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Earlier News and Events
- Bristol Sailability launch first Mk IV Wheelyboat
- Coulam 16 Wheelyboat for Co Waterford trout lough
- Coulam 16 Wheelyboat for Hanningfield Reservoir
- Mk III Wheelyboat for Rudyard Lake
- Coulam 16 Wheelyboat delivered to Fell Foot Country Park
- Refurbished Mk I Wheelyboats
- Third Wheelyboat for Eyebrook Trout Fishery
- Mk III Wheelyboat launched on the River Fowey at Golant
- Mk III Wheelyboat launched on Stithians Lake
- Bristol Sailability Wheelyboat Project
- Danny Peet catches record rainbow from a Wheelyboat
- Father and Son Aim for African Summit to Improve Disabled Access to the River Tay
- Moc Morgan launches Llandegfedd Reservoir Mk III
- Bernard Cribbins becomes a Patron of the Trust
- Fiona Armstrong launches Castle Loch Mk III
- Trust wins Most Innovative Product Award at the CLA Game Fair
- HRH Prince Philip visits Wheelyboat Trust stand at CLA Game Fair
- Coulam 16 Wheelyboat launched on Rutland Water
- Wheelyboat Rainbow Reel-In winners announced
- Tweed Foundation Charity Auction and Dinner
- New Mk III Wheelyboat launched at Siblyback Reservoir near Liskeard
- New fishing competition launched for Wheelyboat users at Eyebrook Trout Fishery.
- New Mk III Wheelyboat replaces the old Mk I model at Clatworthy Reservoir
- Refurbished Mk I Wheelyboat to Hallington Reservoirs, Northumberland.
- Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall launches new Mk III Wheelyboat at Sutton Bingham Reservoir
- Second Wheelyboat is delivered to the Munster Blackwater in Ireland
- Mk III Wheelyboat to Staylittle Outdoor Centre, Llanbrynmair
Bristol Sailability launch first Mk IV Wheelyboat
On 29th October 2010, Dawn Primorolo MP formally launched a new wheelchair accessible Wheelyboat in Bristol Docks. The new boat, named ‘Aiming High’ after its principal sponsor, provides disabled people of all ages, and children in particular, with hassle-free and independent access to waterborne activities provided by Bristol Sailability in Bristol Docks and further afield on the River Avon and its estuary.
The new boat, a Mk IV Wheelyboat, is the result of a joint venture between Bristol Sailability and The Wheelyboat Trust. Its launch was the culmination of a year's hard work in which the two charities worked together to identify, fundraise, purchase and equip a suitable craft for the needs of Bristol Sailability and the disabled people they help.
In addition, the project's successful outcome has identified and evaluated a larger, more versatile wheelchair accessible craft than The Wheelyboat Trust previously had available in its portfolio of Wheelyboat models. Being the largest Wheelyboat to date, the Mk IV model will help the Trust facilitate similar projects countrywide and provide more opportunities for disabled people to participate in waterborne activities alongside and on equal terms with their able-bodied counterparts.
Thanks to their new boat, Bristol Sailability can now include disabled people throughout every level of activity and instruction available at their site, a goal their previous fleet of boats was unable to attain. For example, as well as being wheelchair accessible, the Mk IV Wheelyboat is specially designed to be wheelchair operable so disabled people can helm the boat themselves. This opens up a whole new area of experience, even for those with the most severe disabilities.
The project was funded thanks to the generosity of:
Bristol City Council's Aiming High Team
The Starfish Trust
The Lord's and Lady Taverners
The Boshier-Hinton Foundation
The Scobell Charitable Trust
The Alchemy Foundation
John Lewis Community Fund
The Lloyd Robinson Family Charitable Trust
Bristol Sailability and The Wheelyboat Trust are immensely grateful to all the donors for their tremendous support.
Dawn Primorolo MP (right) launches ‘Aiming High’ with help from Bristol Sailability's Steve Evans (middle).
Coulam 16 Wheelyboat for Co Waterford trout lough
Waterford City & County Trout Anglers Association in Ireland launched their new Coulam 16 Wheelyboat. For report and photo click here.
Coulam 16 Wheelyboat for Hanningfield Reservoir
Hanningfield Reservoir took delivery of its new Coulam 16 Wheelyboat on 14th September 2010. The new Wheelyboat is one of three part-funded in 2010 by The Peter Harrison Foundation. The other two are for Grafham Water and Bewl Water.
