Narrowboat charity launches new initiative.
A local volunteer-run charity providing narrowboat cruises in Leicestershire, has announced the launch of its new initiative, 'Project Waterside'.
Linking commercial organisations to community groups in Charnwood and Leicestershire via sponsoring a narrowboat cruise, The Baldwin Trust, offers free narrowboat cruises to community groups in the local area.
Mick Mcloughlin, Chairman of The Baldwin Trust, the charity launching the initiative, said: “We are delighted to be working on a completely new initiative with local businesses, charitable organisations and individuals.
"We provide direct community support and reach a wider range of people within our local community."
The Baldwin Trust has been providing community canal narrowboat trips for nearly 40 years.
In the last three years alone, the trust has been successful in fund raising to replace and improve its two 70-foot narrow boats. Both of which are adapted and specially equipped with lifts, ramps and disability amenities.
More people than ever are needing help in these difficult times. Through this initiative, community groups, nominated local families and local Covid-19 heroes, can enjoy and benefit from a free, four hour narrowboat cruise on the local waterways.
Organisations and individuals can choose how many trips to sponsor. This will support the local community and also meet some of their social commitment obligations.
Partnering with local community transport organisations and community neighbourhood organisations for the project, the boats are run by experienced and passionate volunteers who skipper and crew.
The trust are always looking for new volunteers joining to help run their trips and full training, uniform and refreshments are provided.
The trust has two adapted and well-equipped narrowboats, Dandelion, moored at Pilling’s Lock Marina, near Quorn.
Both boats are insured to carry up to 12 passengers and are wheelchair and mobility friendly, with spacious cabins and toilets, galley kitchens with a fridge and hot water and radiators.
Only one group booking per boat per day is taken, so there is no sharing with other people or groups.
Written by Emily Miller
Emily is a Senior Journalist for Niche Magazine with over a decade of journalism experience. She enjoys going to gigs, visiting galleries and walking in all weathers.
