Interesting Fact...
Ben Lippiett
Marina Manager
Shortly after berth, Ben joined the company and has wriggled his way up through the system. Although controlled by Samantha, Ben is thoroughly in charge of Haslar and runs a Very Happy Ship. Veteran of some big cycle rides, he was recently caught photographing himself on a ride across Norway. Ask him about Club 2000 when you have a minute, or click on his photo.
Rachael Foster
Assistant Marina Manager
You can actually hear the Indiana Jones theme tune when she gets to grips with a problem, and the place would definitely crumble without her. But is it true she still keeps a whip in her bottom drawer?
Gary Birks
Maintenance
We have a suspicion that he is creating an entirely new binary language consisting of shrugs and nods. Gary will only operate with ample tea supplies and then anything is possible. You thought the A team were creative - you should see him in action in his shed.
Dave Hill
Gardener
He is the gardener and unofficial “ship’s counsellor”. He is so kind that we still haven’t ruled him out as being the second coming..... we jest of course. He is a staunch Druid and can be found hugging trees in his spare time, when not playing with his pet tarantulas. There are rumours afoot that he can levitate, but sadly he can definitely not turn water into wine. Oh, how we have tried!
Bill Lewis MBE
Night Berthing Master
A legend that is as modest as they come. He will say nothing when grilled on how he earned his MBE from his submarine days as ‘Chief Tiff’, but, with a twinkle in his eye says that we may be able to read about it in the future when the Official Secrets Act permits. We hope that he is not lying dormant on his night shifts waiting for his next mission.... come to think of it he does have a penchant for luxury Russian items.
Keith Edwards
Night Berthing Master
Past Mayor of Gosport and all round good guy. Keith often delights in his chain gang reunions. We have assumed this is with fellow past Mayors, rather than some secret past regarding jail buddies swapping quarrying stories!
John Carroll
Berthing Master
The marina sounding board. Any crazy ideas by the management are sent crashing as John wisely instils some good common sense about the place. He loves his real ale and regularly drinks his younger colleagues under the table. Like Keith Richards, people are wondering if he could be killed by conventional weapons? Maybe his hat, which is rarely seen off his head, provides a force field? John has been caught in this picture using his invisible radio - again!
David Taylor
Berthing Master
Our very own William Wallace; complete with red hair and a kilt for special occasions (although he does like to keep his pants on apparently). Never a dull moment when Dave is around and will usually break into song if there is a silence for too long. All this and an ace boat mover to boot!
Samantha Millerchip
Office Supervisor
Sam keeps the office and staff in good shape. She is the moral barometer where staff can have their thoughts and opinions on life screened. If you have a good idea, Sam will inevitably start to plan a party. We believe she has started to give some thought on what to wear to the next Millennium party already!
Hannah Leach
Berthing Master
As our youngest ‘full timer’, Hannah has been learning at a dramatic rate. We have moved on such a long way since her first week when she asked “what was the Lightship originally used for.... was it a ferry or something?”. As a keen dancer, when Hannah is off duty, she finds it impossible to pass any of the marinas’ 16 cameras without breaking out into an impromptu dance routine. And who’s that she’s dating? Click on the photo for more....
Martin Hutchings
Night Berthing Master
He is our human equivalent to our falcon which visits to scare the starlings away . Martin is sent out around the perimeter of the marina several evenings a week to ward off any local riff raff. Between Martin and Lass (the falcon) the starlings and ne'er-do-wells are successfully kept away. Martin’s moustache has already become a thing of folklore.
Emma May
Cleaner
She came to us fresh from the Lightship Bar & Restaurant and the Solent Caterers empire. She had been billed as one of their hardest workers they have ever known..... we are delighted to say we have found the same. Her only problem is that she sometimes scrubs things a little too well and we need to revarnish and paint things behind her. So get your sunglasses ready before you head into the toilets and showers!
Mark Horne
Cleaner
Mark is our third male cleaner to be called Mark. This, of course, is a prerequisite of the job and fortunately Mark was able to steer off the tricky first hurdle in the interview, by clarifying he was indeed named Mark. He is a large guy, but he needs his frame to house his very big heart. He seems to be able to help anyone, without a grumble and with a smile on his face. Yet another great member of the Haslar Crew!