Ethel Trust celebrates Queen’s Award
THE recent presentation of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Ethel Trust was a proud moment for the volunteers and trustees who operate the community barge in the Sheffield area.
South Yorkshire’s HM Lord Lieutenant Andrew Coombe was accompanied by Deputy Lieutenants Janet Wheatley and Lady Rowena Montagu Stuart Wortley.
Volunteers and trustees attended the event at Glide House, Attercliffe which, along with the celebration buffet, was provided by supporters and friends at local company Gripple.
The award was received by trustee Keith Levy and David Tuck, fellow trustee and skipper, replied on behalf of the trust. The citation read: ‘For providing exceptional support for disadvantaged people through community barge experiences’.
After the presentation and speeches, the Lord Lieutenant and his deputies chatted with volunteers and viewed pictures of Ethel, old and new, and plans for the future of the trust, including the new barge, Pearl.
The Ethel Trust operates fully accessible barge trips on the Sheffield & Tinsley and Stainforth & Keadby canals, providing day and residential experiences. User groups range from primaryaged children with learning difficulties, young people with mental health issues, to elderly groups in residential care and at risk of social exclusion.
A unique flagship project involves three-day residential trips for learning-disabled youngsters. These ‘Unlocking Confidence’ trips help to develop self-confidence, team working and social skills.