Tributes to river ferryman of 62 years

Ray Sedgwick was a familiar site in his pink ferries crossing the River Hamble

Tributes have been paid to a ferryman who steered passenger boats across a Hampshire river for more than 60 years.

Ray Sedgwick, who has died aged 88, had an "encyclopaedic knowledge" of the River Hamble, Hamble Parish Council said.

The distinctive pink ferry boats cross between Hamble and Warsash, carrying commuters, holiday-makers, cyclists and ramblers across a quarter-mile stretch of the River Hamble.

Parish councillor Ian Underdown said Mr Sedgwick had "served the community exceedingly well over the years".

The ferry service across the River Hamble is thought to have been running since at least 1493.

Mr Sedgwick completed his apprenticeship as a toolmaker at a local aircraft factory before becoming the full-time ferryman in 1958 when he was 21.

It meant early morning starts to take workers to nearby factories and home again at the end of each day.

He was known for running the ferry in all weathers, with his only day off during the year being Christmas Day.

Although Mr Sedgwick retired in 2001, he continued to work on the ferry and helped out at weekends until the age of 83.

He was credited with increasing the numbers of ramblers, cyclists, yachtsmen and other visitors.

Ray Sedgwick ran the ferry every day except Christmas Day

Passengers and residents shared their memories on the parish council's Facebook page.

"He always waved back to my son when he was obsessed with the pink ferry as a toddler," recalled one user.

"Used to love getting on the ferry as a child and saying hello," posted another.

Mr Underdown described Mr Sedgwick as a "well-known and much valued Hamble character"

"He helped many local youngsters with their boating activities some of whom became successful in the marine industry," he said.

"Ray had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the river, its characters and yachts."