Help mark 80 years of Stratford’s chain ferry

TO celebrate 80 years of the chain ferry crossing the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon fellow 80-year-olds have been given the opportunity to make the journey for free.

Alderman Smallwood had left £1,000 in his will, to help fund a footbridge across the river, but it wasn’t a popular idea.

After seeing a similar chain ferry in Cambridge, it was decided to have a chain ferry to cross the river instead — a bridge was more expensive and would not be ready in time for the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

The ferry was built by Collins Boatbuilders, with the late George Onions in charge. On 10th May 1937, two days before the Coronation, Stratford’s Mayor, Cllr Ernest Ray piloted the chain ferry across the river on its maiden voyage, from the Recreation Ground to Waterside.

Retired ferryman, Sam Gee, who has written about the ferry’s beginnings, explained that it was refurbished in 2010.

He said: “It was rebuilt from the bottom up. The timber work has been replaced, using the original plans, and all of the metal is original too.”

The chain ferry, named Malvolio, has carried millions of passengers over its years, and is operated by Avon Boating, on behalf of Stratford District Council.

Nick Birch, who owns Avon Boating, said: “We would like to find any 80-year-olds, who were born in Stratford in 1937 to contact Avon Boating, to have a voucher for a free pass on the chain ferry.”

Ferryman Frank Hannan added: “During the crossing, I always point out Holy Trinity Church — it’s probably one of the nicest views of the river and the church.”

Anyone born in Stratford in 1937, can contact Avon Boating by calling 01789 267073 or e-mail nick.b@avon-boating.co.uk