Broads boating charity showcases improvements at open day
A Broads charity, which provides boating activities for people with disabilities, has held a curtain-raising event to mark the start of its summer season.
Norfolk boating charity the Nancy Oldfield Trust hosted an open day at Barton Broad to kick off the spring/summer season. Picture: Archant
The Nancy Oldfield Trust (NOT) organised the open day to showcase several recent improvements at its Neatishead headquarters.
These include a new slip-way and truck, to assist in the maintenance of the charity’s fleet of boats, as well as a new hoist for its pontoon base on Barton Broad – known as the Ark – which can help people in and out of vessels.
The Trust provides sailing, canoeing and motor boating activities for individuals who may otherwise struggle to get out on the water.
The event last Friday was organised as an opportunity for representatives from other local charities and groups to find out how their members could benefit from using the NOT’s facilities.
Norfolk boating charity the Nancy Oldfield Trust hosted an open day at Barton Broad to kick off the spring/summer season. Picture: Archant
Stephen Bradnock, the manager of the centre, says: “This was an opportunity for people to find out more about the full range of activities we offer.
“We sometimes think we are in something of a hidden part of the Broads – which is wonderful, of course – but we do want as many people as possible to know about us and see if they could benefit from our facilities.”
Norfolk boating charity the Nancy Oldfield Trust hosted an open day at Barton Broad to kick off the spring/summer season. Picture: Archant
He adds: “The charity relies on donations large and small, so this was also a chance to say thank you to some organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions to help us make some big changes, from which our clients have already been benefitting.”
The charity operates throughout the year, with a self-catering bungalow available and boating opportunities taking place all through the winter. However, its water-based activities increase greatly in the summer.
The Trust is expecting to benefit from a boost to its profile later this year, as it is an official charity for the Run Norwich event. Funds raised by the race will go towards the costs of a new motor cruiser.
The Trust is one of three Run Norwich charities, along with the Community Sports Foundation, Norwich City FC’s official charity partner, and Headway, which supports people affected by brain injuries. The annual 10k run will take place through the streets of Norwich on Sunday, July 21.
Norfolk boating charity the Nancy Oldfield Trust hosted an open day at Barton Broad to kick off the spring/summer season. Picture: Archant
To find out more, visit www.nancyoldfield.org.uk
Story by Bethany Whymark, courtesy of Eastern Daily Press
https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/nancy-oldfield-trust-norfolk-barton-broad-run-norwich-2019-1-6053543
