88-year-old Worcester Cathedral ferryman says he'll miss the service after announcing his retirement

Mark Glossop has been rowing a boat named Doris since the 1980s.

Mark (pictured) has been rowing the boat since 1983
Author: Elliot BurrowPublished 25th May 2024

A man who's been rowing a boat named Doris across the River Severn since the 1980s, says he'll miss seeing all the visitors after announcing his retirement.

Mark Glossop restarted the Worcester Cathedral ferry service in 1983, after concerns were raised about the distance students were walking in order to access playing fields on the other side of the river after Saturday school.

After finding a boat, which was originally called called Moonraker, the name changed to Doris, and Mark has been making the journey along the River Severn ever since.

The 88-year-old says he's collected some great memories over the years, and will still make sure to pop in and see the boat from time-to-time.

He said: "I had two boys who were just young teenagers when we got the boat and I've got a picture of them rowing it with no passengers in.

"It's been a big part of our time in Worcester, I've seen so many visitors over the years, and the boat itself is the same one we started with, just with a few repairs that we've managed to do ourselves, and she's been great.

"I stopped rowing quite a few years ago now, and it just felt the right time to hand it on to the others, which we'll be making sure we do this year."

The Cathedral Ferry has been rowing people across the River Severn from the Water Gate for over 600 years.

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