Gosport Ferry deserves government cash | Rick Jackson

Some feel the owners, Falkland Island Holdings, have made enough money from the service to survive this pandemic and that fares, which continue to rise, justify this view.

I disagree. This service has always been operated by a private company so can charge what it likes and run when it likes.

What we have is a first-class service, with modern, well-maintained ships operating in all weathers from 5.30am to midnight.

It’s an essential part of the transport network for the people of the Gosport peninsula and Portsmouth, a vital cog in our local economy, allowing workers to reach the dockyard, Queen Alexandra Hospital and other vital industries.

It is of course interesting to see how much profit is made from running the service, as well as maintaining three ships, harbour facilities and employing their staff. Running a ferry company isn’t cheap.

Anyone is free to look on the Companies House website to see how much profit they make. When you do, then you will realise this company cannot afford to haemorrhage money like this for too long.

I’m sure we’d all be delighted if shareholders decided to pull the plug and cash in their investment?

The crux of the matter is simple. If you want this vital, well-run ferry service to survive, the government has to help it like it has helped Wightlink, First Bus, South Western Railway and many other private operators.

If you feel the philosophy of government money going to a private operator is totally wrong, lobby your MP for the service to be nationalised.

Seeing as there has been no desire to do this in the near 200-year history of a Gosport to Portsmouth ferry service, it seems common sense needs to prevail to allow the service to continue.

I am very confident the government will step in and help this service that links the UK’s biggest non-railway town with its biggest naval city.

From stabilisers to driving test – she'll be there before I know it

Another milestone was reached this week as Holly finally managed to learn how to ride her bike. That will definitely be seen as a major lockdown achievement.

She’s almost four-and-a-half now and it was about time, but love for her scooter meant she was rarely willing. She soon mastered the undersized balance-bike but pedalling was something else. I think I ran a marathon in the park with my hand on her keeping her balanced and moving. Soon she cracked it and wobbled off trying to catch her much faster brother.

And so it begins. Before I know it, I’ll be adding L plates to the car! It’s time to savour these moments as they pass so quickly.

Don’t call me a covidiot, our VE party will follow the rules

Like most people, we will be having a Stay at Home VE75 party tomorrow. We’ll move the cars off the drive and place the barbecue in the middle.

I know all our neighbours will be doing the same and as the bunting flies, cream teas are enjoyed and the true British spirit prevails, we’ll raise a glass to those who made the way we live today possible. And before you call me a ‘covidiot’... we will remain inside the boundary of our property and keep a minimum of two metres distant from anyone else’s barbecue or beer!

Surely I will have far less chance of contracting coronavirus than the hundreds queueing to get into B&Q or The Range this weekend?​​​​​​​