Tea party thanks to Rivertime volunteers
RIVERTIMEBoat Trust recently held a special tea party aboard The New Orleans to thank its volunteers for their continued support of the charity and their efforts over the past two years.
The trust and its team of more than 50 volunteers provide opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged children and adults to enjoy the stretch of the RiverThames from Oxford toWindsor.
After being unable to run trips in 2020, the charity began offering limited trips in 2021 and started its season late in 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The tea party on the River Thames was a way of thanking and honouring its dedicated volunteers for their continued service during a challenging time.
Trustees chairman Chris Barrett said: “This event was a way to thank them for their commitment, enthusiasm, and professionalism in delivering an experience unlike any other to disabled and disadvantaged adults, children and young people. We have completed over 162 outings this year with care home residents, charities, community groups, SEN schools, and families, which wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers.”
Hobbs of Henley provided The New Orleans free of charge to Rivertime Boat Trust for the four-hour event, which included entertainment from band Ukes of Hazard and an afternoon buffet provided by Time for Tea Vintage.
On the trip, Simon Davis, president of Rivertime Boat Trust, presented recently retired volunteerswith certificates as a final thank you. Skippers Alan Gapes, Derek Bayley, Tim Lodge, Ian Tritton, plus crew members Liz Atlay and Nigel Webb, had all volunteered for the charity since its early days. Collectively, they have taken out more than 550 groups on the RiverThames prior to their retirement.
About Rivertime Boat Trust
The Rivertime Boat Trust is a charity registered with the Charity Commission to provide and maintain a specially constructed boat and other facilities for the disabled and disadvantaged. https://rivertimeboattrust.org.uk/