Latest news with #Contribution
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
River ferry returns after restoration
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.
BBC News
28-03-2025
- BBC News
'Only one of its kind' – Historic Worcester ferry returns
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 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 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 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 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 was revived in 1983 by Mark Glossop, before he retired last year and handed over the boat to Mr week, Mr Glossop received the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award at the Visit Worcestershire Awards. The team have welcomed several new volunteers in recent 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.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wimbledon tennis player and coach given freedom of Isle of Wight town
A tennis player who twice made it to the fourth round of Wimbledon has been given the freedom of an Isle of Wight town. Ryde Town Council has awarded Patricia (Pat) Maclean with the Freedom of Ryde Award for Lifelong Contribution to Sport, in recognition of her contribution to tennis both as a player and coach. The award recognises Pat's life of quiet service in the Island town, and acknowledges her position as one of Ryde's most cherished residents. Read more: Rare train appearances and ales at Isle of Wight Steam Railway Island's RSPCA branch looking for new homes for nine fundraising dog statues Born on November 11, 1934, Pat is a renowned former British tennis player and proud member of the All England Lawn Tennis Club. She twice reached the fourth round of Wimbledon's singles tournament and a two-time women's doubles quarter-finalist. She also represented Great Britain in the 1954 Wightman Cup. (Image: Contributed) Beyond her time on the court, Pat dedicated her life to coaching and inspiring young athletes. Pat has passed down her wisdom and passion for the sport by mentoring young sportsmen and women and simply offering kind words of encouragement. Despite rubbing shoulders with tennis stars and celebrities on her frequent trips to Wimbledon, Pat's heart has always remained with the Ryde community. Now in her 90th year, her wisdom continues to be felt at Mead Lawn Tennis Club. She most recently went to Wimbledon in 2024 with members from the Island tennis club, watching a range of elite matches and even bumping into Cliff Richard. She is a pillar of the community and has shown a true commitment to nurturing talent, earning her respect throughout Ryde and the Island. Her actions on and off the court will be remembered for generations. The Freedom of Ryde Award acknowledges not only her sporting achievements but also the love, dedication and inspiration she has brought to the Island town. The Mayor of Ryde, Cllr Richard May, commented: "Pat Maclean's name is etched into Ryde's sporting history. "Her contribution to tennis, both nationally and within our community, has been immense. "It is a privilege to present this award to someone who has shaped so many lives with kindness and passion."
