FRED KARNO'S HOUSEBOAT - The Astoria
1910
CENTENARY
CELEBRATIONS
25th - 26th September 2010
On
the morning of Sunday 26th September 2010,
most of the Karno Company descendants from the previous day, plus a few
additional ones, and some invited guests, assembled outside Fred
Karno's
Fun Factory, to make the journey to Hampton. It was a trip Fred Karno
himself
would have made many times. The prize awaiting us was a guided tour of
Karno's
former houseboat - the "Astoria." After some generous hospitality from
our
hosts, we were taken in small groups aboard this magnificent
vessel.
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The 'Astoria' from the Thames |
The 'Astoria' from the bank |
The 'Astoria' was built in 1911, and no expense was spared, with the finest imported wood, lead crystal windows, and opulent decor. The new owner, too, spared no expense on refurbishing it. A new wooden hull, set inside a metal hull, took care of many thousands of pounds, but will ensure that the 'Astoria' stays afloat for at least another hundred years.
Access
to the mooring is by a tunnel, built by
renowned architect Capability Brown, who went on to landscape all of
the
surrounding embankment.
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Dave Crump not believing he is re-living the history of the man he is currently researching - Fred Karno. |
"A.J" Marriot surveying the
fabulous view of the |
The combination of the magnificent boat, the picturesque surroundings, the warm hospitality, and the assembled company made it a truly magical experience, and one which will linger long in the memory of all those who were privileged enough to be invited there, for which we can't thank our hosts enough.
From
the 'Astoria,' our company were skiffed along
the Thames to a nearby eatery, overlooking this historic river.
Enjoying
good food, in good company, while watching swans and river craft
majestically
sailing by, brought our Fred Karno Centenary weekend to an atmospheric
ending,
and everyone left with contentment at having commemorated in style, the
1910
Karno Company.
(Written by 'A.J' Marriot)
FRED KARNO COMPANY 1910 CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
FRED KARNO COMPANY 1912 CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS