.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Green lights. We're go, go, go.
0:14:25 > 0:14:29He's followed by another eight vehicles, taking up both lanes,
0:14:29 > 0:14:32and more than 100 metres of road.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- 70mph.- Looking good at the back.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Stewart's bringing up the rear,
0:14:42 > 0:14:45keeping other drivers from cutting into the convoy.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48It's essential for safety that they all stick together.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54OK, I've got a red light here.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58Guys, we've got a bit of a problem with these traffic lights, haven't we?
0:15:00 > 0:15:03Mick's stopped the traffic so we're going to proceed.
0:15:03 > 0:15:06It looks like those transponders aren't working.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08Right, this isn't good news.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13And whatever happens, I should not go through a red light.
0:15:15 > 0:15:17At the next set of lights, it's confirmed,
0:15:17 > 0:15:19there's a problem with the transponders.
0:15:22 > 0:15:24Traffic lights have changed.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27These lights should be green for me.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29- RADIO:- Are you in a safe position, yeah?
0:15:29 > 0:15:32Yeah, I'm in a safe position, yeah, I am, I don't know about Kev.
0:15:32 > 0:15:38But there's two cars, a couple of cars coming up the slipway now.
0:15:38 > 0:15:41They have no option but to run the red light.
0:15:43 > 0:15:44I'm afraid I've got to,
0:15:44 > 0:15:48because otherwise the convoy is going to break up.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50All right, James, we are all on the slip, I think.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52The whole system is not working this evening so, um...
0:15:54 > 0:15:56I don't know why, we're going to have to get it investigated
0:15:56 > 0:15:59when I get back to work on Thursday.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- RADIO:- Lane one is clear, and lane two is clear.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07Next stop, the Royal Portbury Dock.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16The wings are so wide they're causing a massive tailback.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28And there's the boat across there.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Despite the technical problems,
0:16:30 > 0:16:33they've arrived at the port on time and in one piece.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38All that's left is to get the wings safely into the hole.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41Keep it coming, Jerry, keep it coming.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43They'll come out with a plan and they'll check it,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46and if we're not in exactly the right position, they'll make us move the trailer.
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- RADIO:- Stop, stop, stop.
0:16:53 > 0:16:55We're good, we're in position. That is good news.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01We're just waiting for the first officer
0:17:01 > 0:17:03to be happy with the trailers.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05And then we'll sign off the paperwork
0:17:05 > 0:17:07and we'll wave the vessel goodbye.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11It's leaving on the early tide. Ready to go.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13That's fine. Was that the ramp?
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Hopefully not.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- If that was the ramp, we're running now, all right.- Yes!
0:17:20 > 0:17:21Job done.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26Another set of wings from Airbus delivered safely for export.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29It's the 20th pair this year to be shipped to Spain,
0:17:29 > 0:17:32where they're put together with parts from all over Europe
0:17:32 > 0:17:36to make up the A400M military aircraft.
0:17:37 > 0:17:42Alan and Boff just need to do their job to see her off safely.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45Stand well back from the ropes, please.
0:17:47 > 0:17:49There's a bit of a language barrier, obviously,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52with different ships coming in, so a lot of hand signals,
0:17:52 > 0:17:56a lot of gestures, two lines, one line, slack,
0:17:56 > 0:17:57winch up, winch down.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02Some ships crews are absolutely brilliant
0:18:02 > 0:18:06but it only takes one or two crew members to heave up on a line
0:18:06 > 0:18:07when they should be slacking a line,
0:18:07 > 0:18:09and it can all throw it out a little bit.
0:18:09 > 0:18:13But the Cadiz, especially, is one of our regular runners,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16so they're pretty switched on, this crew.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Bristol's harbourside has a thriving community of people
0:18:32 > 0:18:34who live on boats.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38This former Dutch barge is home to the Wakeham family.
0:18:40 > 0:18:43I'm probably the only one in my school who lives on a boat.
0:18:43 > 0:18:44Same with me.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50Maria and Billy live with their parents, Rick and Helen.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55It's surprisingly like family life anywhere else,
0:18:55 > 0:18:58it's probably not as bohemian as it looks.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02We've got normal things like bedrooms and baths,
0:19:02 > 0:19:05and washing up, and all the things that everybody else has.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12I mean, I think what's different about it,
0:19:12 > 0:19:14is we've got access to the water,
0:19:14 > 0:19:17so the kids wake up in the morning and there's a swan looking in the...
0:19:18 > 0:19:20..in the porthole window.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24I love my shoe.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31This is our living room,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34or saloon, I suppose I should call it, because it's a boat.
0:19:36 > 0:19:39Sometimes we do find canoeists come and poke their noses in
0:19:39 > 0:19:40through our windows.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43Sometimes it's tempting to nip upstairs
0:19:43 > 0:19:45and pour water over the side but I haven't done it yet.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49Helen is a scientist at the Environment Agency
0:19:49 > 0:19:50just across the harbour.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53We're right in the centre of the city,
0:19:53 > 0:19:55so it's easy to get everywhere.
0:19:55 > 0:19:57It's a very short commute.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59About 15 minutes' walk,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01or five minutes if I get the little cross-harbour ferry.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04The only person who has a shorter commute to work than me is Rick,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06because his is about two minutes.
0:20:08 > 0:20:12Rick is the skipper of one of Bristol's most famous ships,
0:20:12 > 0:20:13The Matthew.
0:20:14 > 0:20:16Where's the lid for your lunch?
0:20:16 > 0:20:19Right, kid, get your jumper on, let's go.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21Billy is coming to work with me.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23We're doing a gorge trip,
0:20:23 > 0:20:26which is Bristol down to
0:20:26 > 0:20:29about Avonmouth and back.
