A historic boat which was used during the evacuation of Dunkirk can now operate as an entertainment venue in Reading.
Vintage Days Out operates experiences ranging from stately home tours to clay pigeon shooting, journeys in a Rolls-Royce and boat rides.
One of its highlights is rides on the Charles Cooper Henderson vessel which was one of the ‘small boats’ used during the evacuation of British Expeditionary Forces that fought Axis forces in 1940.
But for the boat to be based in the Reading area, it required a licence from Reading Borough Council.
An application for the sale of alcohol, playing of music and live music performances attracted objections from neighbours who voiced concerns about drunk guests and noise disturbance.
The objections and the application were considered at a recent council meeting.
Richard Prunier, the proprietor of Vintage Days Out said: “We’ve been operating for six and a half years now, and we have not had a complaint from anyone.
“Our clients don’t get rolling drunk, that’s just not our thing.”
He explained that guests on the Charles Cooper Henderson vessel are typically offered a complimentary glass of sparkling wine after getting on board.
Mr Prunier applied to sell alcohol and play recorded music on the boat from 9am to 11pm each day, with live music performances on the boat from 6pm to 9pm on Fridays and 12pm to 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Later hours would be for special circumstances, such as later boat trips by people who have attended the Henley Festival.
He said: “We’re certainly not a party boat, we want to have a good time, but within normal behavioural standards.”
Responding to a letter expressing frustration over ‘drunk fishermen’ and the smell of cannabis drifting over to Heron Island, he said: “I can only control what I do.
“All I’m asking for is that it [the application] can be looked at in the way its applied for.”
In a further attempt to allay concerns, Mr Prunier showed councillors the small sound bar which he uses to play music, explaining that guests can talk over the music.
He also clarified that live music would be reserved for special occasions, and typically involves a single violinist or cellist performing on the boat.
He urged neighbours to visit the Vintage Days Out website to get an idea of the experiences it provides.
The application was granted in full at the meeting on Tuesday, October 24.
