IN a city famed for its pubs, it takes a special charm to stand out among the crowd. The Ferry Boat at Thorganby has that charm in abundance – from its idyllic riverside location to its mouthwatering array of real ales to its warm welcome.

Its numerous awards in recent years were well deserved, and news of its imminent closure is therefore terribly sad for all who enjoy ale, value village life, or enjoy whiling away a few hours in a classic Yorkshire setting.

The pub was so homely that visitors often felt they were drinking in someone’s home. And indeed they were. For 80 years, the pub has been run by the same family. Landlady Olive Rogers alone has had the licence for 66 years, and her daughter and son-in-law, Jackie and Phil, have run the bar for the past 17 years.

Sadly, ill health has now forced them to call it a day.

We hope they receive the send off they deserve when they call last orders later this month, and we wish the family all the very best for the future.

They will be sorely missed and not easily forgotten. Cheers!