06/07/2026
We must just share this image. It relates to our bilge pumps - pumps that live in the space in the bottom of the boat, one at each end, that automatically come on to pump water out when it starts to collect.
These were fitted by our dear friend, Ben Thompson after a near-calamitous evening early on in our ownership of Floaters, where we almost sank the boat. Not being boat-savvy whatsoever, we hadn't realised we'd need to pump water out or that water would get into the boat in the first place. Oops. Close call.
But Ben was on hand to help and rushed over to fit the pumps and do all the electrical stuff that was needed. Since then, we've had absolutely no issues whatsoever and the boat is nice and dry, and importantly, afloat!; Ben literally put the 'float' into Floaters Café that day.
When asked how we could pay him or return the enormous favour, nothing else was accepted but Paul's brownies, which were devoured with Ben's usual loud enthusiasm and chocolatey grin all over his big smiley face, eyes twinkling.
I didn't discover this 'HMS Floaters' label until the next time we got the freezer out, and it is just so typical of Ben's sense of humour and I love so much that it's there 🧡
Ben passed away recently, leaving his wife and three boys. The whole community is feeling his loss and it's really hitting hard. Ben was just the nicest bloke.. the kindest, felt like one of our biggest cheerleaders in life, warm, and absolutely unaware of those qualities about himself - that's just who he was. He got on with it.
We cleaned behind the freezer recently and this label got me. It's the little things.. they are the big things. Hold your loved ones tight, tell them all the things, and do all the things. Don't wait. There is never enough time.
LIVE.
And as Ben would say.. don't be s**t 🤣🌊🧡
**t
