Could you volunteer to keep charity on course?

THE Beatrice Charity is a major local charity and is looking for volunteers to join our friendly crew.

From our base on the Caldon

Canal at Cheddleton, our narrowboat Beatrice runs day trips for children with special or additional educational needs.

Out of term we attract other groups, particularly those that may benefit from our disabled facilities.

Since 2008, each year, on average, Beatrice has carried 620 children on 82 runs; counting teachers and non-school trips we took 1,273 passengers on 122 trips.

This year we are making over 150 trips, the most ever. As a member of the crew you would steer the boat and work the locks. Volunteers need to be reasonably fit, but no boating experience is needed as we provide full training - in time you could become qualified as a skipper.

School trips always have two or more teaching staff present to look after the children but we are happy to help the children to work the locks. We are very flexible about when volunteers serve, and about how often.

The first Beatrice was launched by Princess Anne in 1978 so we are celebrating our 40th anniversary.

The current boat is 20 years old and this winter will see the final phase of its complete overhaul – we replaced the engine last year and now we are to get a new electric lift to help people down into the spacious cabin which has room for up to three people in wheel chairs.

To find out more please email me on beatricecharity@talktalk.net or ring me on 01538 386820.

If you want to learn more about us visit the Beatrice Charity website.