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United Motor Boats
Bournemouth Boating Services
 
This page is under construction
 
This page is devoted to postcards and photographs of United Motor Boats, who operate the United Ferry with a fleet of vintage motor boats on the River Stour in Dorset between Tuckton Tea Gardens, Wick Ferry, Christchurch Quay and Mudeford Sandbank. The service begins its season at Easter and runs every day (weather permitting) until the end of October. The timetable varies daily according to both the weather and the time of year; the minimum service being a boat every hour and a half, the maximum being every half hour. They also run the Wick Ferry, which runs across the River Stour between Wick village and Christchurch. Some historians believe that the first ferry rights were granted before the Christchurch Priory was built, which would make the service nearly 1000 years old. Certainly the service is at least 200-250 years old. The Ferry runs every day (weather and tide permitting) from Easter until the end of October, from 10am until 5pm. The parent company also runs self drive boats.
 
For service details see:- www.bournemouthboating.co.uk
 
 
Brief History of Christchurch Boats:-
The foundation for what became United Motor Boats was laid in 1910 when Mr Hodges started services with the Pioneer I and Pioneer II, both petrol-engined. The Elliott family added three boats to the services from 1919. All boats were owner operated, but ran in cooperation with each other. Other families joined in the 1920s, Ted Stride, Thornton, Keynes and Kendall were all taking part by 1927. George Derham also joined, but later left to run a rival service based at Convent Wick on the River Avon. Around 1930, the combined owners began operating under the name United Service Motor Boats, joined by Ted Budden, Bert Stride, and W Croucher.
 
The rival Convent Walk operation was sold to new owners by George Derham in 1933, and the fleet grew to five boats:- Venture (1930), Avon Belle (1932), Lady of the Avon (1932), Avon Vanity (1935) and Ocean Queen (1935). The Convent Walk services survived the Second World War, but ceased in the 1950s.
 
A further rival on the service to Mudeford Sandbank came from the Funnel Boats, which began operations in the mid-1930s. The Funnel Boats were run by Edward & Norman Mens, based the Christchurch side of the River Stour by Tuckton Bridge.
 
The 2009 fleet consists of four 36 ft 'Headland' boats each carrying 50 passengers. The Headland Belle, the Headland Queen, and the Headland Pal were all built in 1934 with the Headland Maid following in 1935. A fifth boat, Headland Princess, is no longer in service. Built in Elkins Boat yard, which still exists in Christchurch, they were designed specifically for Christchurch Harbour conditions. The water in the harbour can be very shallow at low tide therefore a very shallow draft was necessary. These boats only draw 18 inches fully laden. In order to avoid a propeller protruding beneath the boat, a tunnel system was devised whereby the propeller is located within the tunnel, drawing the water up, through the tunnel inside the boat and pushing it out at the stern.
 
These ferries have maintained this service across Christchurch Harbour every year since their construction, except during the war, when they were all commandeered by the Navy apart from Headland Princess. There are many stories about their exploits. After the war they were returned to service in Christchurch, although only one retained the original varnished hull. These boats have been carefully maintained in as original condition as possible given the need to conform to regulations covering passenger vessels.
 
They also own the delightful Merry Widow built in 1922, which is 30 ft long and carries 30 passengers. She is described as a 1922 gentleman's launch. The owners are still researching the history of this vessel, which they believe was constructed for use in the Lake District, maybe in Bossoms Boat yard. They believe that she may originally have been a steam launch, as the engine bearers could handle a very heavy load.
 
 
Contacts:-
Website:- www.bournemouthboating.co.uk
Email:- information@bournemouthboating.co.uk
Phone:-
01202 429119
 
Sections on this Page:-
United Motor Boats fleet list
Other Boats
Wick Ferry
Publicity
Piers Jetties etc
Tuckton
Christchurch Quay
Mudeford Sandbank
 
Boats on this Page:-
Headland Belle (1934)
Headland Maid (1935)
Headland Pal (1934)
Headland Princess (1934-1939, 1961-1977)
Headland Queen (1934)
Merry Widow (1922)
 
Other Dorset Pages:-
Dorset Piers
Brownsea Island Ferries - Poole area cruises
Blue Line Cruises - Poole area cruises
Bolson- Crosons - Dorset Belles - Bournemouth/Poole excursions
Cosens & Co - Dorset Coast cruises
Fairmile Classic Cruises - Western Lady III at Swanage
Greenslade - Poole area cruises
Mudeford Ferry
 
