This is the story of a boat, born in 1914, and still alive. Well of sorts. No engine, paddles gone, but afloat and in Truro. She is hemmed in by the bridge taking Morlaix Avenue over the River Kenwyn where in a few yards it meets the River Allen to become the Truro River. The place is Lemon Quay. She faces Lemon Quay Square. On one side Marks & Spencer's looks down, while opposite the bus station is busy. We first met on 27th September, 2000. I was on holiday in the area and had just come out of Truro Cathedral . The day was to include a boat trip from Truro down to Falmouth. Walking down Lemon Street into Lemon Quay Square to the ferry I noticed a colourful display of plants and pots on tables. A Russian vine grew through railings near by and up and over a canopy marked “Entrance”. The structure behind the foliage was topped by a blue chimney with the words “The Deck”. Approaching I saw behind the entrance a gangplank down to a boat. Walking round I could see more clearly an old paddle boat being used as a florists. Painted on the paddle wheel housing ,“P S Compton Castle, Florist”, and in smaller letters, “Built 1914 by Cox and Co Ltd of Falmouth”. There were no paddles under the housing just a panel with a painting of what they may have looked like.
She intrigued me. I wanted to find out more.
