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River ferry returns after restoration

River ferry returns after restoration

Yahoo28-03-2025
A river ferry service that dates back almost 1,000 years is set to return to the Severn in Worcester after a six-month restoration project.
The latest boat, named Doris, is 71 years old and ferry master Stephen Cope warned last year that the route was under threat as volunteers struggled to maintain her.
The team have spent £500 on repairs and a special launch event is due to take place on 29 March, ahead of passenger services restarting on Easter Sunday between Diglis and Chapter Meadows.
Mr Cope said he believed it was the "last remaining ferry of its kind" in the country.
He had warned in September that the team were struggling to look after Doris without any storage facilities.
Local firm Pinches Transport duly came to the rescue to provide winter cover.
The ferry route dates back to the 12th Century when it provided a shortcut for monks and milkmaids.
It was revived in 1983 by Mark Glossop, before he retired last year and handed over the boat to Mr Cope.
Last week, Mr Glossop received the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award at the Visit Worcestershire Awards.
The team have welcomed several new volunteers in recent months.
Andrew Cracknell, who recently joined, said: "I blame my wife - she heard a piece on BBC Hereford & Worcester at Christmas about the Cathedral Ferry and said, 'Andrew, this will be right up your street'."
Volunteer Aidan Binding added: "We've been fortunate to bring in some fantastic new recruits. Training them up will be exciting."
The team is also keen to encourage more female volunteers to get involved.
Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
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