Sunday was a glorious summer’s day in Newark-on-Trent. We paid a visit to the the Newark heritage barge, Leicester Trader to meet up with Les Reid. The dumb barge and Les’s service vessel Ruffian are moored on the Trent in the lee of the imposing 900 year old castle ruins.
Les has got a wealth of stories, experience and memories about life on the river to share. Over a number of years he has led the renovation of the Leicester Trader which is now a floating museum, filled with thousands of photographs, films, model vessels and activities for children. We thoroughly enjoyed the chat and Les’s vast knowledge, covering river tales to travel and music along the way.
After talking with Les we took a walk along the river, saw swans and kingfisher on the weir and explored the castle and gardens. A great day out, highly recommended. Les holds regular open days on the Leicester Trader during the summer, usually on Sundays, check out the Facebook page here for details, and if you’d like to help out he welcomes volunteers.
We’re looking forward to revisiting Les and the Leicester Trader to listen to more of his fascinating and entertaining yarns.
Photographs by Richard Duffy-Howard
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