0:20:29 > 0:20:30Come on then, we're going.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34Right. That's all right. Just chuck it over your shoulder.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38We have a full boat, 40 passengers plus crew,
0:20:38 > 0:20:41which Billy is the youngest crew member.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42See you, Helen.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45All I do is, really, run the shop
0:20:45 > 0:20:48and sometimes do the safety announcement.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- You steer the ship from time to time.- Oh, yeah.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54But not in the gorge though because I might run the ship aground.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57And if that happened, I'd probably...
0:20:58 > 0:20:59He'd probably kill me.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07The Matthew is a replica of the ship that John Cabot sailed from Bristol
0:21:07 > 0:21:11to discover North America in 1497.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13Rick and his team of volunteers
0:21:13 > 0:21:17take her on daily runs down the Avon gorge to raise money for the
0:21:17 > 0:21:19charitable trust that owns her.
0:21:20 > 0:21:22This is Penny.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25She's one of the elder volunteers.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- Was that really necessary?- Sorry.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32- Can I start again?- Can I hit him?
0:21:32 > 0:21:37This is Penny, one of our...one of our very efficient volunteers,
0:21:37 > 0:21:41and she's actually counting the passengers on at the moment.
0:21:41 > 0:21:42Thank you, skipper.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45A very glamorous lady.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Hello, there.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54In the highly unlikely event of anything untoward happening,
0:21:54 > 0:21:58please, remain calm and wait for further instructions from the crew.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01Um, Bill, do you want to say something?
0:22:01 > 0:22:04If anyone's interested in merchandise,
0:22:04 > 0:22:06I'm selling stuff down there.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09How much is it, Billy?
0:22:09 > 0:22:11There's a price list.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- OK.- Of course.- Thank you, Bill.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16PEOPLE LAUGH
0:22:16 > 0:22:18That was... Bill, that was fine.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20- Right, OK.- Well done.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27The wind is our worst enemy with this ship.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30You know, when it's windy, I mean, you know,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33it can become dangerous to use it in the harbour.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36Only because, you know, there's not a lot of space.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39When you look what is above the water line,
0:22:39 > 0:22:41it's a lot more than what's below.
0:22:41 > 0:22:45So, you know, you get the wind beam on, sideways,
0:22:45 > 0:22:48you can get yourself in a bit of a pickle.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Bill, can you take the helm for me, please?
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Just keep her going round the bend.
0:22:52 > 0:22:54Go on, over a bit more, kid.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56Stand down by it, please, Bill.
0:22:56 > 0:22:57That's better.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59If it's windy then I find it hard.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02And if there's a very big current, I find it hard.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05So I don't do it all the time but, when I do it,
0:23:05 > 0:23:07it's a pretty good feeling.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12Little Steve, he's got his accordion with him today
0:23:12 > 0:23:16and he can't resist having a little play with it, you know?
0:23:19 > 0:23:22Terr, going to want a couple of fenders on the other side.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27Terry's the one with the blonde locks, as he likes to think.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36Colin, midships.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47There's just one lock to go to get down to sea level.
0:23:47 > 0:23:50This lock now, we'll drop a good few feet at the moment,
0:23:50 > 0:23:53maybe 15, 20 foot.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59And then it should be at the same level as the river outside...
0:24:01 > 0:24:05..and they will open the front gates and then we'll go.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15They're out and on their way down river to Avonmouth...
0:24:19 > 0:24:24..passing Victorian jetties where steamships once ferried passengers
0:24:24 > 0:24:27to take the healing waters of Hotwells
0:24:27 > 0:24:31and, then, under the world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42DRILLS WHIR
0:24:44 > 0:24:47At The Crane bed and breakfast, work is coming to a head.
0:24:49 > 0:24:53The first guests arrive in 48 hours, and it's got to look right.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Interior decorators have got to come in before the bank holiday weekend
0:24:58 > 0:25:01and they've got people coming in doing photo shoots, etc.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03So there's not a lot of time left.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10One of the themes of the build is recycling.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Tom Dixon, the company's MD, is here to check progress.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16Yeah, it's looking really good,
0:25:16 > 0:25:18compared to when I came in a few days ago.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20This is looking really good as well.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23This is all from the pallets that we reclaimed and sanded down.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26It's definitely come on loads.
0:25:26 > 0:25:27A tight space and a tight timeline.
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- And warm.- Yeah, and warm.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33This whole unit is made from materials we've recycled
0:25:33 > 0:25:35or made ourselves.
0:25:35 > 0:25:38So this rather cool looking set of taps,
0:25:38 > 0:25:40this is something that we've made.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42This is from copper pipe.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44It's just about trying to be creative and resourceful
0:25:44 > 0:25:46with the kind of materials that we're using.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Planters that are going at the front
0:25:49 > 0:25:51need those trailing stuff in them, don't they?
0:25:51 > 0:25:54Nic Cross is in charge of planting.
0:25:54 > 0:25:55It's all quite exciting.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58The whole office is filled with plants for the inside
0:25:58 > 0:26:02and now we've got to get this living wall up on the outside of the building,
0:26:02 > 0:26:04which is going to make it look so much more beautiful
0:26:04 > 0:26:05than it does at the moment.
0:26:08 > 0:26:11There's a ledge all ready for them to just be sat onto
0:26:11 > 0:26:13and then it is fixed in place.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16The only problem is, I'm going to have to get roped up
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and transfer them up and over onto the water side
0:26:19 > 0:26:21because we no longer have scaffolding
0:26:21 > 0:26:24and you can't obviously put the cherry picker over that side.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27DRILL WHIRS
0:26:30 > 0:26:33There's masses still to do, as you can see, so the race is on.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36We'll all just do our best to get it ready in time for the weekend.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39CHERRY PICKER BEEPS
0:26:45 > 0:26:48It's the morning of the Bristol Harbourside Triathlon.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54530 competitors of all ages and abilities are taking part.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59It's crunch time for Alex de Mornay,
0:26:59 > 0:27:02who could barely swim a few weeks ago.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06Oh, um, excited and absolutely petrified,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08to be honest, but it feels good.
