The hire boats, including some new ones, are back in the River Thames at Abingdon Bridge. They were very nearly sold and lost as a visitor attraction last autumn.
Then Salters stepped in and took over the Kingcraft business as a going concern. Abingdon Bridge Marine Limited (a company wholly owned by Salter Brothers of Oxford) will now operate the chandlery, moorings, and fuel business, as well as operate hire boats.
In addition the website Abingdon Bridge Marine says they will be operating 40 Minute return boat trips daily From 1st April 2015 (towards Culham Lock cut).
Salter Steamers will continue to operate the Abingdon to Oxford and Abingdon to Wallingford long-haul services, but will operate from Abingdon Bridge Marine rather than the Upper Reaches Hotel.
Good to see them back. I went out on one of the electric cruisers last year with my family, including four grandchildren who each had a turn at the wheel. I was obviously “Captain”.
Recommend it!
Oh good, they’ve got rowing boats back again!
The photo doesn’t look right with the willow tree missing though. I feel like Dogmatix from Asterix every time I look at the place it used to be.
Never mind, Naomi. Turn in the other direction and enjoy a swim a Abbey Meadow this weekend. Oh, I forgot, it’s Hinksey Pool that opens tomorrow.
I get confused sometimes when I eat the wrong councillor.
Nessie
Good to know its back, but given most of the boats spend most of the summer tied up hope the new owners think about pricing. It always seemed a bit odd to see the boats unused and the high prices being charged to take them out. Lower charges for mid week and bad weather would see a much bigger revenue.