Eel Pie Island: Re: Re: brenda281

» eyelife03 - Re: Re: brenda281

In response to message posted by tampabay63:

I used to work for my uncle in the early 50s at "Rivercars" that shared the river frontage overlooking Ham Fields with The Eel Pie Island Hotel and was literally next door.

The dock and slipway with the chalet type bungalow built over the dock entrance is still there, or was a few years ago. The bungalow in the 50s had a flat roof with a railing all round and a gazebo in the centre. Between the bungalow and the Hotel ground was a small rough brick building which was said (I think erroneously) to b historic as it had stained glass windows somewhat like a small chapel. Below this, on the riverside was a WW2 pontoon bridge section wher the 14ft Rivercar hire-boats were berthed. Some were powered by Norman twin Cyl horizotally opposed air cooled engines driving a reversible pitch prop. A few had 2 stroke engines.
All the boats (I thing ther were some 15) were named after jewels (eg "Ruby").
We also operated from 2 other sites at Tags Island Hampton Court (where the late Richard Dimbleby)had a Dutch barge, and at The Town Pier at Kingston upon Thames.
The owner was Francis Thornton-Glyde.
Michael Snapper, who owned the Hotel at the time I think, had Snapper's Bridge built about 1953ish. This replaced the old,decrepit and dangerous chain ferry that ran from the slipway at the foot of Water Lane to the main Island pathway.
I recall going to one or two Trad Jazz gigs at the ballroom eg The Kings College Jazzmen. This was in the days of Jazz, Skiffle and Beatnics (sort of early Goths).
There were some fatal casualties on that tidal river crossing due to the overcrowded ferry and some strong flood tides.
The Hotel had a very seedy run down appearance even then and it was always safer to go in mob-handed as I was only 17+ at the time and pretty naive when I look back.
I go on. Hope some of this is of use; any way, joining this site may prove useful (I'd just searched on Eel-Pie Island).
John S
Now in peterborough.

-- posted by eyelife03