0:27:08 > 0:27:10It feels good. I'm glad to be here, you know.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12I've been training for three months now,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15so it's good to finally get it over and done with.
0:27:15 > 0:27:17Oh, bright green. I like that.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20She'll be doing what's called a triathlon sprint,
0:27:20 > 0:27:23which is a 750m swim,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27a 20km bike ride, and finishing with a 5km run.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29I've just registered.
0:27:29 > 0:27:33I'm in the right race, number 600, where I belong, at the back,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35wave seven.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37It's my first triathlon. In fact, I'm not remotely sporty.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40So this has been a bit of a shock to the system.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42And none of my friends thought...
0:27:42 > 0:27:44It was sort of, "What are you doing? You don't do anything.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46"Why are you doing a triathlon?"
0:27:48 > 0:27:52Alex is doing this to raise money for Parkinson's research.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Her father died after having the disease
0:27:54 > 0:27:57and her mother and aunt also have it.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00Took mum a while to get her head round what I was doing.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02"What? Darling, what IS a triathlon?"
0:28:02 > 0:28:06I was like, "Well, you know, it involves a lot of swimming,
0:28:06 > 0:28:08"and cycling and running."
0:28:08 > 0:28:10Her cousin Philippa is here to cheer her on.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14I know exactly what she's going through because I did it a couple of years ago.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17You just, kind of... You don't know really what to expect.
0:28:17 > 0:28:19As soon as you start it, it's going to be fine.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22As soon as you start, you'll be like, right, this is my mission.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24You'll be fine.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27OK. I'll be fine.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31- TANNOY:- Some great times for the ladies today. Fantastic!
0:28:31 > 0:28:34I had to learn to swim the front crawl to do this.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36I mean, I'd learned to swim kind of doggy paddle as a kid
0:28:36 > 0:28:39but I hadn't really done any since then.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42So I thought, look, if I'm going to do this, I've got to do this properly,
0:28:42 > 0:28:44so I've had eight weeks to learn to swim.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48So it's, er... That's definitely the scary bit.
0:28:52 > 0:28:56Swimming in a pool's completely different to swimming in open water.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58Waves, wind...
0:29:02 > 0:29:05The scariest thing for me is just how feral it looks out there
0:29:05 > 0:29:08at the start because, you know, they just shoot off
0:29:08 > 0:29:09and people like swim over you.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13I'm terrified I'll get a black eye in the first 30 seconds!
0:29:18 > 0:29:21I think she looks as if she's doing really well.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25I just feel really nervous for her, but so proud of her,
0:29:25 > 0:29:28because I know this is the worst part of it for her.
0:29:31 > 0:29:33Genuinely, the swim was just terrifying.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36For a start, I kept drinking in water and I just thought,
0:29:36 > 0:29:38"Oh, my God, I'm not going to get round this."
0:29:38 > 0:29:42With the swim completed, they have to collect their bikes for the next part of the race.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44I'm so glad that's over.
0:29:44 > 0:29:45Oh, my God! I'm so terrified.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48The first...the first leg was horrible, absolutely horrible.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50It's amazing.
0:29:55 > 0:29:56Yay!
0:29:58 > 0:30:01They are so close now to finding a cure for Parkinson's.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03You know, there've been really exciting developments
0:30:03 > 0:30:05but they need more funding.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08And that will help cut the research time down from decades
0:30:08 > 0:30:10to possibly years to find a cure.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16You know, it may not be in time for my family, for my mum and aunt,
0:30:16 > 0:30:19but at least it will be in time for the next generation of people
0:30:19 > 0:30:22who, unfortunately, get this awful disease.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28After the 20km cycle ride through the Avon Gorge
0:30:28 > 0:30:30and under the Clifton Suspension Bridge,
0:30:30 > 0:30:33it's a 5km run to the finish line.
0:30:35 > 0:30:37This is my way of fighting back.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41And it's the one thing I can do to just not be defeated
0:30:41 > 0:30:43and make it better.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45CROWD SHOUTS ENCOURAGMENT
0:30:48 > 0:30:52She's crossed the line in a very respectable one hour and 46 minutes,
0:30:52 > 0:30:55raising £4,000 for Parkinson's UK.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58I've discovered a new me. Who knew I was an athlete?
0:30:58 > 0:30:59I had no idea.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02I think I'll do it again, but maybe take a bit of a rest first.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14Mud and silt from the River Avon and River Severn
0:31:14 > 0:31:18are a big problem for ships going in and out of the Port of Bristol.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24Next week they're expecting the largest fuel tanker
0:31:24 > 0:31:27the port's ever had here - the Amazon Falcon.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31So they have to make sure the water's deep enough to dock her.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38Their brand-new plough dredger is being dispatched
0:31:38 > 0:31:40to clear mud and silt from the sea bed.
0:31:40 > 0:31:44Jack Fryatt and Luke Goodley are putting it through its paces.
0:31:45 > 0:31:49Yeah, it's a hell of a, sort of, accomplishment for myself and Luke.
0:31:51 > 0:31:5524, to be in charge of a very expensive
0:31:55 > 0:31:58and powerful, sort of, dredger and tug.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05We've got the plough on the back-end of the boat
0:32:05 > 0:32:07and we'll lower that down
0:32:07 > 0:32:10to the required depth.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14And then we drag from the back end of the entrance
0:32:14 > 0:32:16out into the deeper water
0:32:16 > 0:32:19and we raise it up and back back in,
0:32:19 > 0:32:23and carry on like that all day.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30The act of ploughing is probably the most boring thing you'll ever do.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32Back up, drop it, go forwards, lift it.
