Castle Barge still going strong

MOORED on the Trent in Newark the Castle Barge is a well known floating pub.

It has been moored on the river in Newark for 40 years. Janet Friend reports.

Used to ship grain

Originally, as The Ril Elsie, it was used to ship grain on the Trent between Hull and Gainsborough for Spillers a bread making company also making Winalot dog biscuits.

It was way back when she stopped working being sold to Hull Brewery, that then fitted the boat out out as a bar for its first and to date, only landlord and landlady, Frank and Muriel Dyson.

Though Muriel has retired Frank is still working at the age of 72, though not so involved, looking after the accounts and such like.

Renamed

The couple took over the lease in 1980, with the boat moored at Newark's Town Wharf, with the castle ruins overlooking. thus being renamed Castle Barge.

The 100ft boat has remained there ever since except when in dry dock for repairs and a £60,000 facelift with a new bottom being fitted, and there's still a warm  welcome being offered to its visitors.