Ferrytale
On the banks of the Thames in South West London, a mile downstream from Richmond, lies Hammertons’ Ferry. Started in 1909 by Walter Hammerton, it is the last remaining passenger ferry on the tidal Thames. Long loved by locals and tourists far and wide – even well-known in Brazil – Hammerton’s is the epitome of the idyllic river life.
Watch the lovers through leafy covers, as they ferry to fairyland. Ferry Ahoy! Ferry Ahoy! Where fairy fetes are planned, Carry us o’er, carry us o’er, over to Fairyland.
The film starts out as a beautiful advertisement for life on the river, but as it unravels we learn of the tumultuous history of the ferry and how close we came to losing Hammertons. Even now, life as a ferryman is not an easy life.
The company made a profit, I think last year, for the first time of about £200… you might have no one all week, you’re just anticipating that someone might walk down the steps.
This is the poignant story of the life of a ferryman on a small stretch of the River Thames, told beautifully through the eyes and memories of present owner, Francis Spencer, and great niece of original owner; Freda Hammerton.
Credits:
Written and Directed by: Octavia Hartland
Director of Photography: Jonny Bonny
Edited by: Paul Griffiths and Octavia Hartland
Narrated by: Antony Elvin
Running Time: 23 minutes
Copyright © 2011 8th Child Films All Rights Reserved
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