Please help save the Harwich Harbour Ferry
Donation protected
UPDATE... FEBRUARY 2021
Hi all, between organising the repair and home schooling, we have realised how overdue you all are for an update on the progress of the repair.
Every single kind message or donation we've received has meant so much to us, as well as making a huge difference to the outcome of the ferry service. A lot of hard work has taken place in the last few months and the ferry is definitely looking closer to her old self.
We've learnt just how much cost is involved in such a big repair, so we are so so grateful for all your help. We are aiming to begin service on 29th March, but a lot of work still needs to be completed. We are really looking forward to seeing you all on board this spring.
All our thanks, Christian and Lucy.
UPDATE... November 15th 2020
The owners of Harwich Harbour Ferry would like me to pass on a message from them...
"We are so incredibly grateful for every penny donated and all the kind words of support. It means so much. The future looks much brighter now for the much-loved ferry.
"It's a long, labour-intensive mission, but she is being slowly brought back to life. We want to give our thanks to every single person that has donated. These generous donations, together with the insurance, means we are optimistic the ferry will be not only be fully repaired, but also brought back into service with all the necessary equipment, systems and licences.
"To update on the progress. Large sections of the port side of the boat were damaged and the electronic ticketing system and other equipment lost. The engine was flooded and the most urgent need was to preserve it. It was taken apart, serviced and put back together with new gaskets and cylinders. All the electrics have been replaced. Most cables are back in, pumps, alarms, batteries, inverter, gauges and the dashboard. Work has also begun on replacing the crumpled floor. The metalwork, including the gangway and hand rails have been removed to be reworked by the metal company and from December the long fibreglass work will begin on the hull.
"It really means so much to know how loved and needed the ferry is, so we want to thank everyone who has helped us in any way. Thank you thank you, thank you!"
As explained below, I am Lucy and Chris's brother-in-law Alex. We will be passing the donations on to Lucy and Chris this month, where they will be used for the ongoing repair of the ferry to get it ready for next season. Thank you for your support.
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Please help save the historic Harwich Harbour Ferry
There has been a huge outpouring of support after Harbour Harbour Ferry was severely damaged by a storm, so we are trying to raise funds to save this historic link between Harwich, Shotley and Felixstowe.
The young family who run the business face losing their livelihood unless the 10 ton, 40 foot former lifeboat can be repaired and brought back into service by the spring.
Chris and Lucy Zemann, who took over the ferry business in 2015, saving it from closure, are devastated. Although they are insured, it is clear from early assessments of the damage that there is going to be a major shortfall, so we are trying to raise at least £20,000. The much-loved ferry, previously a lifeboat on the SS Canberra, is irreplaceable and the service will only be viable if she can be repaired.
Sadly, the repairs will cost more than the insurance pay out, so Lucy and Chris need community support to save the ferry link. Please help, if you can, by making a donation, however small.
If the money raised by this appeal exceeds what is needed to repair the ferry and bring it back into operation, Lucy and Chris have pledged to donate the surplus to the RNLI.
A foot and bicycle ferry has served these communities for more than 100 years, connecting families and businesses and delighting tourists who wanted to cross the busy harbour.
Although poor weather was forecast for the night of September 25th, the experts didn’t predict the severity of the gale force winds. Lucy and Chris rushed to the ferry’s berth at Ha’penny Pier, Harwich, but were prevented from getting onboard, as it was too dangerous. They could only stand and watch as their beloved vessel was wrenched from her moorings and cast adrift. The ferry took on a lot of water and was half submerged, but the harbour authority were able to tow her to a safe haven. She didn’t capsize and is still afloat.
Lucy said: “We are desparate to resume our ferry operation next season, save our livelihood and continue to serve the communities of Harwich, Shotley and Felixstowe, but we need support.
“We are grateful to the team at Harwich Haven Authority, the RNLI and other members of the wonderful community in Harwich who have already rallied around to support us and offered so much practical help and advice.”
