Anyone who has sailed aboard the barge over the past year will almost certainly have met unofficial ‘Nicest Chap in the World’, Pat Fox.
Pat first came aboard as a tea room customer 5 years ago and through a chat with the skipper, Geoff, over a cup of tea, volunteered his services to help sand, scrape and paint the Edith May during her spring fit out.
Ever since then, Pat has barely been away from the barge and has made a terrific impact during his time aboard. We knew he was good when he scrambled up the rigging to stow the topsail on his first outing and no task has proved too tricky, too mucky, or too mundane for Pat to undertake.
Supported by wife Carol, an equally all round nice person, the Edith May is truly lucky to have a couple of Foxes aboard!
We nominated Pat for National Historic Ships’ ‘Marsh Volunteer Award‘ and were delighted to attend the awards ceremony at Queen’s House, Greenwich, fittingly part of the National Maritime Museum.
The evening was a great event with free flowing Prosecco and canapes and we were pleased as punch when Pat’s name was announced as one of two winners of the award.
Congratulations to Pat – the official ‘Volunteer of the Year’.
