Posted:  Monday 15th November. 2010

London Associates "mess about on the river"
Wednesday, September 8th 2010

On an overcast September morning, 48 London Plant Associates assembled at the usual pick up point and awaited the arrival of our coach to take us on a day trip to Windsor.
Our driver Peter informed us that because our cruise was booked for 11 am, and the risk of delay due to major roadworks on the north bound stretch of the M25, he would take us on the longer, clockwise route, and hopefully we would arrive on time.  This turned out to be the right decision as we arrived in Windsor 35 minutes earlier than expected!

We were booked to take a cruise along the River Thames onboard the Windsor Monarch.  Once boarded our skipper David, explained that we would be travelling for approx 2½ hrs and would pass millionaires row, houses owned by the stars, Bray Film studios and navigate 2 locks.

The group aboard the Windsor Monarch. Click here, or on the photo for a larger version.

Some of the properties that make up "millionaires row".

Boveney Lock - one of the two locks we passed through. The other was called Dorney Lock.

On passing Oakley Lodge, a large hotel, David told us that this building had been used for several films including, St Trinians and Dracula. With its lawns sweeping down to the river, it is now a popular location for weddings.

Oakley Lodge Hotel

The small church at Dorney on the rivers edge had been used in the filming of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Dorney Church

The building which was once the home to Bray Film Studios was now quite derelict, having not been used for several years.

Bray Film Studios

A small boat named Mimosa was moored along side the river bank.  This had made several trips in helping to pick up troops from the Dunkirk beaches during WW2, and a plaque had been fixed to the side commemorating this.  David told us that the value of the boat, due to its history, was now in the region of £300,000.

 
Mimosa

After about 1½ hours we were served a lovely ploughman's lunch followed by a slice of fresh cake.  There was a well stocked bar where we could also get tea or coffee.

 
Approaching Windsor on our return journey.

Having disembarked, the remainder of the afternoon was spent exploring Windsor.  There was not enough time to take visit the castle, so most people wandered the streets, and had a coffee in one of the street cafés.  Following a very doubtful start weather wise, the day turned out quite sunny.

Windsor Station concourse with shops and cafes

On return to Thurrock people bid a fond farewell to each other, and said what a lovely day it had been, "messing about on the river".

Text and photos: GEORGE MANN

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