Working life on the River Medway - A talk about John Oliver
📅 Wednesday 16 September · 21:33-23:33
About this event
You are here: Home Events Date: 16th September 2026 Location: Medway Archives Centre (MAC), 32 Bryant Road Strood ME2 3EP Time: 14:00 - 15:00 Cost: Free - Advance booking essential Join us as we celebrate Heritage Open Days at Medway Archives Centre. We're delighted that Frances Beaumont will be talking about her life with tug boat captain John Oliver. The talk is based on her book 'Life without hands: John Oliver and me'. John was born without hands and would not allow this to become his defining feature. He originally trained as an artist, painting with his toes, and learnt to sail on Thames sailing barges. In Rochester he ran his tug, 'Hobbit', and helped preserve boats which are part of our maritime history. The image shows him skippering the working Steam Tug 'Cervia'. There will also be a book signing where you can buy copies of Frances' book. The talk is free but advance booking is essential, email archives@medway.gov.uk or call 01634 332 714. Was this page useful? Was this information helpful? (required) Yes It's good but... Select a reason why this information needs improvement (required) Please select I've spotted a spelling mistake There's out of date information (please tell us where, below) There's a broken link (please tell us where below) Other (please tell us more below) No Select a reason why this information is not useful (required) Please select It didn't answer my question It's hard to understand It was hard to find It's incorrect It needs updating How can