Sarurday Variety

Pier Prepared : Ferry Failing?

The passenger ferry between Southampton and Hythe has had a tortuous recent history with several business 'rescues' and changes of ownership. Most recently the financially borderline Hythe Ferry was bought by the near bankrupt Red Funnel.

So the future of this link was, once again secure?

It was, until Hythe Pier was found to be falling to bits and thus was closed completely.

The Pier is long, with a gorgeously eccentric train ...

... now over 100 years old and still running with equally ancient stock.

But, hooray, the Pier is now mended! So hooray (again), the ferry is back!

Ahem, no.

Here is how the Ferry Company web site explains things.

Since Red Funnel’s acquisition of the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company in September 2023, the ferry has operated over 5,500 sailings and carried more than 70,000 passengers, providing essential connectivity at a time when the service might otherwise have ended.

To date, Red Funnel has made significant investment into the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company, including a complete vessel refit, ongoing running costs, upgrade works and pontoon repairs. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the service has remained suspended since August 2024 due to ongoing infrastructure and funding challenges.

Following its acquisition of Red Funnel and subsidiary, the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company, Njord Partners recognises the ferry’s historic importance but feels its expertise and portfolio aren’t best suited to operate the service moving forward. Therefore, we are actively seeking a new owner who shares our vision to restore, modernise and unlock the full potential of this historic route.

This is an exciting opportunity for an investor to acquire the Hythe and Southampton Ferry Company allowing them to bring innovation and technology to a well-established service with strong local support and heritage value. 

In the interest of all parties, it is expected that this process is completed within a rapid timeline.

So, if any blog reader would like to invest in a potentially loss making ferry, just get in touch with the company at its Hythe HQ. You probably won't  be in a long queue.

Njord Partners?

It sounds like a Nordic ferry company, which would make sense, expanding into ferries in warmer climes?

But it isn't

Here are sone of its companies. 

It does have a cruise company ...

... but also a trendy (and expensive!) Italian fashion retailer.

Then there is this chain of pubs ...

... all of which are clearly a superb basis for carrying vehicles passengers between Southampton and Cowes.

But not, apparently, humble foot between Southampton and Hythe!

Njord Partners is an Investment company making money by rejuvenating ailing brands and selling them on at a stonking profit! Or something like that.

Superior Serendipity Surprise

A picture on-line intrigued your inquisitive blogger. It was simply captioned "Watford By Pass". This road opened in the 1920s and ran through plenty of open country.

Back then it was numbered A5088, but a search for that road number was, to put it mildly, unproductive. The interwebnet tells us that the A5088 is a short road on the Wirrall.

And there it is, running from near Birkenhead North Station to Poulton.

It was certainly nowhere near Watford, Herts. But fbb was determined to seek out that 'squareabout' and set off in hot intellectual and cartographical pursuit.

Exciting isn't it? More tomorrow!

Windows '26?

But not a computer operating system.

Remember fbb's  Lego play bus model. It was plonked in front of the Peterville Discount warehouse. The entrance section of the building was once a freebie Metcalfe platform shelter kit.

But fbb had lost the window frames cum clear plastic glass.

A search through his bits'n'bobs box discovered some potential windows.

But they needed a bodge ...

... to make them fit - nearly.

But the end result is, well, OK.

The gaps sound the edges will be filled with a suitable filler ...

... and hose bargeboards need a repaint!

It is looking better

Told You So!

Despite Notwork Rail's optimistic predictions of December 2026, fbb flippantly suggested 2028 for trains from Bristol to Brabazon.

So it was no surprised to see this headline.

It is beginning to look as if a through train service from Portishead and Pill, via Temple Meads, to Brabazon and Henbury will happen in ...

... Tada! ...

2028!

 NOw that is a surprise - NOT!

Unless, of course, there is any further delay - surely not?

Puzzle Picture

Where is this bridge?

There is a clue in the background ...

But something appears to be missing over head under bridge!

Answer tomorrow ...

... which is?

Easter, Full of Surprises

This blog has always communicated important events in our nation's transport history and occasionally recognises far more significant dates in out non transportational lives.

Far more important than Christmas, Easter is the key to understanding the Christian Faith. Without Easter we ALL would struggle, whatever our personal faith decisions.

So each day, this blog will present its readers with a simple (?) puzzle.

Identify what us missing, ringed in pale blue.

Answer, and a first surprise, tomorrow.

  Next Variety blog : Sunday 29 March