Associated Pages:-
UK Excursion Ships, Ports & Piers
Ferry Postcards
Cruise Ship Postcards
Ocean Liner Postcards
Simplon Postcards - Recent Updates
Simplon Postcards - Home Page
 
References:-
Estuary & River Ferries of SW England - Martin Langley & Edwina Small - Waine Research 1984
Trip Out Guides - Written and published by G.P.Hamer - various editions from 1977 to 2008 consulted
Trip Guides are available from Geoffrey Hamer, PO Box 485, Southall, UB1 9BH
 
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United Motor Boats
Christchurch
 
 
Merry Widow (1922)
 
Merry Widow is the oldest boat in the fleet, having been built in 1922. She is 30ft long and carries 30 passengers. She is described as a 1922 gentleman's launch. The owners are still researching the history of this vessel, which they believe was constructed for use in the Lake District, maybe in Bossoms Boat yard. They believe that she may originally have been a steam launch, as the engine bearers could handle a very heavy load.
 
 
Merry Widow at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Merry Widow at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Merry Widow at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Merry Widow at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Merry Widow at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Merry Widow at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Merry Widow at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Belle (1934)
 
Headland Belle is one of four similar boats of 36 ft and 50 passengers. The four boats are Headland Belle (1934), Headland Maid (1935), Headland Pal (1934) and Headland Queen (1934). A fifth boat, Headland Princess, is no longer in service.
 
Built in Elkins Boat yard, which still exists in Christchurch, they were designed specifically for Christchurch Harbour conditions. The water in the harbour can be very shallow at low tide, therefore a very shallow draft was necessary. These boats only draw 18 inches fully laden. In order to avoid a propeller protruding beneath the boat, a tunnel system was devised whereby the propeller is located within the tunnel, drawing the water up, through the tunnel inside the boat and pushing it out at the stern.
 
These ferries have maintained this service across Christchurch Harbour every year since their construction, except during the war, when they were commandeered by the Navy. There are many stories about their exploits. After the war they were returned to service in Christchurch, although only one retained the original varnished hull. These boats have been carefully maintained in as original condition as possible given the need to conform to regulations covering passenger vessels.
 
 
The 'Headland' fleet in 2001
Photo: © Chris Wood, 2001
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Headland Belle at Mulberry Cottage private slipway on a charter
Photo: © Chris Wood, 2007
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Headland Belle in Christchurch Harbour
Photo: © Tim Tyrrell, 2008
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Headland Pal (1934)
 
Headland Queen is one of four similar boats of 36 ft and 50 passengers. The four boats are Headland Belle (1934), Headland Maid (1935), Headland Pal (1934) and Headland Queen (1934). A fifth boat, Headland Princess, is no longer in service.
 
 
Headland Pal in Christchurch Harbour
Photo: © Chris Wood
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Headland Queen & Headland Pal at Tuckton in 1995
Photo: © Chris Wood, 1995
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The 'Headland' fleet in 2001
Photo: © Chris Wood, 2001
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Headland Princess (1934-1939, 1961-1977)
 
Headland Princess, is no longer in service. Four similar boats remainin service in 2009:- Headland Belle (1934), Headland Maid (1935), Headland Pal (1934) and Headland Queen (1934).
 
Unlike all her sisters, Headland Princess was not requisitioned for the second world war, and was laid up ashore in Christchurch for the duration. She did not return to service after ceassation of hostilities and and was sold to Mr Mold and operated on the Thames, in the Twickenham area, as Ivy, until 1961 when she was purchased by Ron Loveless and returned to Christchurch. For the first couple of years she was operated with slatted coach type seats and a canvas awning but gradually she was reconverted back to the standard fit out for the Headland fleet. She operated until 1977 when after the death of Ron Loveless she was once again surplus to requirements and sold for operation in Durham. After a short spell she moved again to Nottingham, and in the early 1990's it was reported that she had once again returned to the Thames.
 
