When river Thames cruise boat specialists Hobbs of Henley launched a new luxury motor boat recently there was only one person in mind to carry out the honoours. Olympic rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave trained on the Henley reach and is Chairman of Henley’s world famous Royal Regatta. But the icing on the cake was he’s also appeared in Midsomer Murders.
As he lent forward to pour champagne over Midsomer’s bow, Sir Steve said “It is a privilege to help Hobbs of Henley launch this new luxury vessel. When they asked me to name the boat I thought ‘is it because I know this stretch of river like the back of my hand, or my new appointment as Regatta Chairman, but no, my appearance in Midsomer Murders seemed to be the key.
Steve also revealed that when he was asked to act in Midsomer Murders he thought “they must have seen the name Redgrave and presumed I was from the acting family.”
Midsomer, a Linssen 36.9, is named in recognition of the large number of towns and villages that have been filmed along The River Thames for Midsomer Murders, including Henley where the boat will be based. Rumour has it that the idea came about after Peter Linssen chartered sister boat ‘Jacqueline’ and after spending a week on the river Thames, remarked that every day was like being in Midsomer and how attractive it was.
The launch was hosted by Henley Business School at Greenlands – itself a filmed Midsomer Murders location in ‘The Flying Club’ that offers weekend Visit Midsomer B&B breaks, and a regular partner of Hobbs of Henley. Several Olympic rowing medallists were present including Alex Gregory Current Olympic and World Champion, and other GB internationals from Reading University Boat Club.
No doube they would echo Sir Steve’s comment “For years I trained on this Henley reach in pursuit of my five Olympic golds, and dealing with the wash created on the water by the Hobbs Fleet made me a better oarsman!”
Henley’s local Midsomer Murders links continued through support from Loddon Brewery, with the specially brewed ‘Night of the Stag’ Ale, and Gabriel Machin butchers who supplied Pulled Pork and revealed that they often supply butchery tips to the programme makers.
For more information about hiring ‘Midsomer’ and following the Midsomer by Boat itinerary contact Hobbs of Henley
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