Covid 19 has knocked us all for six and pretty much everything we’d like to do is either not allowed, or now requires a great deal of thought and preparation. We’ve all been shut indoors for months and are looking forward to the day when we can finally get together with friends, family and loved ones.

Farncombe Boat House remains closed due to the Government restrictions and we are awaiting guidance of when we can return and how to do so safely. For our seasonal business 2020 has been disastrous so far and has yet to even start. For those who don’t know, the tumble weir in the centre of Guildford collapsed on 2nd November 2019 and as a result there has been no navigable river between St Catherines and Millmead locks ever since. There was initially a plan to have it open for the beginning of April ready for Easter, but due to unforeseen circumstances and prolonged flooding this idea sank without trace, and then Covid19 arrived. Thankfully work has continued on the weir during lockdown and fingers crossed, by mid June we may have access to the river beyond St Catherines – Hurrah! BUT only when the Government gives us the green light to re-open can we resume boat hire, which is hopefully at the beginning of July.

When we do reopen it isn’t going to be the same. We may have to start by opening up the dayboat booking first and we may not be able to provide inventory, tea-towels, handtowels for dayboats for example, you may need to wear face-coverings during demonstrations.. at this stage we just don’t know, but be assured that when we can open, we will because we are missing our way of life.. people, dogs, boats, kids, boats, ducks, boats, phones ringing, boats… you get the picture.

Please watch this space, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, ‘follow’ us on Instagram and Twitter (although I’m really bad at twitter) WHEN we can open we will shout about it on those platforms and here of course, until then, stay safe, be alert and save lives (May the force be with you)

Love and socially distant hugs from Lynn, Russ and Connie Chase