Paul Aldis (retiring Skipper), Kate Aldis, Graham Elliot, Shaun Crowley, Carl Murray & Paul Temple (new Skippers)

 

Big Dog Ferry bounces back

 

After a highly successful first year in 2011, Beccles Big Dog Ferry skipper Paul Aldis has been forced to retire and sell the boat due to ongoing health problems. The reputation the ferry had built up over the 2011 season and its close association with the swimming pool resulted in Beccles Lido buying the former lifeboat this month. It is now all set to resume operating on Saturday 2 June ready for the Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday.

 

The Big Dog Ferry, which can carry up to 12 passengers, runs five times a day from Beccles Lido in Puddingmoor, Beccles to The Locks Inn at Geldeston. It is a relaxing 40 minute journey along a delightful and tranquil stretch of the River Waveney with frequent sightings of kingfishers, marsh harriers and otters.

 

Under Beccles Lido the ferry will continue with the timetable and fares established by Paul Aldis in 2011 but with two skippers they will be able to extend the length of the ferry's day and make use of the light summer's evenings. For most of the season it will be possible to use the ferry to visit The Locks Inn for an evening meal and return to Beccles in daylight. It is also available for charter.

 

Former Big Dog skipper Paul Aldis said, “I am delighted that Beccles Lido have taken over the running of the ferry and I look forward to taking an occasional trip up the river under the new skippers Paul Temple and Carl Murray.”

 

Graham Elliott, District Councillor for Beccles North, who has been facilitating the transfer of the boat and assisting Beccles Lido with safety and licensing issues said, “the boat is now licensed and insured for the river and the new skippers have both gained a formal qualification. With all the documentation in place we are ready to re-launch the ferry on Saturday 2nd June with the inaugural voyage leaving from Beccles Lido at 11:15am.”

 

Shaun Crowley, Chief Executive of BLL told us: “We were delighted when Paul Aldis , owner of the Ferry, asked to operate from the Lido last year and in just one season Paul and Big Dog became an extension of the Lido community. So when the Directors of the Lido heard he was going to have to give up the Big Dog we had no hesitation in agreeing that we should take it on. We are thrilled to be back on the water and have every confidence that new skippers Paul Temple and Carl Murray will carry on the great Big Dog tradition.”

 

Details of the Big Dog Ferry timetable can be found at www.bigdogferry.co.uk or by phoning Big Dog on 07532 072761.

 

Further information about the ferry service:

 

Graham Elliott, District Councillor for Beccles North

01502 714661

07733 348811

 

Shaun Crowley, Chief Executive, Beccles Lido Limited

07710 976519

 

Further information on Geldeston Locks Inn:-

www.geldestonlocks.co.uk

01508 518414

 

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BLL

Big Dog Ferry is owned and managed by Beccles Lido Limited (BLL), a company limited by guarantee.

Registered in England No. 06801502. Registered Charity No. 1132102.