Gerry Tunbridge, Crewman on the Christie Belle
Gerry Tunbridge, Crewman on the Christie Belle
On a gloriously sunny day with just a handful of puffy clouds drifting across the sky, you could say that Christie Belle crewman Gerry Tunbridge has a dream job.
For the past two years the 53-year-old from Galmpton has been gathering visitors onto the Greenway Ferry-operated passenger boat at Dartmouth for one of the most picturesque river trips in the country – along the secret swirl of the emerald River Dart to Greenway Quay.
But the working day wasn’t always thus for Gerry – in fact his old job as an officer in London’s Metropolitan Police is a world away from life as a river boat man.
“I’m a Londoner who escaped to paradise,”
Jerry grinned as the boat pulled away from Dartmouth’s main jetty - full of smiling holiday makers and visitors pointing at the different yachts and nattering about their café lunches and bargain buys.
“My wife Diane and I moved down here from London in 2005, and our two grown up children followed us! I love the River Dart. I used to come here on holiday as a child, we brought our children here for holidays when they were younger, and when my time came to an end with the police we thought let’s go for good.”
“There are similarities with the Met in that I am still dealing with the public – albeit when they are having a good time rather than when they are in trouble! I love meeting all the passengers. It’s a good relationship, chatting about their trip, pointing out things of interest – making sure they are safe but that they have an enjoyable day and hopefully travel with us again.”
It’s all smiles on a beautiful June afternoon, but what’s the story in the cold and rain? Gerry says: ”You take the rough with the smooth and just wrap up warm. There is plenty of seating under cover for the passengers and the river is interesting all the time whatever the weather. It’s still better than my old job!”
The relationship with the public is the highlight of Gerry’s job, but it’s helped by the beautiful surroundings and the wildlife. It’s not unusual to see seals quite far up the river, along with all sorts of bird life, from egrets and herons to cormorants.
The Greenway Ferry company was set up by the Ford family from Brixham five years ago, starting with a wooden boat for 40 passengers that ran from the Greenway Quay opposite Dittisham. It remains a family-run firm, employing 30 local people and using all local produce where possible on board its boats and in its kiosk.
Now the fleet is 10-strong and includes the two Dittisham ferries that nip back and forth across the Dart between the village and Greenway – summoned by the ring of a bell on the riverside! The Christie Belle goes between Dartmouth and Greenway, the Riviera Belle runs from Torquay and Brixham to Dartmouth and Greenway, two ferries ply their way across Torbay between Torquay and Brixham, two fishing boats run sea-bound fishing trips, and two boats operate the unique Geo-Park bay cruise around Berry Head – taking in the cliff and cave formations of one of only 57 Geo-Parks in the world!
Greenway Ferry offers discounted rates for local residents and has been granted a Green Tourism Award.
Gerry said: “It really is a lovely way to go to work!”
First Published June 2009 By The Dart