We regret to announce that Brian Savill Folley passed away peacefully on 15th May 2011. Brian was a well respected founding member of TYHA and successful Marina operator, Golfer and entrepreneur.

A service of thanksgiving will be held on Tuesday 21st June at 2pm at:

Image: Brian Savill Folley

Over the many years in our industry Brian had made an enormous contribution, he was very imaginative, well liked and passionate about the industry and the people who represented and worked within it.

He cut his apprenticeship in the 1950’s at the River Thames based tug and barge operators ‘O’dells’ followed by Andrews Boatbiulders at Bourne End, (builders of the Greyhound launch) he had a love of classic river craft and the river, and being inspired by his parents buying the 13th century Harleyford estate on the Thames after world war II and the family ownership of ‘Leisure’, a Meakes slipper stern launch, he later obtained her sistership ‘Crescent moon’ and restored her to her former glory, both survive today thanks to his appreciation and love of their elegance and graceful classical designs.

Brian also had an enthusiasm for entrepreneurial endeavours and in the early sixties he and his brother dug out and developed the first purpose built Marina on the Thames ‘Harleyford Marina’ at Marlow. He went on to buy Shepperton Marina in 1978 which has recently expanded to a 350 berths capacity and which he was able to open the recently developed basin ‘C’ despite failing health in March this year. Another achievement was developing the Golf Club at Harleyford in the late 1990’s which is today one of the finest clubs in the south of England.

Our thoughts are with his wife Sue and two daughters Alexandra and Jemma.

For further information please call Rob Marsh or Colin Watts on 01932 260264.