30/07/2026
An Update from Your Community Ferry
Firstly, we are running this weekend, Sat 1st August & Sunday 2nd August.
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has continued to support the Wivenhoe, Fingringhoe & Rowhedge Ferry this season. Your patience, understanding and kind words have meant a great deal to all of our volunteers.
This has been an exceptionally difficult year for the ferry.
At the very start of the season, we suffered the sudden loss of our much-loved Chairman, Phil Booth. Phil dedicated countless hours over many years to keeping the ferry running, and his knowledge, leadership and passion were second to none. He is greatly missed by everyone involved with the ferry and across our community.
Like many volunteer organisations, Phil carried an enormous amount of experience and responsibility. Since his passing, we have been working hard to ensure that his knowledge is shared and that the many roles he fulfilled are carried forward. It has been a significant challenge, but one we are determined to overcome in honour of everything Phil did for the ferry.
As many of you know, the ferry is run entirely by volunteers for the benefit of our local communities. This season we have also faced a shortage of skippers and volunteers, new licensing requirements for our skippers, and even incidents of vandalism. Together, these have inevitably affected the service we have been able to provide.
The new licensing arrangements are essential to ensure the ferry continues to operate safely and responsibly. We are making good progress with training and supporting new and existing skippers, although it is taking longer than any of us would have liked.
We completely understand the disappointment when the ferry cannot operate, and we share that frustration. Every decision is made with safety as the priority, taking into account volunteer availability, weather, tides and operational requirements.
Behind the scenes, our volunteers are giving their time, energy and commitment to keep this much-loved community service running for everyone.
Thank you for standing by us.
Please continue to check our website and social media before travelling for the latest service updates.
Finally, we’d love your help. If you can spare a few hours - whether on the water or behind the scenes - we’re always looking for new volunteers to join our friendly team. Every volunteer makes a real difference and helps secure the future of this wonderful community ferry.
https://wivenhoerowhedgeferry.co.uk/volunteering/
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to welcoming you aboard soon
