Boat trust receives funds from annual boat parade

PROCEEDS from the Illuminated Boat Parade in Henley have been handed to a charity which provides River Thames experiences for disabled and disadvantaged adults and children.

The Rivertime Boat Trust, founded in 2006, received a cheque worth £1,477.12.

More than 5,000 spectators attended this year’s annual free event, which took place on September 20.

About 50 boats of all shapes, sizes and ages, as well as powered and unpowered boats, paraded along the Henley Reach.

Lucy Herbert, Darrel Poulos and Jeremy Jensen, three volunteers from the trust, collected £977 of bucket and card donations on the evening. The boat parade added £500.

Poppy Bishop, a wheelchair user, attended the parade with 12 of her family and friends, in the charity’s boat, which had an “All you need is love” theme.

It featured a 4ft high flashing heart, supplied by Louise Taylor from TLC Decor. Ms Herbert, the managing skipper, said the charity has just completed its busiest season in 18 years, with 250 outings, carrying about 300 wheelchair users.

She said the funds will be used to provide more subsidised river trips next season, as well as assist with general daily running costs.

She said: “The money raised will enable more people to enjoy the freedom of being out on the water with us next season.”

Claire Knott, from Peppard Common, the parade organiser, said: “We are so happy to support Lucy and her team because of the great things they do. The trust is a great charity. Its also has a great team of volunteers who are so enthusiastic, come along and are happy to shake the buckets and interact with spectators.”

Ms Knott said the parade needed more sponsors for next year. To support, email lights@
illuminatedparade.com