10 COMMUNITY BOATING
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Bringing sunshine on the River Soar By Janet Richardson
A LEICESTER charity has celebrated the launch of its new community boat which will enable more people with disabilities to enjoy trips on the River Soar. Built by MGM Boats at Thurmaston on to a hull from Star Line Boats of Nuneaton, Sunbeam II is a wide beam which can carry 12 passengers, up to four in wheelchairs. Its facilities include a hoist, kitchen, toilet facilities which can accommodate a wheelchair user and carer, as well as a light and spacious saloon and forward deck. Trustee and chairman of mosaic: shaping disability services Warwick Best explained that it replaces the original adapted narrowboat which was given to the charity in 1971. It then had an estimated lifespan of 10 years but finally went out of commission last year, having carried more than 50,000 passengers. Founded in 1898, mosaic is currently celebrating its 120th year. “It is very apt we acknowledge this milestone with the official launch of this craft. Seventeen years ago Sunbeam I had a major refurb and was also relaunched in June. It has served us very well,” he told users and supporters gathered for the launch. “Sunbeam is a vital part of mosaic; not just a day out with friends but a
The wide beam Sunbe a m
II.
Chairman of trustees Warwick Best, centre, with Leicestershire County Council chairman Coun Ozzy O’Shea and the High Sheriff of Leicestershire, Diana Johnson. PHOTOS: JANET RICHARDSON
chance to meet new friends and reduce isolation. A chance to stop off and have a bite to eat and to enjoy the beautiful countryside and it is beneficial to both mental and physical wellbeing.” It was decided to buy a wide beam boat in order to cater for today’s larger wheelchairs. The skippers formed a fundraising committee and a concerted effort by a number of groups and people helped to make it possible.
Completely run by volunteers, the boat provides day trips with a lunchtime stop on the river from its base at the Hope & Anchor at Syston.
Guests on the forward deck.
The wheelchair hoist.
Spacious toilet facilities.
Thanks were expressed to the trustees for going ahead with the new boat build and everyone who held events to raise money or made donations. The chairman of Leicestershire County Council, Coun Ozzy O’Shea, presented a plaque commemorating a £5000 Shire Community Grant towards the project, before the High Sheriff of
Leicestershire Diana Johnson cut the ribbon. She commented that the name Sunbeam II was incredibly apt on such a beautiful morning and praised the inspiring work of the volunteers to enable users to enjoy days away from the usual routine and isolation that a disability can cause. www.mosaic1898.co.uk
Tower of London welcomes Waterways Chaplains THE profile of chaplaincy to Britain’s waterways took a step up when chaplains from around the country met at the Tower of London for a service with a focus on this growing movement. The Tower’s own Chapel Royal was built by Henry VIII in 1520 and is steeped in history. It has its own regular congregation into which the visiting Waterways Chaplains, most of them identified by their distinctive gilets, were welcomed by Tower Chaplain Canon Roger Hall. A dignified Church of England service with choir and vestments was possibly not the usual Sunday fare for most of the chaplains present, but everyone felt welcomed with open arms in this colourful setting, the Tower grounds outside packed with tourists and visitors. BBC Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes delivered an engaging address, highlighting how “Waterways Chaplains walk the towpaths because Christ walked the Earth”. Her awareness of ministry to the waterways is informed by her experience of close family members being liveaboard boaters and she noted the necessity of practical neighbourliness and how assumptions can never be made about people’s personal circumstances. Pam stressed how some people gladly “run to the waterways” because of the attractive life they appear to offer, while others might be running to them because of what they need to leave behind. She commented on the high number of single older men living aboard boats,
T he M a ry A rc ha rd on the River Avon. PHOTO: CLARE CAPE
Wheelyboat trips on the Wilts & Berks Waterways Chaplains with actor David Suchet, centre, at the Tower of London. PHOTO: ANDREW TAYLOR many of whom risk isolation as health breaks down and age encroaches. The day at the Tower concluded for chaplains with a cream tea and time to be together. “New recruits for London and the Thames were there,” said Senior Chaplain, the Revd Mark Chester, “and this service was in part a celebration of 10 years since the first moves were made towards setting up what is now established very strongly. “It was also an opportunity to highlight that our growing band of over 70 Waterways Chaplains has something unique to offer in terms of practical pastoral care for the two million or so
people who live and work on and around our rivers and canals.” A notable celebrity narrowboat owner who just happened to be sharing in worship agreed to join the chaplains’ photograph afterwards. Actor David Suchet has owned four narrowboats and is about to embark on a search for number five. “We wish him well with his quest,” added Mark, “and, like so many others who cruise our 2000 miles of waterways, we know he will be glad that willing chaplains are there to share both the joy of the waterways and the trials of those who may be struggling behind the colourful exteriors of their boats.”
THE Wilts & Berks Canal Trust’s wheelyboat The Mary Archard will provide boat trips on the newly opened Pewsham stretch of the canal on the Saturdays of August 11, September 8 and October 13. It will also be available for trips along the River Avon during the Melksham Food & River Festival, September 1-2. Local branch chairman Dave
Maloney said a suitable slipway had been constructed at Pewsham for The Mary Archard, which has a wind-down ramp at the bow enabling wheelchairs and buggies to be easily wheeled on board. The trust can also offer trips on another open stretch of canal at Swindon on board its narrowboat Dragonfly, which is fitted with a hydraulic ramp.
● The local branch is always keen to welcome volunteers in various roles including work parties, fundraising, project management and research. Visit www.wbct.org.uk For trips on D ra g onfl y , visit www.wbct.org.uk/experience/ take-a-boat-trip