ENTERTAINMENT
TRADES & SERVICES power surge
FYI MAGAZINE INSIDE
STARTS ON PAGE 67
STORY ON PAGEs 6 and 7
AVENUE Q OPENS THIS WEEKEND
YOUR ONLY TRULY LOCAL GUIDE
LFL COMES TO PENRITH
OCTOBER 18 2013 ISSUE 1125
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT CIRCULATION: 59,069
THE HEARTBEAT OF PENRITH
Captain signs off
End of an era as Wakeling family sells Nepean Belle
T
CASSANDRA O CONNOR
he charming, old-world Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler that trundles its way up and down the banks of the Nepean River is an icon of the region. But after 31 years at the helm, owners John and Helen Wakeling have sold the highly successful tourist business to local couple Carol and Chris Bennett. “The business was sold largely because of mum and dad’s wishes to retire. The boys (brothers Simon, David and Luke) are all doing their own things these days so it made sense,” explained son, David Wakeling. Built by captain John and his wife on the banks of the river, the Belle was launched on October 22, 1982. The idea for the boat was inspired by John’s discovery of the spectacular and relatively unknown Nepean Gorge in the 1970’s after the family moved to Emu Plains. “The fi rst time I ever went up the Nepean Gorge on one of our little motor boats, I just couldn’t wait to get Helen up there and show her,” he said. “The Nepean Belle took about five years to develop from concept to reality with lots of difficulties to overcome such as the creation of a slipway to protect the vessel from floods. We were effectively more than broke by the time we started cruises on the Nepean Belle – so we had no choice but to make it a goer!” The family grew the business, launching their second vessel, the Penrith Platypus Cruiser in 2000. More recently the company built a smaller, faster water-taxi style vessel called the Nepean River Explorer. But John Wakeling very much welcomes the opportunity to take a well-earned rest. “I know I won’t be able to go on forever, and there are still a couple of things that I would like to do while Helen and I are still in reasonable health. Some more time with the grandkids and a bit of an extended holiday for instance,” he said. And boating won’t be out of the picture. “I’d love to take a ride on a Mississippi River Paddlewheeler and maybe a River Cruise through Europe.” David Wakeling said the family would help the new owners through a transition period in the lead-up to the busy Christmas period. “The Bennetts are already involved but we will
DRAMA ON M4 Peak hour traffic was thrown into chaos on the M4 on Tuesday afternoon when the hunt for a man who escaped custody at Parramatta ended alongside the busy motorway. After a pursuit along the M4 and a short foot chase, offic ers arrested the 30-year-old man on the motorway at St Clair. A 44-year-old woman, who was driving the car, was also arrested and charged with a range of offences.
POLICE NEWS: PAGE 13
HELPING HAND Charity ride shows how much we care PAGE 27
John Wakeling in control of his pride and joy on Tuesday. Inset: The Nepean Belle cruises along the river.
help them transition smoothly as the busy Christmas period approaches,” he said. There are also exciting new plans for a new venture on the Nepean River. “We have been given approval by Council for a pedal boat business. The smaller boats are already built but the kiosk is still under construction. We hope to be established this
MELBOURNE CUP
LUNCHEON
Drop in to the restaurant or call 4720 5652 to book
summer so families can enjoy a pedal boat experience on the River,” David Wakeling said. Just some of the milestones the family company achieved over the years include carrying more than 600,000 passengers and supporting the Rotary Carols on the River. Send your tributes to John and Helen Wakeling to news@westernweekender.com.au.
OUR CHAMPION 20-year-old local stuns the world PAGE 77
Osso Lunch Specials Your choice of Steak Sandwich, Sirloin Steak, Beef Ribs or Chicken Supreme
Spend the day with Hank’s by the water and watch the big race on the big screen
$45 pre sale or
BOOKINGS 4720 5588
$55 at the door
Price includes: drink on arrival, canapes throughout the day, seated in our pontoon and boardwalk area by the waterside
Conditions apply, includes soft drink only, not available Sunday
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