Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, videos and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
This film is part of Free
Thames Cruise
Join the happy crew of the Sea Ray as they meander their way along the River Thames in this colourful film from 1951
From the collection of:
Overview
This film shows the Stoddard family aboard the cabin-cruiser 'Sea Ray', where only the younger children are seen wearing life-jackets. Sailing gently along the Thames, they pass locks and riverside towns in Berkshire & Oxfordshire. After berthing near Henley, the crew eventually arrives at Sonning Lock. Here the children help the lock-keeper operate the huge gates. After a paddle in the river there is an outbreak of face-pulling before an elegant glide past the camera.
The Stoddard family lived in various places around the South East before settling in Chichester in West Sussex. Dr Alan Stoddard, who practised as an osteopath, and his family spent many holidays on boats from Birdham and Itchenor in Chichester Harbour. Their first boat was called ‘Fairbright’ and it was berthed at Birdham Pool.
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