Hythe Ferry: Passenger notches up 30 years of crossings

Now Maggie Blight has been honoured by the operator - Blue Funnel Ferries - after commuting from Hythe to Southampton and back for three decades.

Maggie, of Hythe, was presented with chocolates, balloons, and flowers by the skipper of Hythe Scene, Patrick Malkinson.

Maggie Blight is presented with gifts by Patrick Malkinson, skipper of Hythe Scene (Image: John Greenwood)

Operations manager Sath Naidoo said: "We have many commuters but Maggie has been travelling continuously with us for longer, we believe, than anyone else. We thought this loyalty should be recognised and rewarded."

Ticket office admin officer Kathy May added: "It has been a pleasure to have Maggie as a loyal and happy customer."

READ MORE: Blue Funnel says talks aimed at saving the Hythe Ferry are 'progressing'.

As well as the ferry itself she uses the narrow gauge electric railway that operates on the pier. 

When the ferry's previous operator warned it was no longer viable she launched a petition that highlighted the threat to the service and was signed by 9,000 people.

Maggie Blight, right, woth fellow passengers Janet and Helen, beside the train on Hythe Pier (Image: John Greenwood)

Speaking at the time she said: "This is a true community-led venture and we are grateful for the support of the council and local residents."

The ferry was saved when Blue Funnel Ferries took over.

The service came under threat again at the end of last year but talks with a potential new owner are said to be progressing.

READ MORE: Redbridge Causeway roadworks help Hythe Ferry by boosting passenger numbers 

Maggie began using the ferry in 1993 when she joined the staff of a company called Personnel Services before moving on to British Gas and then Carnival UK.

After several years spent recruiting staff for Carnival ships she landed a job at Southampton Airport.

Maggie Blight has been using the Hythe Ferry almost every day for 30 years (Image: Alan Titheridge)

Her newly-extended commute involved travelling by bus, train, ferry, followed by another bus and another train, before making the journey in reverse at the end of the day.

In 2015 she landed a job closer to home, joining the staff of ABP, but the ferry continued to be a major part of her journey.

Maggie said: "I was so thrilled to receive all the lovely gifts.

"It’s me who should be thanking them – all those early morning starts in all kinds of weather. We can rely on them to get us to work."

Maggie has become friends with many of her fellow commuters, often enjoying "a bit of a gossip" during the crossing.

"I use the ferry for everything but mainly for work Monday to Friday. I love it," she said.