TO celebrate the Huxley/Raphael family living and working at Hampton Ferry in Evesham for the past 90 years, an open afternoon is being held this weekend for all past employees, customers, family and friends.

In September 1929 Ernie and Eileen Huxley moved to Hampton Ferry to open a market garden, growing and selling bedding plants, plums and asparagus.

While working the ferry, Ernie could often be seen fishing. Ernie’s gift of the gab and Eileen’s entrepreneurial spirit created what was soon to become known as ‘The Mecca of Match Angling’.

Anglers came to Hampton Ferry from far and wide which in turn formed the foundations of a cafe and camping site.

At the end of the Second World War the campers turned into caravanners and the rest, as they say, is history.

On Eileen and Ernest’s retirement their daughter Diana and her husband Sam Raphael took over the business and in recent years have been joined by their youngest son Robert who now manages the ever-growing business. Robert said: “We are very fortunate to be surrounded by a wonderful team, who work tirelessly to ensure that we continue to offer value and great service to our growing list of customers.”

Everyone is welcome to the event this Sunday, September 29 – 90 years to the day – particularly past ferry boys and girls.

Everyone is invited to drop in at any time between 4pm and 8pm for a cup of tea and reminisce with the family’s photo albums and scrapbooks. If you have any photos of Hampton Ferry’s history, the family would love to see them. Further details can be found at hamptonferry.com