Last
Ferry
Departure
Previously
unpublished
photographs
that are
copyright of
Jean Reed
These
pictures
follow
Horsa's
departure
from
loading
to
disappearing
from
sight
on
the
day
of
the
last
traditional
ferry
departure,
31
December
1991.
It
was
a
grey
day
with
the
sea
calm
and
the
sound
of
Horsa's
horn,
accompanied
by
the
tolling
of
St
Peter's
Church
bell,
ringing
out
across
a
quiet,
sombre harbour.
Amongst
the
passengers
on
this
last
crossing
were
local
dignitaries,
representatives
of
the
ferry
company,
past
masters
and
staff,
and
Father
Michael
Houghton
of
St
Peter's
Church.
Jean
Reed
has
lived
in
Folkestone
all
her
life
and has
strong
family
links
with
the
town. She
remembers,
as a
child,
watching
cars
being
lifted
off
and
onto
the
ferry
boats
by
crane
at
Folkestone
Harbour. In
later
years
she frequently
used
the
ferry
service
with
family
and
friends
for
Continental
holidays,
weekend
breaks,
day
trips and
"non-landers".
|
MV Horsa on the linkspan loading her last vehicles
|
Horsa is off the berth and the crowded decks can be seen.
|
|
Horsa makes her way out of Folkestone for the last time
|
Heading past the lighthouse
|
|
Horsa now clear of the harbour
|
Heading toward Cap Gris Nez to skirt the Varne Sand Banks
|
|
About to disappear into the sea mist
|
Just a few discoloured pixels now pick out Horsa in the mist
|
