WHO PAYS THE FERRYMAN - AND WOMAN>

WHO PAYS THE FERRYMAN

 - AND WOMAN?

 Johnny Doughty - photo Steven J Downey

Where no bridge is available, a stretch of water can be crossed in a boat - and if you don't have one, hopefully there will be a ferry.

Johnny Doughty

Sadly, there is no longer a ferry at Rye Harbour. It probably finished operating in the late 1960s, early 1970s. For decades it was used to take trippers across to the dunes, where there was a salt water lagoon where they could paddle and swim. Also it connected with the Rye and Camber Tram, which ran from 1899 until 1939, carrying fishermen, golfers and holidaymakers.The last ferryman was called Johnny Doughty.

Not only did he ply his trade but he also sang folk songs. He made an iconic record called Round Rye Bay for More. I remember sitting next to him in the William the Conqueror pub (thinly disguised as The Shipwrights Arms in my DI Sonny Russell crime novels) while he was being filmed for a TV programme.

Walberswick Ferry

Luckily, 150 miles away, in Suffolk, there is a ferry that still operates, crossing the River Blyth, from Walberswick to Southwold. But, what is unusual, is that the operator is a ferrylady!

Dani Church 

Walberswick - motor ferry

Dani Church is the fifth generation to operate the ferry and has been doing so since 2001. The ferry runs from Easter to November, usually rowed but occasionally using a boat with an engine.

Compass Point

I've paid my own tribute to these doughty souls (pun intended) on my model railway layout, Compass Point. Although the layout is inspired by Rye Harbour, the ferryman's hut and boat are closely based on the one at Walberswick. The difference is that my ferry is operated by a man, named Jack Spratt.

Reedham Ferry

Finally, a quick trip further into Suffolk brings us to Reedham Ferry. This wonderful craft does carry cars - but only two at a time!