Hanningfield's new Wheelyboat replaces one of its two older Mk I models. The Mk I has since been recovered, refurbished with a grant from The Gerald Micklem Charitable Trust and is awaiting a new home. The plan is to replace the second Mk I with a Coulam 16 Wheelyboat in 2011.
Hanningfield Reservoir, near Chelmsford, is a mixed fishery trout and coarse owned and managed by Essex and Suffolk Water Co.
Perry Woolner (left) Commercial Manager of Essex & Suffolk Water with Andy Beadsley of The Wheelyboat Trust.
Mk III Wheelyboat for Rudyard Lake
Rudyard Lake's new Mk III Wheelyboat was officially launched on 8th August 2010. Rudyard Lake, near Leek, is a 200 year old canal head reservoir that has been popular with day trippers since the early 1800s. A variety of activities are catered for on site canoeing, rowing boats, sailing, cycling, angling, walking, etc. It is looked after by the Rudyard Lake Trust. There is a new shop, cafι and activity centre all of which are accessible.
Their Wheelyboat was funded by Awards For All, Staffordshire Community Foundation and The Rudyard Lake League of Friends. It has a multi-purpose role enabling disabled people to participate in coarse fishing, pleasure boating and nature watching. It is propelled by a powerful but quiet Torqeedo electric outboard giving disabled people access to lake's entire 2½ mile length.
Terry Moseley (left), President of the British Disabled Angling Association and Danny Peet, Trustee of The Wheelyboat Trust.
Coulam 16 Wheelyboat delivered to Fell Foot Country Park
A Coulam 16 Wheelyboat has been delivered to the National Trust's Fell Foot Country Park , Lake Windermere. A new pontoon is being built to accommodate it in time for the 2011 season commencing in April. The Wheelyboat is available for angling, pleasure boating and nature watching.
Refurbished Mk I Wheelyboats
Refurbished Mk I Wheelyboats have been supplied to Blenheim Estate and Kennick Reservoir, March 2010.
Third Wheelyboat for Eyebrook Trout Fishery
Eyebrook's latest addition to its fleet of Wheelyboats, a Coulam 16 Wheelyboat, was launched on Tuesday, 18th May. It joins a Mk I and Mk II already in operation at the popular Leicestershire trout fishery, the venue with the most-used Wheelyboats in the UK. The Coulam 16 Wheelyboat is a purpose-built fishing boat designed and built in partnership with JM Coulam Boatbuilders. It provides disabled anglers with a roll-on, roll-off wheelchair accessible boat that looks and performs exactly the same as a standard fishing boat. Grateful thanks to the following for their generous help funding the new boat: Corus UK Ltd, Wavell Wakefield & Middlesex Sports Foundation, Florence Turner Trust, Leicestershire & Rutland Masonic Association, Maud Elkington Charitable Trust, Aylesford Family Trust, Ormonde Foundation, David Laing Foundation, Ammco Trust. For bookings telephone 01536 770264 or on the web at www.eyebrook.com.
Jim Coulam (boatbuilder), Andy Miller (Eyebrook's manager), Andy Beadsley, David Carter (Leicestershire & Rutland Masonic Association).
Mk III Wheelyboat launched on the River Fowey at Golant
Dick Strawbridge, local celebrity and campaigner for all things sustainable, launched the Mk III Wheelyboat at Golant on Friday, 9th April.
At 5.3m long the Mk III is a versatile craft with a carrying capacity of eight people including wheelchairs. This one has been fitted with a drive-from-wheelchair console enabling people with the most severe disabilities to experience the thrill of driving the boat themselves. The Mk III Wheelyboat has been designed for multi-purpose use enabling disabled people to fish, go pleasure boating and nature watching, etc as easily and independently as their able bodied counterparts. There is plenty of space on board for tackle and other equipment.
The Wheelyboat at Golant will be managed and operated by Trust supporters, Ann and Alan Barker, who live in the village. They will provide local and visiting disabled people with guided boating on the river for bird and nature watching, pleasure trips and angling. There is more than 5 miles of navigable river estuary between Fowey and Lostwithiel for trips like these. Up until now, no public access to these activities has existed on the Fowey estuary for disabled people, especially wheelchair users.
