The Loss Of A Well-Known Hamble Character

It is sad to report the death of Ray Sedgwick on 29th June, aged 88, Hamble’s ferryman for over 60 years. A huge number of tributes were immediately posted on Facebook saying the loss of well-known local character who made a massive contribution to our community, a lovely man and their memories of his interactions with their families on the ferry.  Ray had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the river, its characters and yachts.

Ray helped his grandfather, Alf Dornom, with his boat business based on Hamble foreshore after the Second World War, until Alf retired. He then assisted the old ferryman Jack Bevis with the Hamble-Warsash Ferry. After completing his apprenticeship as a toolmaker at a local aircraft factory in 1958, he took over the ferry and became the full-time ferryman. This meant getting up at 5.45 am to take the first ferry passengers across at 6.50 am to work at the local factories and educational establishments in an open wooden boat, as well as returning them at the end of the day.

He ran the ferry in all weathers with his only day off during the year being Christmas Day. He improved the ferry over the years and increased the number of ramblers, cyclists, yachtsmen & visitors using it.  When he retired as full-time in 2001, he continued to work as ferryman at weekends and busy times until he reached the age of 83 and had completed 62 years of service. During this time, he helped many local youngsters with their boating activities some of whom became successful in the marine industry. Ray was a well-known and much valued Hamble character who had served the community exceedingly well over the years.

Many people have been asking about funeral arrangements following the sad news of Ray Sedgwick’s passing. In keeping with his wishes, Ray did not want a formal funeral. Instead, his ashes will be quietly scattered in the river.

• Written by Cllr Ian Underdown