0:32:32 > 0:32:34Back up, drop it, go forwards, lift it.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38But there is so much more to it, and it's really fun.
0:32:38 > 0:32:43We've got to make out that dredging isn't a really nice job to have
0:32:43 > 0:32:46because if we make it too glamorous, everyone will want it
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- and then that's just bad. - It is a very repetitive job.
0:32:49 > 0:32:51It is repetitive.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55If you like repetition, you're going to be a good plough boat person.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01The Amazon Falcon arrives in two days.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03But, even with the mud cleared,
0:33:03 > 0:33:07getting a ship of her size into port safely will be a challenge.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18The Port of Bristol stretches out for nearly 3,000 acres.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24A gateway to the world,
0:33:24 > 0:33:27it handles more than 12 million tonnes of anything
0:33:27 > 0:33:31from orange juice and coal, to animal feed and cars.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38It's a big beat for the port police -
0:33:38 > 0:33:41a private force of 28 officers employed by the port.
0:33:44 > 0:33:46Kevin Hazel is in charge.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50This is the control room for us, our main sort of operating centre.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55To my right is the duty sergeant, Carl, who is at the moment
0:33:55 > 0:33:59trying to work out the roster and the duty stake for this afternoon.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01On the other side, and over here,
0:34:01 > 0:34:05he's in charge of international shipping and port facility security.
0:34:05 > 0:34:08Hello. Good morning, Port of Bristol Police.
0:34:08 > 0:34:13Last night, they caught a stowaway on board a car transporter ship.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15As he doesn't speak any English,
0:34:15 > 0:34:18they're trying to figure out what country he's from.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21We probably think... Looking at the ship it's arrived on....
0:34:21 > 0:34:23This is what is called a pre-arrival notice.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26The ship's been in on...
0:34:26 > 0:34:29..Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32After being in South America, I've just noticed on here,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35last port of call was Spain.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39One of the ways we prevent and detect crime
0:34:39 > 0:34:42is searching vehicles when they leave the port.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48The officer on the gate today is PC Nick Grant.
0:34:50 > 0:34:52Morning, sir, all right?
0:34:52 > 0:34:55Just a bit more of an extensive search, if that's OK.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57What I'm going to get you to do is, if you just jump out,
0:34:57 > 0:34:59I'll search inside the vehicle.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02Just wait there a second.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04We all do the back of van searches here,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07especially the new vans coming out.
0:35:07 > 0:35:08Um, over the past 12 months,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11we have had a slight increase in stowaways and migrants.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16And, as we don't want to be seen as a soft touch, we deal with it here.
0:35:16 > 0:35:18We had one a couple of months back,
0:35:18 > 0:35:20we had a group of four, or five migrants.
0:35:20 > 0:35:23They basically ran, spread out over the docks,
0:35:23 > 0:35:27and we managed to scramble some guys together and made four arrests.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30Morning, sir. Are you OK? Is this a new vehicle you've just picked up?
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- Yeah.- All right. If you come out the back with me, we'll just have a quick search.
0:35:33 > 0:35:37They think the character they caught last night is from South America.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40He's being held inside the police station.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43Do you want to come and see our latest stowaway?
0:35:43 > 0:35:46One of our car force drivers found this guy,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49a gentleman from South America, running round the deck.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52So we've given him some water...
0:35:57 > 0:35:59It's an emerald swift,
0:36:01 > 0:36:04..sometimes known as a green spiny lizard.
0:36:07 > 0:36:09Also known as the swift lizard.
0:36:09 > 0:36:11As you can see, it's quite quick.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14Quite a fast little chap.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17Um, not an endangered species.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21We've been told it's from Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua.
0:36:21 > 0:36:23And apparently he also likes insects,
0:36:23 > 0:36:25so that's one of the tasks for one of the PCs later,
0:36:25 > 0:36:28trying to catch some insects for it.
0:36:28 > 0:36:30This is lizard man, come to collect our lizard.
0:36:30 > 0:36:32Yeah, it's a stowaway, I understand.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37Kevin's found him a new home with a council-approved reptile keeper.
0:36:38 > 0:36:40A bit of a happy ending there.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42It's nice to know he's going to somebody
0:36:42 > 0:36:44who obviously understands how to look after lizards.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46So, happy with that.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54It's been six weeks of hard graft, and three years in the planning
0:36:54 > 0:36:57but finally The Crane B&B is finished.
0:36:57 > 0:37:00The team behind it are busy hosting the launch party
0:37:00 > 0:37:03when Tom Dixon gets an unexpected call.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07Oh! Oh, let's go and show her now. Yeah. Yeah, of course.
0:37:09 > 0:37:12Two people from Bristol City Council are outside.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Hey, Zak. Yeah. Good to see you. Yeah.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19Hi, Laura. Lovely to meet you. Yeah.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22I haven't actually got a key. This is going to be the biggest...
0:37:22 > 0:37:24Oh, no, wait a minute. Have I? Yes, I do.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- That would be embarrassing.- Yeah, it would have been embarrassing.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29Um, I'm a little bit nervous, I suppose.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Zak and Laura from Bristol City Council,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35they're effectively almost like the landlord, I suppose, of the project,
0:37:35 > 0:37:37so this is their crane.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Without their support, it would just never have happened.
0:37:40 > 0:37:43So this is like the walkway through into nature
0:37:43 > 0:37:47and all the lovely sensory sounds and smells.
0:37:47 > 0:37:50What do you think, Zak?
0:37:50 > 0:37:53- It's really good.- Yeah? There's a lot of hard work in the whole thing.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55They've worked just incredibly hard.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57- Yeah. It looks brilliant.- Yeah.
