I NO longer read the SNJ as I live in Andoversford but in the past I have been grateful to be able to access the paper to write my history of the Steamboat Builders of Brimscombe, lodged at the Gloucestershire County Record Office, together with a copy photographic collection.

Some time ago I found that along with my contribution at the record office, there was a totally incorrect claim from elsewhere that the vessel shown in the film the African Queen was built by Abdela’s of Brimscombe.

I was able to persuade the record office to withdraw it but the claim surfaced on Wikipedia and is now widely spread throughout the internet.

Due to my unfamiliarity with Wikipedia, I have not been able to correct the issue, and so I am writing for your help in steering those interested in local history towards the real truth.

My research on the true origin of the vessel was submitted to the record office.

It seems a real shame that a vessel built as a motorboat in Uganda is claimed for Isaac Abdela’s boatyard.

I am convinced that he would have been horrified!

Tony Langford

Andoversford