Thanks to Karen for sharing this lovely story from Wightlink. Ed
Wightlink Ferries most loyal customer* commuted across the Solent for the last time today.
George Terry, a plastering lecturer at Highbury College, Portsmouth has cycled from his home in Ryde to Wightlink’s terminal on the Pier, sailed to the mainland on the 07:47 catamaran and biked to the College every working day for 38 years.
One of Wightlink’s favourite passengers
Captain Graeme Bissett and the crew of the Wight Ryder 1 joined George’s friends and fellow commuters to say goodbye to one of their favourite passengers on his last commute.
Wightlink laid on a complimentary croissant and orange juice for all 140 passengers and crew on board the sailing and presented him with a free car ferry crossing in case he misses crossing the Solent.
“Always cheerful … even in the worst of weather”
Captain Bissett says,
“Many of our crew know George well, he’s always cheerful even in the worst of the weather.
“We wish him all the best in retirement and hope to welcome him on board again before too long.”
George: “It’s like a club on here”
George has sailed on every ferry on the route since the days of the MVs Brading and Sandown in the 1970s.
“It’s like a club on here, these people are close to me because I see them every day. It’s been a privilege and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Friend and fellow commuter Peter Stanton comments:
“I’ve been travelling with him for about six or seven years and we’re always the last off because we stand talking – he’s got some great stories.”
“Not going to be the same without him”
Passenger Rose Coram adds:
“It’s not going to be the same without him, he’s such a character.”
Paula Hetherington from Highbury College brought along a special cake to mark the occasion and his friends arranged for George to be met at Portsmouth Harbour station by a Daimler limousine so he could be chauffeured to work in style on his last day, with his bike on board too.
Friends, students and colleagues past and present later gathered at Highbury’s Northarbour Centre for a special leaving lunch for their VIP (Very Important Plasterer).
*unless anyone knows of a customer who has travelled more than 38 years with Wightlink!
Image: L-R Melvyn Jackson, Captain Graeme Bissett, George Terry, Captain Mark O’Ferrall and David Hall
