The Simon Stoker Archive

The Horse-Drawn Passenger Boat "John Gray"

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This is a classic shot of the boat horse 'Tina' working the "John Gray" through Bridge 1. THis was taken in the mid 1980s.
This is a classic shot of the boat horse 'Tina' working the "John Gray" through Bridge 1. THis was taken in the mid 1980s. 		The "John Gray" returns to Cromford Wharf to disembark passengers. This photo was taken in the mid 1980s.
The "John Gray" returns to Cromford Wharf to disembark passengers. This photo was taken in the mid 1980s. 		A routine weekend excursion of the "John Gray", seen here approaching Bridge 1 from Leawood. The horse is 'Tina', so the photo was taken c.1987. Note the well kept towpath and cut reeds, as well as the wide channel following re-dredging with the floating machine.
A routine weekend excursion of the "John Gray", seen here approaching Bridge 1 from Leawood. The horse is 'Tina', so the photo was taken c.1987. Note the well kept towpath and cut reeds, as well as the wide channel following re-dredging with the floating machine.
The "John Gray" on an excursion, having just passed through Bridge 2 and returning to Cromford. Dennis Shooter is steering.
The "John Gray" on an excursion, having just passed through Bridge 2 and returning to Cromford. Dennis Shooter is steering. 		The "John Gray" moored at Cromford Wharf. The padlock and chain were unfortunately essential because of constant vandalism.
The "John Gray" moored at Cromford Wharf. The padlock and chain were unfortunately essential because of constant vandalism. 		The Duchess of Devonshire christens the new passenger boat "Duchess". Shown in this photo are (left to right): Dr Desmond Stoker (Chairman), Simon Stoker (General Manager), The Duchess of Devonshire. In the background are a number of councillors, and on the far right Peter Clark (Planning Officer). This boat was until recently in quite a sorry state, but was restored in 2006. It is now moored at the Wharf Shed, High Peak.
The Duchess of Devonshire christens the new passenger boat "Duchess". Shown in this photo are (left to right): Dr Desmond Stoker (Chairman), Simon Stoker (General Manager), The Duchess of Devonshire. In the background are a number of councillors, and on the far right Peter Clark (Planning Officer). This boat was until recently in quite a sorry state, but was restored in 2006. It is now moored at the Wharf Shed, High Peak.