A video of the ferry in action
Hi all, between organising the repair and home schooling, we have realised how overdue you all are for an update on the progress of the repair.
Every single kind message or donation we've received has meant so much to us, as well as making a huge difference to the outcome of the ferry service. A lot of hard work has taken place in the last few months and the ferry is definitely looking closer to her old self.
We've learnt just how much cost is involved in such a big repair, so we are so so grateful for all your help. We are aiming to begin service on 29th March, but a lot of work still needs to be completed. We are really looking forward to seeing you all on board this spring.
All our thanks, Christian and Lucy.
UPDATE... November 15th 2020
The owners of Harwich Harbour Ferry would like me to pass on a message from them...
"We are so incredibly grateful for every penny donated and all the kind words of support. It means so much. The future looks much brighter now for the much-loved ferry.
"It's a long, labour-intensive mission, but she is being slowly brought back to life. We want to give our thanks to every single person that has donated. These generous donations, together with the insurance, means we are optimistic the ferry will be not only be fully repaired, but also brought back into service with all the necessary equipment, systems and licences.
"To update on the progress. Large sections of the port side of the boat were damaged and the electronic ticketing system and other equipment lost. The engine was flooded and the most urgent need was to preserve it. It was taken apart, serviced and put back together with new gaskets and cylinders. All the electrics have been replaced. Most cables are back in, pumps, alarms, batteries, inverter, gauges and the dashboard. Work has also begun on replacing the crumpled floor. The metalwork, including the gangway and hand rails have been removed to be reworked by the metal company and from December the long fibreglass work will begin on the hull.
"It really means so much to know how loved and needed the ferry is, so we want to thank everyone who has helped us in any way. Thank you thank you, thank you!"
As explained below, I am Lucy and Chris's brother-in-law Alex. We will be passing the donations on to Lucy and Chris this month, where they will be used for the ongoing repair of the ferry to get it ready for next season. Thank you for your support.
---
Please help save the historic Harwich Harbour Ferry
There has been a huge outpouring of support after Harbour Harbour Ferry was severely damaged by a storm, so we are trying to raise funds to save this historic link between Harwich, Shotley and Felixstowe.
The young family who run the business face losing their livelihood unless the 10 ton, 40 foot former lifeboat can be repaired and brought back into service by the spring.
Chris and Lucy Zemann, who took over the ferry business in 2015, saving it from closure, are devastated. Although they are insured, it is clear from early assessments of the damage that there is going to be a major shortfall, so we are trying to raise at least £20,000. The much-loved ferry, previously a lifeboat on the SS Canberra, is irreplaceable and the service will only be viable if she can be repaired.
Sadly, the repairs will cost more than the insurance pay out, so Lucy and Chris need community support to save the ferry link. Please help, if you can, by making a donation, however small.
If the money raised by this appeal exceeds what is needed to repair the ferry and bring it back into operation, Lucy and Chris have pledged to donate the surplus to the RNLI.
A foot and bicycle ferry has served these communities for more than 100 years, connecting families and businesses and delighting tourists who wanted to cross the busy harbour.
Although poor weather was forecast for the night of September 25th, the experts didn’t predict the severity of the gale force winds. Lucy and Chris rushed to the ferry’s berth at Ha’penny Pier, Harwich, but were prevented from getting onboard, as it was too dangerous. They could only stand and watch as their beloved vessel was wrenched from her moorings and cast adrift. The ferry took on a lot of water and was half submerged, but the harbour authority were able to tow her to a safe haven. She didn’t capsize and is still afloat.
Lucy said: “We are desparate to resume our ferry operation next season, save our livelihood and continue to serve the communities of Harwich, Shotley and Felixstowe, but we need support.
“We are grateful to the team at Harwich Haven Authority, the RNLI and other members of the wonderful community in Harwich who have already rallied around to support us and offered so much practical help and advice.”
A video of the ferry in action
Organizer
Alex Sharratt
Organizer