Comments on: “Old Bob” Prentice, Waterman & Lighterman

By: Ted Toms

Ted Toms — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 21:40:55 +0000

Does anyone remember working with my dad, Ted Toms, worked for Mercantike Lighterage 1947 to 1970. Same family as Ted Aldis.
Thanks Sue French

By: little tozzer

little tozzer — Sat, 13 Aug 2016 09:27:05 +0000

looking good bob

By: John Smith

John Smith — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 08:12:09 +0000

Thanks to Mark’s efforts, Vassal is starting to look great again in Waldringfield boatyard on the river Deben. I often sail on the Deben with another old timer, yacht Nancy Blackett, built 1931 and made famous via Arthur Ransome and Swallows and Amazons as the Goblin. I’ve sailed her up the Thames a few times too, great to visit my Dad’s old work waterway.

By: John sullivan

John sullivan — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 12:54:43 +0000

Nice one Bob. Like it.

By: Keith Harris

Keith Harris — Sat, 02 Jan 2016 08:20:24 +0000

Could you pass my e/mail address on to Ann Holden. I was a very good friend of her farther John Holden when we both worked for Mercantile Lighter age.

By: Mark Barton

Mark Barton — Wed, 28 May 2014 05:55:29 +0000

We read your article with interest and are looking for a way to contact John Smith who posted here. His father, Fred Smith was a lighterman and worked aboard a tug named Vassal.
We have bought Vassal and plan to restore her and would love to speak to Fred if he’s still with us.

By: Ken Milton

Ken Milton — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:14:45 +0000

Dear Ann
Your father John Holder was my uncle (so also my mums) cousin. Uncle Jim and mum Joyce.
On my fathers side – my uncle Len Milton is going to the funeral today. Just to let you know, I am a rower at Globe RC so the water is in the blood.

(could this be passed to Ann please)

By: Ann Holden

Ann Holden — Thu, 24 Oct 2013 19:48:42 +0000

Dear Booby Prentice Senior, my dad John Holden has just passed away, and I know he worked with you, and your boys often talked about you all, could you fill me in about my dads life on the river, I know he worked for Mercantile Lighterage,

By: Nickie

Nickie — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 09:42:38 +0000

Wonderfully written and a wonderful story.

By: John Smith

John Smith — Sat, 20 Jul 2013 14:42:36 +0000

Great reading. My dad Fred Smith, like many generations before him (since records began) was also a Thames lighterman throughout the war years, and before and beyond, for Vokins; did you know him Bob? Also have several John Smith ancestors who were lightermen too.