New wheelchair-accessible boat given a 'momentous' launch in Bisham Abbey

A charity in Bisham Abbey has commissioned a new wheelchair-accessible ‘wheelyboat’ for those with disabilities to enjoy the River Thames.

Accessible Boating Thames provides water-based experiences for those with some degree of disability by using specially adapted boats, qualified volunteers and a hoist.

The severity of a disability has never been a barrier to participation but to ensure long-term continuity, the charity recognised the need for a wheelchair-accessible boat.

SEND schools and local organisations who utilise the services gathered at the ‘momentous’ launch of the new ‘wheelyboat’ at Bisham Abbey Sailing and Navigation School on Tuesday.

Chair of Accessible Boating Thames Gavin Tisshaw said: “We are immensely grateful to all those who have helped us raise the funds to make this purchase.

“Our volunteers do a fantastic job for the local community.

“This is a momentous occasion for ABT – securing our own Wheelyboat will make such a difference and ensure we can continue to help those that need our services.

Gavin said the services are accessible to ‘all those that need them’ including special educational needs schools and individuals and groups with physical or mental disabilities, along with their families.

He said their oldest passenger last year was a 98-year-old with severely restricted mobility and the youngest was a one-year-old with special medical needs.

“Wheelyboat trips for families have and continue to be very popular as it can be almost impossible for families to access these shared experiences,” Gavin added.

Accessible Boating Thames offers river-based opportunities ranging from family picnic afternoons – popular with Dementia action groups – to full sailing opportunities, bellboat sessions and Duke of Edinburgh trips.

The charity began working with The Wheelyboat Trust, a national charity, to secure the £68,000 required to purchase and fit out a new Coulam V20 Wheelyboat.

Director of development at The Wheelyboat Trust Paul Elgood said: “Wheelyboats are a lifeline for those with any form of disability or mobility issue, so it’s always a special day when a new Wheelyboat is launched as we know the endless pleasure they will bring.”

Bisham Abbey’s new V20 Wheelyboat is fully accessible and provides wheelchair users, and those with other mobility issues, the freedom to board and operate the boat independently and safely through its spacious and level cockpit.

The watertight hydraulic bow door lowers to form a ramp allowing roll-on and roll-off boarding from a pontoon or jetty, and there’s even a drive-from-wheelchair console which enables people to drive the boat themselves.

Claire Lovelock from Manor Green School said: “At Manor Green School we have been lucky enough to enjoy incredible trips both bellboating and on wheelyboats to allow our SEND users opportunities they wouldn’t have had without this amazing team at Bisham.”

Attendees at the naming ceremony on September 10 also included trustees of the Greaves and Withey Foundation, Dementia Action Marlow and SERCO.

Full details of the charity can be found here: www.accessibleboatingthames.org