Broads Authority helps fund new cruiser for disabled visitors
The Nancy Oldfield Trust launched a new £120,000 motor cruiser specially adapted for its disabled and disadvantaged visitors on Thursday September 9th at its headquarters on Barton Broad.
The 36 ft long craft, built locally by Haines Marine of Catfield, was commissioned by the High Sheriff of Norfolk, Charles Barratt, and blessed by the Rev Neville Khambatta at a celebration to which fundraisers were invited.
The Nancy Oldfield Trust provides holidays and all kinds of waterborne activities, including sailing and canoeing, to disabled and disadvantaged visitors and their carers.
The Broads Authority provided £30,000 towards the cruiser through its Sustainable Development Fund and the rest has been raised by supporters, and the sale of other craft.
The cruiser, named Nancy Bee II, replaces the Trust’s old motor cruiser, Nancy Bee, which, at over 40 years old was one of the first fibreglass boats to be moulded on the Broads. Nancy Bee, which has taken thousands of visitors out on the Broads during the 20 years the Trust has owned her, has now been sold. Nancy Bee was the name of Trust founder, Richard Kenyon’s mother.
“The new Nancy Bee will be a huge asset to the Trust and will greatly improve the visitor experience we offer,” said Centre Manager Robin Slatter. “We are very grateful to the Broads Authority and all our supporters for their generous contributions.”
The new cruiser has a lift, modified floors and windows in the cabin so people in wheelchairs can see out and an electrically powered adjustable driving seat to cater for a range of heights. It also has a disabled friendly toilet and a galley.
The ceremony took place on Nancy Oldfield Trust’s floating base, the Ark, on Barton Broad.
This is the second cruiser the Broads Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund has grant aided for the Trust. In 2004 it gave £20,000 towards a £65,000 electric motor cruiser, “White Admiral,” also built by Haines Marine.
For more information on Nancy Oldfield Trust visit www.nancyoldfield.org
03/09/10