0:38:00 > 0:38:03The bathroom continues the rustic feel.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06But the talk of the town is the toilet.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Er, everyone's asking about this compost loo.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11This is a state...
0:38:11 > 0:38:16This is a state of the art eco-compost loo,
0:38:16 > 0:38:18so, it separates...
0:38:19 > 0:38:21- Lovely.- Yep. Do you need more details?
0:38:21 > 0:38:23No. Thanks.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28The bedroom has a double in it with views of the dockside.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31Nick has done an amazing job of the build.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34From my point of view, it's kind of like, it's gone really smoothly.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37It's really good. Yeah, it's fantastic.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39The council are happy with it.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42The crane has been given a new lease of life
0:38:42 > 0:38:45and is ready for its first guests.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56At the Royal Portbury Dock,
0:38:56 > 0:38:59they're waiting for a mega shipment of aviation fuel.
0:39:01 > 0:39:04She's actually just coming round Portishead Point now as we speak.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06The Amazon Falcon has come from Qatar.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09She's carrying 80 million litres in her tanks.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14And, thanks to the hard work of the dredging crew,
0:39:14 > 0:39:16the entrance is now deep enough to take her.
0:39:18 > 0:39:22Mark Kelleher will be keeping a keen eye on things as they develop.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24He's in charge of the lock.
0:39:25 > 0:39:26It's nice to see the big ones.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30Obviously, car boats and other vessels come day by day,
0:39:30 > 0:39:31container boats.
0:39:31 > 0:39:34So these ones are just the one-offs.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36They keep the job a little bit more interesting.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39So, yes, gets the heart going a bit.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42INDISTINCT RADIO CHATTER
0:39:42 > 0:39:47She's the length of two football pitches and 40 metres wide.
0:39:47 > 0:39:49That's across her beam in nautical terms.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52She's a very beamy vessel, to be honest.
0:39:52 > 0:39:55I don't know of a time that I've seen one at 40 metres beam.
0:39:55 > 0:39:58The lock is only 42.7 metres.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03Getting a ship this size into port will take some doing.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05- RADIO:- A metre and a half left.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08RADIO CHATTER
0:40:08 > 0:40:12She's rubbing...she's rubbing the fender as she comes in.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13So there's probably...
0:40:13 > 0:40:16I can't see the other side but I wouldn't have thought
0:40:16 > 0:40:18that there's any more than two metres at most.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Unfortunately, the middle gates have got a mind of their own and they...
0:40:22 > 0:40:25With the way the water is going to be sucked around them,
0:40:25 > 0:40:28they've got a tendency to creep out,
0:40:28 > 0:40:30so it's just keeping a close eye on that one, with this one,
0:40:30 > 0:40:32with having no room at all.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35If she was to damage herself, the consequences could be catastrophic.
0:40:37 > 0:40:40We'd hope that she doesn't injure herself in the lock
0:40:40 > 0:40:41and lose her load.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44I wouldn't expect a fire
0:40:44 > 0:40:47but the risk of losing her load into the sea
0:40:47 > 0:40:50is a greater risk than fire, I would say.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55And just keeping an eye out for the hobblers as well.
0:40:55 > 0:40:59These vessels, this size, they don't use just standard ropes.
0:40:59 > 0:41:00They use steel cables.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02So it's making sure that the hobblers
0:41:02 > 0:41:04are doing the job safely as well.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07- Lovely. Thank you, Alan. - Cheers, mate.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09There's just 20 metres to go.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12She's through the lock and into port.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18All that's left is for the Pill hobblers to use their boats
0:41:18 > 0:41:20to tie her safely to the quayside.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28It takes nearly two days to off-load her 80 million litre cargo
0:41:28 > 0:41:31of jet fuel into this pipeline.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34It's pumped directly to London Heathrow.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37The airport gets a quarter of all its aviation fuel
0:41:37 > 0:41:39delivered this way.
0:41:49 > 0:41:54A couple of miles down the coast from Avonmouth is Portishead Marina.
0:42:01 > 0:42:03Once part of the Port of Bristol,
0:42:03 > 0:42:06its warehouses and wharfs
0:42:06 > 0:42:09have now been turned into apartments and restaurants.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12Today it offers the perfect location
0:42:12 > 0:42:15to train a pack of extraordinary, life-saving animals.
0:42:15 > 0:42:19Newfound Friends have been established for 28 years.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20We are unique.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23We are the only ones in the world that do what we do.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26Dave Pugh is passionate about Newfoundland dogs.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30Over the years the animals he's trained
0:42:30 > 0:42:32have helped to save nine people from drowning.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34Newfoundlands are working dogs.
0:42:34 > 0:42:36The island they come from, Newfoundland,
0:42:36 > 0:42:38is a bleak and austere place.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40Because it's an island, it's got to be able to swim.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Temperature's very cold, windy.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45He's got to be strong to do a job helping fishermen pull carts.
0:42:45 > 0:42:46All kinds of things like that.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51One of the dogs being trained here is Chewy.
0:42:51 > 0:42:53His owner is Sue Pawson.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57Me and my husband have been doing this for about 25 years now.
0:42:57 > 0:43:00We've had quite a few Newfoundlands through the years,
0:43:00 > 0:43:03from being puppies right through to adults,
0:43:03 > 0:43:06doing the water rescue, doing the training.
0:43:06 > 0:43:07Really enjoying it.
0:43:07 > 0:43:08Dogs love the water.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11We get in the water with the dogs.
0:43:11 > 0:43:12Smashing.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16I think the most challenging part is the boat
0:43:16 > 0:43:20because the boat is a very scary thing, as a young dog.
0:43:20 > 0:43:24You know, to actually jump out of the boat into the water,
0:43:24 > 0:43:25to rescue that person.