 
Headland Princess, with Headland Queen in the background
Photo: © Chris Wood
 
 
Headland Princess at Christchurch Quay, showing slatted seats
Scan: Chris Wood
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Headland Princess, at Durham around 1980
Scan: Chris Wood
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Headland Queen (1934)
 
Headland Queen is one of four similar boats of 36 ft and 50 passengers. The four boats are Headland Belle (1934), Headland Maid (1935), Headland Pal (1934) and Headland Queen (1934). A fifth boat, Headland Princess, is no longer in service. Headland Queen received her saloon in 2002. Headland Pal is due to receive one in 2009/2010.
 
 
Headland Queen (before saloon added) & Headland Pal at Tuckton in 1995
Photo: © Chris Wood, 1995
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The 'Headland' fleet in 2001
Photo: © Chris Wood, 2001
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Queen at Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Headland Maid (1935)
 
Headland Queen is one of four similar boats of 36 ft and 50 passengers. The four boats are Headland Belle (1934), Headland Maid (1935), Headland Pal (1934) and Headland Queen (1934). A fifth boat, Headland Princess, is no longer in service. Headland Maid is the only 'Headland' boat to retain her pre-war varnished hull - the others all lost theirs in the war.
 
 
Headland Maid
Photo: © Chris Wood
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The 'Headland' fleet in 2001, with Headland Maid on the left
Photo: © Chris Wood, 2001
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Wick Ferry
 
The Wick Ferry connects the village of Wick to Christchurch across the River Stour, and locals will have crossed the river here by boat for centuries. The first recorded ferry operator was a Mr Marshall who was provided with land on the Wick side to build a ferry landing place around 1815. Later, Eli Miller started a rival service from the Christchurch bank, and his family ran the ferry until 1903. It was then sold to J.C.Edmonds, who ran it until 1946. They employed the ferryman Jack O'Brien from 1900 until the 1920s. In 1947, the ferry was motorised for the first time, by which time the ferryman was Brigham Young. A holiday camp was created at Wick, and they then ran the ferry. It first closed for the winter in 1957, although local protests forced its resumption by Bob Bishop after five weeks. His daughter Dawn later took it over from him.
 
In the 1960s, the ferry was taken over and run by Tuckton Riverside Services, who also ran the Funnel Boats which ran in competition with the United Motor Boats. The ferry is now operated by Bournemouth Boat Services, owners of United Motor Boats. Since 1963, the ferry has been summers only. It runs every day (weather and tide permitting) from Easter until the end of October, from 10am until 5pm.
 
For service details see:- www.bournemouthboating.co.uk
 
 
Postcard of the Wick Ferry
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Postcard of the Wick Ferry
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Postcard of the Wick Ferry - reissued in many variations
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Postcard of the Wick Ferry
Variation on the card above
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Postcard of the Wick Ferry
Variation on the card above
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Postcard of the Wick Ferry
Variation on the card above
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Postcard of the Wick Ferry
Variation on the card above
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Postcard of the Wick Ferry
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Postcard of the Wick Ferry
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Postcard of the Wick Ferry
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Postcard of Wick
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Postcard of Wick
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Contemporary images of the Wick Ferry will be added
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Boats
 
Enterprise Motor Boats at Christchurch - Enterprise No2 on the left
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Stour Queen of Funnel Boats by Tuckton Bridge
Photo: © Chris Wood
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Publicity
 
Timetable at Mudeford Beach
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Timetable at Mudeford Beach
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Piers Jetties etc
 
Tuckton
 
Photographic postcard of Tuckton Bridge
The bridge carried Bournemouth trams and later trolleybuses
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Photographic postcard of Tuckton
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Printed postcard of Tuckton
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Christchurch Quay
 
Aerial view postcard of Christchurch Quay
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Christchurch Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Mudeford Sandbank
 
Postcard of Mudeford Sandbank - seen from Mudeford Quay
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Mudeford Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Mudeford Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Mudeford Quay
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Postcard of Mudeford Sandbank
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Postcard of Mudeford Sandbank
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Mudeford Sandbank jetty
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Mudeford Sandbank jetty
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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Beach huts on Mudeford Sandbank
Mudeford beach huts are unusual in that you are allowed to sleep in them and prices rocketed from £30,000 to a peak of
nearly £150,000 in the 21st century. However, at nearby Chesil Beach in Dorset, a beach hut sold for £364,000 in 2007
Photo: © Ian Boyle, 3rd May 2008
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