The Wallingford Accessible Boat Club (WABC) is celebrating a record-breaking season, having provided life-changing experiences on the water to hundreds of disabled and less mobile individuals.
Between April and September, the charity facilitated 162 trips, an impressive 65 per cent increase compared to the previous year. These outings catered to more than 750 passengers of all ages, marking a significant 59 per cent rise in total ridership. The surge in popularity for the service has been so pronounced that by the end of July, the charity had already fully booked all remaining trips for the rest of the season.
John Jenkins, chairman of the Wallingford Accessible Boat Club, expressed his delight at the milestone figures. “We are absolutely thrilled,” he said. “These figures represent a remarkable season and are a tremendous tribute to our incredible team of volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to give more people than ever the chance to enjoy being out on the river.”
For the charity, the mission extends far beyond simple recreation. Mr. Jenkins emphasized that the “Wheelyboat” outings provide a vital service to the community, offering a sense of autonomy that many passengers might otherwise struggle to find.
“For many of our passengers, these aren’t simply enjoyable boat trips,” Mr. Jenkins added. “The experience of getting out on the water can be genuinely transformative, bringing a real sense of freedom and enjoyment as well as benefits to health and wellbeing.”
While the season was bolstered by favorable weather conditions, the club noted that it was not without its challenges. Periods of extreme heat forced the cancellation of some planned outings, meaning that had the weather remained consistent throughout, the total passenger numbers could have been even higher.
Looking ahead, the charity is now setting its sights on further growth to keep pace with the rising demand for accessible river travel. To achieve this, the WABC has issued an urgent call for more volunteers to join their ranks. By increasing their volunteer base, the club hopes to expand its capacity and ensure that even more people in the community can enjoy the benefits of time on the water next season.
Those interested in supporting the charity or learning more about the opportunities to volunteer are encouraged to visit their website at www.wabc.org.uk.
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