0:43:26 > 0:43:30Newfound Friends has raised over £1 million for good causes,
0:43:30 > 0:43:33mainly by performing at public events.
0:43:33 > 0:43:34Go!
0:43:36 > 0:43:38DOG BARKS
0:43:38 > 0:43:40Go, go, go!
0:43:41 > 0:43:44One of the biggest in their annual diary
0:43:44 > 0:43:45is the Bristol Harbour Festival.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48And they've got just two weeks left to prepare.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54The dog would do different situations,
0:43:54 > 0:43:56different kinds of rescues for people,
0:43:56 > 0:43:59multi-rescues, lifeguard rescues.
0:43:59 > 0:44:01All kinds of scenarios that we've run through.
0:44:04 > 0:44:05Go!
0:44:05 > 0:44:08They will pull different things,
0:44:08 > 0:44:10do log pulls, line pulls, boat pulls,
0:44:10 > 0:44:13to show the strength of the dog.
0:44:14 > 0:44:17I think the biggest challenge this year with the festival is
0:44:17 > 0:44:18we've got a lot of young dogs.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21We've lost quite a few of our experienced dogs
0:44:21 > 0:44:23that have been old stalwarts to the festival.
0:44:23 > 0:44:26So it's going to be a challenge to see how they react.
0:44:26 > 0:44:30Not that we're not confident of what their ability in the water
0:44:30 > 0:44:33but it's the reaction with the crowds and that sort of environment,
0:44:33 > 0:44:36the noise, and everything else like that,
0:44:36 > 0:44:37that can tend to put a dog off.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Yoda is Sue's other dog.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42He's the youngest in the pack
0:44:42 > 0:44:45and will make his debut at the Harbour Festival.
0:44:46 > 0:44:48Yoda is... He is a challenge.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51He's the only challenge that we've had.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54My other Newfoundlands have never been as bad as what he is
0:44:54 > 0:44:57but we'll see. We'll see how he gets on.
0:44:58 > 0:45:01DOG BARKS
0:45:12 > 0:45:15The build-up to the Bristol Harbour Festival has begun.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22Ships from all over the UK come to take part in the two-day event.
0:45:25 > 0:45:27But first they have to get through the lock.
0:45:29 > 0:45:33Ben Wookey is in charge but not everyone's listening.
0:45:33 > 0:45:34Hudson Bay City Docks.
0:45:34 > 0:45:37Radio, can you back away, sir, over?
0:45:40 > 0:45:43Hudson Bay, Hudson Bay. City Docks Radio, Channel 1-4.
0:45:43 > 0:45:45Please answer me, over.
0:45:45 > 0:45:47She's not answering her radio
0:45:47 > 0:45:50and she thought that she would get in the way of the warship.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52Hudson Bay, move.
0:45:54 > 0:45:58Put your radio to channel 14 and then you can talk to me.
0:45:58 > 0:46:02Stay out of the way until the warship is in.
0:46:02 > 0:46:04He was clearly in the wrong. So...
0:46:04 > 0:46:06And without his radio turned to channel 14,
0:46:06 > 0:46:09there's no way that I could advise him.
0:46:11 > 0:46:12These things happen.
0:46:13 > 0:46:15It's a bit slow going,
0:46:15 > 0:46:18as a lot of the ships are first-time visitors to Bristol.
0:46:18 > 0:46:21Ah, well, we're running a little bit late.
0:46:21 > 0:46:24Everyone's all a bit new to it,
0:46:24 > 0:46:28so they like to take their time, especially over their own boats.
0:46:28 > 0:46:30Takes a little bit longer for everyone to get tied up
0:46:30 > 0:46:32on a very busy lock like today.
0:46:47 > 0:46:50It's the busiest weekend of the year for the docks.
0:46:50 > 0:46:53Well, sort of, 150 to 200 vessels, depending on the year really.
0:46:55 > 0:46:56We've got to make spaces for them.
0:46:56 > 0:47:01Deputy Harbour Master Pete Seed is on the hunt for last-minute berths.
0:47:01 > 0:47:04Is Clive around? I just wondered if there was any spaces.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07We've got a few boats we could fit in potentially.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10Yeah, we've got... I think there's two of ours out. Oh, there he is.
0:47:10 > 0:47:12Oh, there you go. Hello, mate.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15Would you mind not making so much bloody noise?
0:47:15 > 0:47:17How you doing, all right?
0:47:18 > 0:47:20- How's it going, boys? - All good, mate. All good.
0:47:21 > 0:47:25Alan Ring has got the day off from hobbling,
0:47:25 > 0:47:28so he's come to enjoy himself too.
0:47:28 > 0:47:31One of my days out, Bristol Harbour Festival.
0:47:31 > 0:47:35The plan today is just to have a gentle skull up the docks
0:47:35 > 0:47:37and just generally mill about.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41Er, you know, have a look, see what's going on.
0:47:42 > 0:47:45You know, show off my skills a little bit, you know.
0:47:51 > 0:47:55The Bristol Harbour Festival is officially underway
0:47:55 > 0:47:58after a traditional soaking from the Pyronaut Fire Ship.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03Mum always said I'd walk on water. She was right.
0:48:08 > 0:48:11It's one of Bristol's biggest events of the year.
0:48:11 > 0:48:15Crowds of a quarter of a million are expected over the two days
0:48:15 > 0:48:18for a packed programme of maritime fun.
0:48:19 > 0:48:21Crafts of all shapes and sizes are here,
0:48:21 > 0:48:23made from all kinds of materials.
0:48:23 > 0:48:25BOAT HORN HOOTS
0:48:25 > 0:48:28There are races for boats made from paper...
0:48:33 > 0:48:35..and those made from cardboard.
