Rivertime Boat Trust Thanks Volunteers With Thames Tea Party

Rivertime Boat Trust held a special tea party aboard The New Orleans on Wednesday 19th October to thank its volunteers for their continued support of the charity and their efforts over the past two years.

Rivertime Boat Trust and its team of over 50 volunteers provide opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged children and adults to enjoy the stretch of the River Thames from Oxford to Windsor.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the charity was unable to run trips in 2020, but began offering limited trips in 2021 and started its season late in 2022. Last week’s tea party on the Thames was the Trust’s way of thanking and honouring its dedicated volunteers for their continued service during a challenging time.

Hobbs of Henley provided The New Orleans free of charge 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 volunteers with 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 over 550 groups on the River Thames prior to their retirement.

Chris Barrett, Chair of Trustees of the Rivertime Boat Trust, said, “It has been another busy year for Rivertime Boat Trust, putting lots of smiles on faces. The charity would not be here without our volunteers; we have made a difference to many people’s lives, and it truly is humbling. 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.”