A WEST Devon couple are taking their first steps on an amazing, life changing adventure that will see them move to an island off the Cornish coast that has less than 100 full time inhabitants, one road and a pub. Richard and Sheila Drew have packed up all their belongings in the Bere Alston house they have lived in for more than 15 years, have left their jobs and along with their 3 cats – Tibby, Fluffy and Pie — are setting up a new life on Bryher, one of the smallest of the inhabited islands that make up the Isles of Scilly, where they will be managing Blue Boats, based at Bryher Boatyard. According to Sheila — who has never lived anywhere but Bere Alston — it was only the chance spotting of the job advert that put the wheels in motion that has now seen them open a completely new chapter in their lives. 'We weren't actually looking to start a new life or new jobs to be honest with you,'said Sheila, who is the post lady in Bere Alston. 'But when we saw the job offer we started discussing it and thought "Why not?" and applied — not thinking that for one moment we would be offered the position. 'But the further we got in the application process the more we wanted the job — it is an absolutely stunning location and we really couldn't believe it when we were offered the position of running Blue Boats. 'We feel like we have won the lottery and can't wait to start our new life on the islands,' said Sheila. Richard, a marine engineer who learned his trade as a fitter and turner at Devonport Dockyard, has worked at Weir Quay Boatyard for the last six years, undertaking a wide range of daily maintenance and repair roles. These skills will be an essential element of his role on Bryher where, along with Sheila, he will be responsible for looking after the day to day running of the boatyard, preparing, maintaining, and repairing the wide range of motor and sailing boats, owned by islanders and the regular visitors who flock to the Isles of Scilly every year. In addition to the managerial role, the position also comes complete with a house just a stone's throw from one of the many beaches on Bryher, providing one of the best year round views any job in the world could offer. 'We have previously been to the islands, but when we got down to the final few applications we were taken out to Bryher to see it for ourselves and from that moment we knew we wanted to live there — it is absolutely fantastic and while we know it will be tremendously hard work we are really looking forward to it,' said Richard. According to Blue Boats' owner Barry Philpott, it was a combination of Richard's marine industry experience, the couple's clear desire for the role and their understanding of the challenges of island life, that set them apart as the best candidates for the post. He said: 'The role really offers a unique position and working environment, but it would be very easy to fall in love with the location while underestimating just how challenging the position is. 'With Richard and Sheila we were impressed by the fact that they quickly understood what the job entailed, in addition to wanting to make a life for themselves on Bryher.' While admitting they will miss all their family and friends in Bere Alston, Sheila thinks they will not be short of visitors. 'It is hard to leave a place you have always lived in, but it's an exciting and unbelievable opportunity for us both and one we are absolutely looking forward to,' said Sheila.
