Nun Monkton to Beningbrough Hall Ferryboat Service relaunches after 65 years
August Bank Holiday Monday saw the launch of a new passenger ferryboat service in Nun Monkton across the River Ouse to Beningbrough Hall for the first time in 65 years.
Following significant investment in a new pontoon and boat, and essential commitment from the village of Nun Monkton, the new service will now be open to the public from Saturday 16th September and will run every Saturday and Sunday until the end of October from 11am – 4pm. A small charge of £2 per adult and £1 per child each way will be made to cover running costs with dogs and bicycles being transported for free.
Local villager Dave Hunton, whose great grandfather George Wright was the last ferryman 65 years ago, was the ideal person to christen the new boat. Naming the boat ‘Bryan Ferry’, he said, “It’s a great honour to launch this ferryboat service across the river. My great grandfather would have been very proud to see it up and running again.”
Reverend Paul Spurgeon, Vicar of St Mary’s Church, Nun Monkton, blessed the boat and local entrepreneur Richard Harpin and his wife Kate funded the project. Richard said, “Our thanks go to the fantastic team of volunteers who will be managing the service and the continual support and enthusiasm from the village.”
The boat will be an Mk 111 Wheelyboat, a versatile open dayboat capable of transporting 8 people including the skipper. It will be run by a fully trained group of volunteers and will also be able to take bicycles and dogs across the river.
It is hoped that the new route will allow visitors increased access to both Beningbrough Hall and Nun Monkton, opening up the delights of both areas to more walkers and cyclists. Not only does Nun Monkton boast the tallest maypole and one of the last working village greens in England, but it is incredibly proud of its excellent village pub, The Alice Hawthorn; Yorkshire Heart vineyard and brewery, and the 12th century St Mary’s Church complete with William Morris stained glass.
Full details can be found on the new website www.nunmonktonferryboat.org
