Andrew Trim, the Yard Supervisor at Shamrock Quay has worked at the marina for over 40 years, starting as a trainee hoist driver in 1982 when he was just 20 years old.

Shamrock Quay was still under the ownership of Dean & Dyball when I joined, and it was a great place to work – we were just like one big family, everyone helping each other out, and popping down to the pub after work. I’m one of the only ones left from those days, and although the people have changed there’s still a great sense of community here.

I started out as a trainee but over the years progressed to foreman, now known as the yard supervisor. At one point I was managing both the marina and the yard, but I’m much happier being outside so I now just focus on the yard. It’s certainly a different role than when I joined. Then, the boat mover was all just chains and winches with one person on each side operating it. Now we’ve got a state-of-the-art 75 tonne hydraulic wise hoist which does the job nicely.

Being so close to the centre of Southampton, the football stadium and the old Meridian TV studios, we’ve seen some real characters come to the marina from famous sailors to television stars. I remember bumping into former Saints player Matt Le Tissier on one occasion, and comedian Jim Davidson.

There’s never a dull moment that’s for sure and I still enjoy my job, even after 40 years.