This project is a new departure for the Trust - it is the first ever Wheelyboat on estuarial waters. (The Mk III complies fully with regulations governing the supply of boats for this purpose and the boat itself is fully licensed as a trip boat by the harbour master). The estuary at Golant and the various creeks that branch off the main channel are relatively sheltered, but it is salt water nonetheless, and will give the Wheelyboat's users a real flavour of the sea. However, the most exciting feature of this project is the access it will provide to disabled people to a secluded and accessible floating bird hide owned by Ann and Alan in Penpoll Creek.
The South West is the busiest region in the UK for Wheelyboat provision and availability. There are now fourteen Wheelyboats between Dorset and Cornwall. Together they create a ‘critical mass’ of the facility in the region, the publicising and promotion of which is expertly handled by our very enthusiastic and dedicated South West Regional Volunteer, Rex Harpham.
The new Wheelyboat has been supplied by The Wheelyboat Trust and funded by Ann & Alan Barker, Lord Barnby's Foundation, Percy Bilton Charity, Environment Agency, Leonard Laity Stoate Charitable Trust, Marjorie & Geoffrey Jones Charitable Trust, St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust, Cornwell Charitable Trust, Norman Family Charitable Trust. We are extremely grateful to all the funders for their support.
To book the Wheelyboat, telephone Ann or Alan on 0845 5195261.
Dick Strawbridge and Alan Barker.
Mk III Wheelyboat launched on Stithians Lake
Stithians Lake near Redruth, Cornwall, is the newest Mk III Wheelyboat venue. The launch ceremony took place in wet and windy conditions on Tuesday, March 22nd. Wheelyboat user and Environment Agency's Regional Fisheries, Environment and Recreation Advisory Committee member, Gillian Matthews, formally declared the Wheelyboat launched. Also in attendance was Peter Bartlett, Patron of South West Lakes Trust and Chris Klee, chairman of the EA's RFERAC committee.
The Wheelyboat was funded by the EA and The Hedley Foundation and in the speeches preceding the launch both organisations were warmly praised for their support. The Wheelyboat will be available for disabled people to use for angling (Stithians is a trout fishery), nature watching and pleasure boating. It will be operated by South West Lakes Trust, the lake's owners, and is the 14th Wheelyboat operating in the region. It will accommodate a maximum of eight adults including four wheelchairs quite comfortably.
To book the Wheelyboat please contact the Stithians Watersports Centre on 01209 860301. For more information about the lake visit www.swlakestrust.org.uk/leisure-activities/watersports/stithians-lake.
Stithians Wheelyboat Launch. Gillian Matthews, Committee member of RFERAC, pops the champagne with l-r Chris Klee, Chairman of RFERAC, Martin Wheeler, Environment Agency and Peter Bartlett, Patron of the South West Lakes Trust.
Bristol Sailability Wheelyboat Project
Bristol Sailability and The Wheelyboat Trust have joined forces to identify and equip a suitable 12 seater wheelchair accessible power boat for Bristol Sailability to operate in Bristol Docks and further afield on the River Avon and its estuary. In addition, the project's successful outcome will have identified and evaluated a larger, more versatile wheelchair accessible craft than the Trust currently has available in its portfolio of Wheelyboat models. Thus, the project will equip the Trust with a brand new Wheelyboat model to add to its range. Being the largest Wheelyboat to date, it will enable the Trust to initiate similar projects countrywide and provide more opportunities for disabled people to participate in waterborne activities alongside and on equal terms with their able-bodied counterparts.
Bristol Sailability aims to include disabled people throughout every level of activity and instruction available at their site, a goal their current fleet of boats is unable to attain. For example, as well as being wheelchair accessible, the new boat is specially designed to be ‘wheelchair operable’ so disabled people can helm the boat themselves. This opens up a whole new area of experience, even for those with the most severe disabilities.
One of the Wheelyboat Trust's latest projects (on the River Fowey estuary where a Mk III Wheelyboat operates as a trip boat taking disabled people bird watching, sightseeing and angling) has helped demonstrate the need for the Trust to add a larger craft to its portfolio that can be:
- Used as a trip boat, pleasure boat or small ferry
- Helmed by a crew yet still allowing plenty of space for disabled passengers
- Safe and stable with better weather protection for passengers even on more exposed waters such as estuaries and inshore waters
- More beneficial than current Wheelyboat models for groups and organisations such as outward bound centres where larger groups of people need accommodating
The use to which Bristol Sailability will be putting their Wheelyboat is also a good template for the type of project the Trust is expecting to help in the future with the availability of the new model.
