horror stories

[byron]

I keep hearing 'interesting' stories about "The African Queen of London" the hotel barge. Has anyone any anecdotes they can share with us here?

 

[TrueBlue]

I assume you've read all the incidents posted here.

A couple of years ago he suddenly went hard astern without any warning under Sonning bridge when the stream was on yellows. The only way I could avoid him was to dive up the weir stream. A bit scary as there was a lot of water coming down "sideways".

I've seen him early in the season ?June; not hitting the bridge this time.

He is alleged to have removed the nose of Whitchurch lock this year, and done a bit of battering at Caversham lock.

Last seen in August tied up on her usual mooring at Mapledurham.

Or are you looking for anything current?

 

[boatone]

I keep hearing 'interesting' stories about "The African Queen of London" the hotel barge. Has anyone any anecdotes they can share with us here?

Think it was that one they featured on Hotel Inspector on the telly - skipper kept telling the guests he was always having to attend to leaks IIC - great confidence boost!!!!

Different boat, but I see 'Actief' is for sale a Thames and Kennet for under £30k. Seems very cheap and I wonder what the story is as its not long ago I saw it advertised for £350K or so - Maybe T&K left a nought off?

 

[Boatshed London]

Yes, it was him on the 'Hotel Inspector' recently. Came across as being a bit of a 'character' - I think he actually hit a bridge while they were filming.

Still, if the programme was to be believed, they turned around an ailing business. I suspect, though, the hotel bit is better than the helming bit ;-)

 

[heron]

I see him up and down here quite reguarly. He seems to be quite busy with the busineess. I did here that he is doing quite well leaving it at Mapledurham and just using it as a B & B as well.

 

[boatone]

Well, there's a coincidence! Look what turned up in Mirror Online Travel today!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/advice/trav...-riverboat-cruise-in-reading-115875-22558633/

....and a quote to enjoy........

He is also behind the vuvuzela, using it to alert other boats and the occasional sleeping lock-keeper, to the African Queen’s imminent approach.

 

[Bassplayer]

Different boat, but I see 'Actief' is for sale a Thames and Kennet for under £30k. Seems very cheap and I wonder what the story is as its not long ago I saw it advertised for £350K or so - Maybe T&K left a nought off?

Haven't seen that for a while. It was moored at Maidstone about 20-25 years ago as a restaurant boat. Had a few good Sunday lunches there