Ian Smith - Cleve Lock

[byron]

I trust many will remember Ian who ran Cleve for many many years and then left under somewhat unfortunate circumstances. Although Ian could be a handful when 'in drink' there was no real nastiness in his personality.
I ran into him the other day in Goring and I am pleased to say he looked better than he has for years. He seems to have given up the drink and is working as a mini-cab driver.

 

[Chris_d]

Thats good to hear the river is always better for having characters, brokedown in Cleeve lock many years ago and he was very helpfull.

 

[TrueBlue]

Wasn't he doing the mini-cab bit on his "off days" in a previous existence?

Once you'd "made his number" he was / is a great guy. On one occasion I was wearing a much more "wrong" Colour than usual (as you well know) and he went apoplectic, until I explained the finer points of Vexilology - and I then became on his list of acceptable boaters. He had a great line in small burgees; even gave me an Admiral's pennant when he was leaving.

"See" he said, just like an admiral - No Balls.

I stick it up on occasion and have had warm conversations with retired Navy personnel as a result.