Ted Wharmby.
Just as the last ERT( Spring 2016) was being distributed we were notified of Teds death.
Ted was lock keeper at SawleyLocks for many years and slipped the boats at the Club before the current slipway trolleys were installed.
Ted was living in Looe, Cornwall at the time of his death. Our condolences were sent at the time to members of his family. Ted ' s funeral was held at 11:30amon Mon6thJune 2016. A donation was sent on behalf of all members of DMBCto the Looe RNLI.
Some reminiscences courtesy of AnneShields:" Ted Wharmby lived at the Sawley lock house, with his wife Audrey as lock keeper for many years during the Seventies and Eighties. In the early days there was only one lock * in operation. He was a charming man, always courteous to boaters and walkers alike, especially the ladies.
Ted was employed by DMBC to carry out slipping duties for the members boats and was a familiar sight on Friday evenings in waders and wet suit, up to his waist in water.
Following his retirement Ted and Audrey moved to a flat in Sawley village but still kept in touch with his many friends by the river. Their last home was in Looe in Cornwall where they had lived for several years, enjoying a warmer climate."
( The Section above appeared on the club website at the time of Teds death).
Audrey, Teds wife rang me( Editor) in July 2016) to thank all who supported and sent cards and donations.
The donations to the Looe RNLI raised £ 800 and Audrey received 100 cards on the death of Ted.
She also went on to say they spent 23 happy years at Sawley.
* As an aside, I have been told DMBCpaid a substantial contribution to help with the restoration of the original lock which I think was the one furthest away from the lock house, this lock is longer and wider than the other lock as is DerwentMouth Lock both being built to accommodate Trent Barges.( Ed).
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