ANYONE looking for a peaceful day out in beautiful countryside could take advantage of a trip on Warrington Disability Partnership’s narrow boat the Wizard.
The 37-feet long boat, which is fully accessible, is available for hire by groups, families and organizations for a reasonable suggested donation.
A variety of trips are available and can include stops for a pub lunch, fish and chips or bring a picnic.
Wizard trips start from Thorn Marine, Stockton Heath, and can be tailored to a group’s needs. Itineraries include the picturesque village of Lymm, a visit to The Barn Owl pub at Oughtrington or a visit the Medieval ruins at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.
WDP Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Thomas recently took a trip on the boat.
She said: “It was very relaxing just sailing along the canal looking at the scenery, listening to the birds singing and having a chat with the other passengers.
“The staff running the trip were very professional. They entertained us with stories about the places and houses we were passing – and we all enjoyed fish and chips on board. It was a great trip.”
The specially adapted accessible boat is complete with ramps, a passenger lift, accessible toilet and central heating for cold days. There is also a kettle so guests can enjoy a fresh cup of tea as they cruise along the Bridgewater Canal.
WDP owns and runs the Wizard and it aims to give disabled people, their carers, families and friends a day out. It is available to families and groups in the Warrington area and the only criteria is that there must be a person on board who is disabled or may have access problems on other boats.
The Wizard is crewed by friendly, experienced volunteers who enjoy driving the boat and chatting to passengers. The boat can accommodate up to 10 people dependent on the number of wheelchair passengers (a wheelchair counts as two places unless the user transfers to a seat and it is stored on the roof).
The boat is generally used from March to October and people often book the boat for more than one trip, so they can see the changing seasons. Many people return each year for a trip on the Wizard.
The suggested minimum donation for families hiring the boat is £75. For all other groups such as nursing homes, businesses, clubs and day centres, it is £115.
Further information is available by phoning the Wizard on 01925 240064 or by emailing [email protected]
Enjoy a Wizard day out!
00 Comments
Share.
About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
