Historian
and author, Sir. Alan Herbert, perched precariously on
the bow of the "Jenny Wren" last week to inaugurate
a new passenger service on the Regent's Canal.
As the new canal narrow boat passed through Camden Town
lock he leaned forward and cut a white ribbon and declared
the service officially open.
Willing hands then helped 78-year-old Sir Alan, president
of the Inland Waterways Association, back to the safety
of the deck. |
"I
have done all this before," he said, looking quite
unshaken by his ordeal. "In my younger days I would
have stood up."
The "Jenny Wren" is owned by Camden Town 'antique
dealer Mr. "Paddy Walker" and operates daily
round trips on the canal from Camden Town to Little
Venice and back.
Eventually it is hoped to operate
the service in the opposite direction - through the
almost unknown stretch of the Old Street lock and the
City. |
There was
a surprise for the party on last week’s inaugural
trip when they stopped off for refreshments at the Bridge
House pub, Little Venice. Helping out behind the bar was
actress June Ritchie, who has just finished filming a
re-make of "Live Now, Pay Later." The Jenny
Wren, the first traditional narrow boat to be built for
at least 15 years, starts it’s trips from Camden
Town near where Mr. Walker, a well known sculptor and
woodcarver, has his antique business. |