0:48:36 > 0:48:38This is the Baby Balmoral.
0:48:38 > 0:48:40This is a cardboard boat, this is.
0:48:40 > 0:48:43We've got special permission from Hugh Thomas to paint her because
0:48:43 > 0:48:45that's not strictly in the rules.
0:48:45 > 0:48:47I think the boat will only just float.
0:48:49 > 0:48:51It's ambitious to get so many of us in it.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54Well, it may not look like much but that's because it isn't,
0:48:54 > 0:48:56but we're confident.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59We plan to win the most beautiful boat
0:48:59 > 0:49:03and hopefully the Titanic Award for the most spectacular sinking.
0:49:03 > 0:49:04Three, two...
0:49:05 > 0:49:07..one, go!
0:49:10 > 0:49:14One of them sinks before even starting,
0:49:14 > 0:49:16while others take an early lead.
0:49:23 > 0:49:26It's not long before the Baby Balmoral closes the gap.
0:49:29 > 0:49:33But this lot can't seem to get away from the pontoon.
0:49:39 > 0:49:41Keep going. Keep going.
0:49:42 > 0:49:46The winner is the first round the buoy and back.
0:49:48 > 0:49:51Top marks for getting round without your oars.
0:49:53 > 0:49:54But it's too late.
0:49:54 > 0:49:57The Baby Balmoral steams home.
0:49:57 > 0:49:59Must be down to that paint job.
0:50:00 > 0:50:02And their hopes of winning are sunk.
0:50:10 > 0:50:15Of course, the full Harbour Festival experience wouldn't be complete
0:50:15 > 0:50:17without a trip on The Matthew.
0:50:17 > 0:50:20We're doing our round trips all day.
0:50:20 > 0:50:24We'll carry a few hundred people down to Hotwells,
0:50:24 > 0:50:28through the festival, past the Great Britain, and back.
0:50:28 > 0:50:31There's a load of souvenirs that need shifting.
0:50:31 > 0:50:33Billy...
0:50:33 > 0:50:36No supper for you tonight if you don't sell some of that merchandise.
0:50:38 > 0:50:39Anyone for merchandise?
0:50:40 > 0:50:44I'm selling pencils, key rings, sharpeners,
0:50:44 > 0:50:45stuff like that.
0:50:47 > 0:50:48Rubbers.
0:50:48 > 0:50:49And...
0:50:51 > 0:50:53And cards for any occasions.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58Looks like Billy will be going hungry tonight then.
0:50:58 > 0:51:01Floating Harbour, Matthew.
0:51:01 > 0:51:03- RADIO:- Matthew, Floating Harbour.
0:51:03 > 0:51:06Rick's got a plan he hopes will get people's attention,
0:51:06 > 0:51:12that's if a full-size replica of a 15th century sailing ship hasn't already.
0:51:12 > 0:51:14- RADIO:- Thanks so much.
0:51:14 > 0:51:18Colin, who is the cannon master, so he calls himself.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21We've got Steve, who's the powder monkey.
0:51:21 > 0:51:23Right, we're free to fire.
0:51:26 > 0:51:28CANNON FIRES
0:51:31 > 0:51:33Hey, Yoda.
0:51:33 > 0:51:37David, and the team from Newfound Friends have been performing
0:51:37 > 0:51:39at the Harbour Festival for 20 years,
0:51:39 > 0:51:41but this year is different.
0:51:42 > 0:51:45We've got a very young team today.
0:51:45 > 0:51:48Um, unfortunately, over the last sort of 18 months,
0:51:48 > 0:51:50we've lost a lot of our experienced dogs.
0:51:50 > 0:51:53So it's time for the young ones to step up to the plate,
0:51:53 > 0:51:54show what they're made of.
0:52:02 > 0:52:05So far, they're all performing brilliantly.
0:52:05 > 0:52:08Now it's time for the youngest in the pack.
0:52:08 > 0:52:11Sue's dog Yoda makes his debut.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15I feel very emotional, you know, because he's my baby.
0:52:15 > 0:52:17It's all a new experience for Yoda.
0:52:17 > 0:52:19And the crowds, the noise...
0:52:19 > 0:52:22We're not sure how he's going to do today.
0:52:22 > 0:52:24OK, here comes Yoda.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27Now, Yoda's 17 months old and this is his first time
0:52:27 > 0:52:29doing a public event, ladies and gentlemen,
0:52:29 > 0:52:31so let's have some nice encouragement.
0:52:31 > 0:52:33APPLAUSE
0:52:34 > 0:52:36There he goes. Well done, Yoda.
0:52:38 > 0:52:41Come on, ladies and gentlemen, this is his first time.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43Good lad.
0:52:43 > 0:52:44Well done, Yoda.
0:52:44 > 0:52:46Come on, boy.
0:52:46 > 0:52:48I'm over the moon.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50I was a bit apprehensive because I thought,
0:52:50 > 0:52:52will he go, won't he go?
0:52:52 > 0:52:55But when he went, oh, God, the relief that was...
0:52:57 > 0:53:00I could burst into tears right now, I really could.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05Mummy's so proud of you. You're a good boy.
0:53:07 > 0:53:10These are the first act's bits.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12So they're already set up, which is great.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14Yes, just putting the mics in for them now.
0:53:14 > 0:53:17Betty Adesanya is in charge of the day's musical entertainment,
0:53:17 > 0:53:20which has been months in the planning.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23This is the Bristol Ensemble's school projects.
0:53:23 > 0:53:26They've been working in schools,
0:53:26 > 0:53:28teaching sets of the Handel's Water Music,
0:53:28 > 0:53:31and the children have reinvented it and came up with their own thing.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34We are from three schools in Bristol.