An ‘off-the-shelf’ model built in the UK and sold primarily as a work boat has been identified and tested. It fulfils all the criteria necessary for use both by Bristol Sailability and by The Wheelyboat Trust as its brand new Wheelyboat model, the Mk IV. The boat is a 21' Sea Rover with a remote operated electric bow ramp. The package chosen includes an 80hp Suzuki outboard, console, A frame, navigation lights, side rails, wheelchair tracking installed on the deck, bimini cover and seats for non-wheelchair users.
Funds are currently being raised to supply the new boat and it is hoped it will be on the water in Bristol in July 2010.
Danny Peet catches record rainbow from a Wheelyboat
Toft Newton's fishery record was smashed by Danny Peet in February with the capture of
this 17lb rainbow trout. Fishing deep and slow in cold conditions, the trout took a white lure
before being photographed and returned. Toft Newton is a small reservoir in rural Lincolnshire
and fishes consistently well throughout the year. It has one of the original Wheelyboat models,
the Mk I, and offers disabled anglers a warm welcome and good fishing.
For further info go to www.toftnewton.com.
Father and Son Aim for African Summit to Improve Disabled Access to the River Tay - News Release 12th October 2009
A former Royal Navy officer and his son embark for Central Africa later this month to raise funds for an ambitious project that will revolutionise access for disabled anglers and others to the Tay, one of Scotland's greatest rivers and its tributaries. Jim and David McDonald aim to raise at least £5,000 by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent's highest peak at 19,360 ft. The monies raised will boost the River Tay Wheelyboat Appeal, being launched to provide specialist boats for the disabled to enjoy fishing and other activities such as nature watching on the river.
Jim McDonald, who lives at Scone and now works as a part-time ghillie on the Rivers Tay and Earn, explained: “During almost four decades in the Navy, salmon angling trips during periods of leave were always something to look forward to. However, as a serviceman one was always intensely aware of colleagues and friends suffering permanent injuries and thus becoming disabled. There is absolutely no reason why they and indeed so many other disabled people from all walks of life should not also be able to enjoy the great pleasure of spending time fishing or indulging in other pastimes on the Tay. Wheelyboats, with their unique design, make such access possible”.
Lieutenant McDonald added: “Over the past few weeks my son and I have been training intensively for the tough challenge ahead by tackling many of Perthshire's peaks including Ben Lawers, Ben Vorlich, Ben Chonzie and Ben Vrackie”.
Lorna Bromley-Martin, Development Manager for the Tay Foundation which is running the Wheelyboat Appeal, commented: “Jim and David's initiative looks set to kickstart this particularly worthwhile project, which will transform access for the less able-bodied to the River Tay and its tributaries. We wish them all good fortune with their adventure and hope that as many individuals and organisations as possible will give them the financial support that they deserve”.
The Appeal has a target of at least £50,000 - not only to purchase Coulam 16 Wheelyboats for disabled people but also to endow a fund for the ongoing servicing and running costs of the project and the provision of specially designated supervisory staff.
Jim and David McDonald depart on October 24. Further details of the Kilimanjaro climb, for which six days have been allocated, are available at www.tayfoundation.org. Online donations may be made on the Tay Foundation Page of “Justgiving.com” - www.justgiving.com/rivertayfoundation.
September 2009
Refurbished Mk I delivered to Blackdyke Trout Fishery, Lakenheath.
Moc Morgan launches Llandegfedd Reservoir Mk III
Welsh angling legend Moc Morgan launched Llandegfedd Reservoir's new Mk III Wheelyboat on March 25th. Designed to provide disabled people with hassle-free and independent access to the water, it joins the fleet of angling boats and is the 125th Wheelyboat to be supplied by The Wheelyboat Trust.
Llandegfedd is owned by Welsh Water and run by United Utilities Operational Services and is the largest trout fishery in south Wales. It is close to the conurbations of Newport and Cardiff and only 15 minutes from the M4. Its 430 acres offer excellent fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout, is home to an abundance of wildlife and has been classified a SSSI for overwintering wildfowl.
The new Wheelyboat has been funded by Dwr Cymru Welsh Water. It replaces the original Mk I Wheelyboat situated at Llandegfedd for many years and now at the end of its useful life.
