Getting disabled, and otherwise immobile people, out on the river Thames

If you are disabled, a wheelchair user perhaps, or just less mobile these days then perhaps you have wondered just how you can get out on the river and enjoy a boating experience – nature watching, fishing, picnicking or simply enjoying some time on the water.

Well, whilst it was nigh on impossible just a few months ago, times have changed and it is now not only possible but available free of charge (although a small donation is welcomed!) and in easy reach of anyone living in the Thames Valley or in sight of the Chilterns.

The Wallingford Accessible Boat Club (WABC) is a small charity, totally volunteer based, which enables disabled people to get out and about on the River Thames at Wallingford. At the heart of the operation is our Wheelyboat, WOW-one, a purpose-built flat-bottomed craft with a drop down bow which allows wheelchair users as well as the ‘walking wounded’, friends and family to get on and off the craft, safely and securely.

The WABC service allows clients ( typically groups of 8 or less) to make contact with our booking team and arrange a 1-2 hour trip.

Since June we have undertaken more than a dozen voyages with over 65 passengers – and the reaction from them, without exception, has been simply amazing! We have received some great testimonials:

“….. Thank you for the most wonderful afternoon today! Your volunteers were fabulous crew and my whole family had the best time, particularly my young son! Thank you for making this possible, we really hope to be able to join you all again soon! ….. “

On a final note. From April next year we are hoping to offer a greater number of voyages and to do that we would like to recruit additional volunteer crews. We need to find river- loving people with boating experience and some spare time on their hands, with a desire to help others. Further details are available to anyone interested, full training will be available.

Please contact john.jenkins@wabc.org.uk or visit our website at www.wabc.org.uk for more information on volunteering or enjoying a trip on WOW 1.