0:53:34 > 0:53:38We've got some amazing professional people from Bristol Ensemble,
0:53:38 > 0:53:40including Alison on the cello over there,
0:53:40 > 0:53:42and our first piece for you today...
0:53:44 > 0:53:45..is called Cucumber Sandwiches.
0:53:49 > 0:53:52Sounds good, so I think it's all going all right.
0:53:52 > 0:53:56But it's not just the kids she's looking after.
0:53:56 > 0:54:00She's also managing the closing ceremony of the Harbour Festival.
0:54:00 > 0:54:03A live musical performance from a boat.
0:54:03 > 0:54:06The Tower Belle's the boat that the orchestra are going to be on
0:54:06 > 0:54:09and they'll be leaving this dock at 5:30pm on the dot,
0:54:09 > 0:54:11if everything goes to plan.
0:54:11 > 0:54:14There's just time for the Bristol Ensemble orchestra
0:54:14 > 0:54:16to have a quick practice.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20They'll be performing Handel's Water Music.
0:54:22 > 0:54:24But, with minutes to go before they're due to start,
0:54:24 > 0:54:26the heavens open.
0:54:26 > 0:54:28THUNDER ROLLS
0:54:32 > 0:54:35Wow! The weather's not going to plan.
0:54:35 > 0:54:38It's absolutely chucking it down.
0:54:39 > 0:54:42I'm really hoping it's going to pass in the next 15 minutes.
0:54:42 > 0:54:43But if not, the show must go on.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46ORCHESTRA PLAYS SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
0:54:48 > 0:54:51Right now I'm just waiting for the Harbour Master's boat.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54Hopefully he's going to show up soon, um,
0:54:54 > 0:54:56and then I guess we'll just start.
0:54:57 > 0:55:00We're going to move out into the water in about five minutes.
0:55:00 > 0:55:02- We're moving out in about five minutes?- Yes.
0:55:02 > 0:55:04And then the music will start at 5:30pm and we'll play here for about
0:55:04 > 0:55:07- ten minutes and then we'll move up. - That sounds great.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10The sun's going to come out any minute now.
0:55:17 > 0:55:21So once the sun's come out, any second now,
0:55:21 > 0:55:23we're going to navigate the boat into the middle of the water
0:55:23 > 0:55:27and we're just going to let all the rest of the boats
0:55:27 > 0:55:28position themselves around us.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31I think we're ready to go. Everyone's in place.
0:55:32 > 0:55:34OK, let's do it.
0:55:34 > 0:55:35Good luck, guys.
0:55:35 > 0:55:37Yes!
0:55:37 > 0:55:41MUSIC: Water Music, Suite No 1 by Handel
0:55:59 > 0:56:01This is a real shame because you can't really see the ensemble
0:56:01 > 0:56:03through the plastic covers.
0:56:03 > 0:56:05Ideally we want to bring them up.
0:56:07 > 0:56:11There's a break in the rain, so Betty decides to raise the curtains.
0:56:13 > 0:56:16Shall we do it? OK, guys, let's get the sides up.
0:56:16 > 0:56:17Let's get the sides up.
0:56:19 > 0:56:22LOUD SHIP HOOTER
0:56:22 > 0:56:24MUSIC: Water Music, Suite No 2 by Handel
0:56:32 > 0:56:36Some onlookers appear to have been moved so much by the performance
0:56:36 > 0:56:38they've bared all to the crowds.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43I've come over to make sure you're all right.
0:56:43 > 0:56:45I've got two naked people struggling to get out of the water,
0:56:45 > 0:56:47- as far as I'm concerned. - Oh, come on.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50You're in a public space at the moment, to be honest.
0:56:50 > 0:56:53So you've chosen to go swimming in the docks,
0:56:53 > 0:56:55which, A, is a bylaws offence...
0:56:55 > 0:56:57No, why is a naked body an offence?
0:56:58 > 0:57:01After some friendly but firm diplomacy,
0:57:01 > 0:57:04Pete finally gets them to cover up.
0:57:04 > 0:57:06Well, partially.
0:57:06 > 0:57:09Have we got a bottom for the top as well?
0:57:09 > 0:57:13There we go. You've got a bottom, she's got a top, has she?
0:57:13 > 0:57:14- Yes.- Right, OK.
0:57:14 > 0:57:16Take care.
0:57:17 > 0:57:20You have a... Have a nice evening, all right.
0:57:20 > 0:57:23- HE CHUCKLES - Cheers then. Bye-bye.
0:57:26 > 0:57:28There's a first for everything, isn't there?
0:57:28 > 0:57:30That's the first time in 24 years I've had to do that.
0:57:30 > 0:57:34There have been a few naked men but no naked girls.
0:57:34 > 0:57:37LOUD SHIP HOOTER
0:57:39 > 0:57:43The 46th Bristol Harbour Festival draws to a close.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46It's been a great success despite the damp finish.
0:57:46 > 0:57:48All the boats turned up,
0:57:48 > 0:57:50the ensemble sounded amazing.
0:57:50 > 0:57:53There were just hundreds of people, a really good turnout.
0:57:53 > 0:57:55I'm really happy with it.
0:57:55 > 0:57:57It is a great city.
0:57:57 > 0:58:00If the dogs and what we do as a charity can give something back
0:58:00 > 0:58:02to the city, then great.
0:58:02 > 0:58:05This is what it's all about and, you know,
0:58:05 > 0:58:09everyone's enjoying it and it's a nice thing to be involved with.
0:58:09 > 0:58:11It's great, the Harbour Festival.
0:58:11 > 0:58:15It's just nice being on the water,
0:58:16 > 0:58:20A nice ending to quite a busy week's work.
0:58:22 > 0:58:23But there you go,
0:58:23 > 0:58:26when you're enjoying yourself, time flies.