Southampton Water feeds into the Solent from two rivers, the Test and the Itchen. Over the Itchen there is a toll bridge by which all those people who live east of the river can reach the west side where the city of Southampton lies. The east side of the bridge is in Woolston and the West side is in Southampton. This bridge has been in operation for over twenty years but previously there was a much more interesting way to cross the river using the floating bridge.

This car and people transporter (it could not take lorries or buses) worked on cables pulling it to and fro across the water. I was only 10 when it closed but I remember it was bright yellow and used to creak a lot. It was old and clanky and to be honest looked like it would never manage to stay afloat.

It was a treat to be taken on the floating bridge and I was taken on one of its last trips. I had very, very long hair and I can remember the wind whipping my hair around my face as I stood at the railing and watched the shores of Southampton draw closer. There was an overpowering smell of petrol from the cars and the facilities were basic in the extreme. Travelling as a foot passenger in anything but the hottest weather required at least 3 layers of clothing to ward off the chills from the solent winds.

I must have crossed the Itchen hundreds of times and I never once heard of anyone trying to throw themselves off. People seemed to enjoy the trip and regard it as a respite from driving on busy roads.

When the floating bridge was closed and the toll bridge opened in 1977, many drivers rejoiced as it was quicker. However, since that time many people have used the bridge to commit suicide. Unfortunately the ones who are not totally serious about it and intend to make a soft landing in the water, forget about the crosswinds and end up coming to a sticky end in the car park!

For a few years the floating bridge was anchored in Woolston and used as a nightclub. However, it was closed by the police due to the number of fights caused by customers at the club.

In my opinion, Southampton lost a little bit of character the day the floating bridge stopped operating.