Arlett's Boatyard

A Memory of Henley-on-Thames.

My late grandmother came from Henley-on-Thames, and was Eleanor Flossie Arlett. I wish I knew more about her family. I do know that the Arletts had a boatyard and stored punts, I believe for hire, under the Angel on the Bridge pub. Also her father was a Queen's Waterman with a red uniform and cap. The Watermen were traditionally required to row the monarch about on the Thames whenever needed, and this was an honour for them.
Grandma's second name, Flossie, was something she disliked, because it was the nickname of a barmaid, Florence, who served my great-grandfather in his local pub. Was it the Red Cow? A dad wouldn't get away with that these days, I feel.
My grandma met my grandfather, Harry Twitchen, on the platform of the railway station. After marrying they moved to Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex, where they set up a grocer's shop. This was very successful until competition from larger enterprises gradually took over.
Unfortunately, I have no knowledge or connection with the Arlett family. All I can recall is visiting them as a child 60 odd years ago, and going on a punt on the river. There was an aunty "Sis" and an old uncle. I think they had a greengrocer's shop in Oxford. I also think two young members if that family were killed in WW1, possibly brothers. I have a feeling that the Arletts were Huguenot immigrants from France. I would much welcome more information about them.
John Twitchen. Email:savefijitiger@gmail.com