Wivenhoe to Rowhedge ferry opens new pontoon

The last commercial ferry stopped in 1968, but a community-led scheme was revived in 1992.

This month the ferry celebrated its birthday with the opening of its refurbished pontoon in Wivenhoe.

The new pontoon was officially opened by founder members of the Wivenhoe Ferry Trust.

The trust set up the ferry in its existing form after traditional ferry services ended in the 1960s.

Volunteer crews run the ferry service between each of the riverside communities from Wivenhoe to Rowhedge at weekends over the summer.

Ready to use! - new pontoon all completed. Photo: Fiona Emms

A huge amount of work goes into maintaining the service.

With the Wivenhoe-side passenger pontoon in need of repair, the volunteers and many other groups helped to get the ferry running again for this year.

The companies and organisations helped by transporting and refitting flotation devices, repairing the boat’s structure and supplying materials.

Before - the jetty before revamp. Photo: Rob Maloney

East of England Co-op and Wivenhoe Town Council donated funds towards costs.

Fiona Emms, one of the ferry skippers who has worked on the boats for seven years, said: “We were originally quoted approximately £18,000 to refurbish the pontoon which is an awful lot.

“With efforts from the crew and the help of our friends and the community we have managed to do the repairs for around £8,000.

Well used - the pontoon had 20 years of use. Photo: Fiona Emms

“We wouldn’t have been able to afford that amount and still be able to insure the boat.”

For Fiona, the ferry is a key part of the community and liked by residents and visitors.

She added: “It’s very friendly and nice to do and people are polite and say nice things.

“As you go up to the quay you can see people waving.

“I do like doing it, but you do have to concentrate and make sure everyone is safe.

All aboard! - celebration for new pontoon

“When I first started as a skipper I would take four people across and then sit and have a cup of tea but now we take the maximum of ten and its usually non-stop.”

The ferry service for this year has already begun with fares at £1 per person per trip.

Passengers can get the boat in front of the Rose & Crown pub in Wivenhoe or from the tea hut on the green at Rowhedge.

Further details and a timetable can be found on their website wivenhoerowhedgeferry.co.uk.