(l to r) Andy Beadsley (Director, Wheelyboat Trust), Richard Poole and Wendy Hamer-Harries (Welsh Water), Moc Morgan (Welsh S&TA)
Bernard Cribbins becomes a Patron of the Trust
Well-loved character actor of cinema, stage, TV and radio, musical comedian and passionate angler, Bernard Cribbins, has joined the Trust's illustrious list of Patrons. Bernard's connection with the charity goes right back to its beginning he was present at the launch with HRH Prince Charles at Fishmongers' Hall in 1985. In more recent years Bernard has been presenting the Alan Faulkner Memorial Award at the CLA Game Fair and helped raise funds for the Wheelyboat at Bushyleaze Trout Fishery.
Andy Beadsley, Director, said ‘This excellent news is long overdue. Bernard has been a loyal supporter from the outset and the Trust is honoured to have him on board as its newest Patron.’
Bernard presenting this year's Alan Faulkner Memorial Award
Fiona Armstrong launches Castle Loch Mk III
Scotland's newest wheelchair accessible Wheelyboat “Willan Ahoy” was launched on Castle Loch, Lochmaben, Dumfriesshire on 30th October by TV's Fiona Armstrong, ably assisted by Martin Mitchell, Fishery Manager and John Hood, Field Officer for the Wheelyboat Trust. Also in attendance were Shona Warwick and Donald Paterson from Barony College, Mark Alton and John Rae from the Professional Anglers Association and Ross Gemmell from Annandale and Eskdale Ranger Service. Fiona also did a short news item on the boat and its use, which was aired on Border TV's evening news.
Castle Loch, Scotland's Premier coarse fishery, with many Scottish records, is an ideal venue for the new Mk III Wheelyboat. Its primary use will be for fishing but there have already been enquiries from other sectors wishing to use the boat for nature watching and boat trips. Martin Mitchell is keen to get the boat used by as many different groups as often as possible and will be promoting its use at shows and fairs throughout the Dumfries and Galloway area and further afield. As well as Fishery Manager at Castle Loch, Martin runs courses at Barony College and the boat will be used by its disabled students as an educational resource providing them with access to the loch and other local waters.
Funding for the purchase of the Mk III was generously donated by Peter Willan through the Willan Charitable Trust. Mr Willan, who regularly supports causes for disabled people, was delighted to help with this project. He is a keen angler and hopes the new Wheelyboat will encourage more disabled people to take up the activity.
The Wheelyboat Trust's Mk III Wheelyboat, with its bow door that lowers to form a ramp, is a multi purpose boat that can be used by individuals or groups of up to five adult wheelchair users, for fishing, pleasure boating or nature watching. The boat is also well suited as a trip boat or small ferry, benefiting a broader spectrum of disabled people across a wide range of waters. Its open level deck provides access to all corners of the boat and enables disabled people to helm the boat themselves if they wish. The Wheelyboat solves the problem of access faced by many disabled people on and around water it is simplicity itself to board, provides a safe and stable platform and enables disabled people to participate in waterborne activities alongside and on equal terms with their able bodied counterparts.
(l to r) Martin Mitchell, anonymous camera man, John Hood, John Rae, Fiona Armstrong, Shona Warwick, Don Paterson, Mark Alton
Trust wins Most Innovative Product Award at the CLA Game Fair
A new award for the Most Innovative Product on show at the CLA Game Fair (Blenheim Palace, July 25th to 27th) has been won by The Wheelyboat Trust for its latest Wheelyboat model the Coulam 16 Wheelyboat.
Jointly developed by The Wheelyboat Trust and JM Coulam Boatbuilders, the Coulam 16 Wheelyboat is a purpose-built fishing boat that provides disabled anglers with step-free access on board via bank or pontoon. The design is based on Jim Coulam's standard 16' reservoir fishing boat with some ingenious modifications incorporated during construction. For the first time, disabled anglers have the use of an accessible boat that looks and performs like all the other boats in the fleet. Indeed, even though it has been modified to provide hassle-free wheelchair access, it is a boat that anyone can use with no diminution in performance compared to standard boats in the fleet. It is a genuinely dual-purpose craft a boat that can be used on exactly the same terms by any angler, disabled or not.
The first production model was purchased by Anglian Water plc for use on Rutland Water. The Trust is delighted to have won the award. Andy Beadsley, Director, said ‘This new Wheelyboat ticks all the boxes in terms of accessibility, looks and performance. Disabled anglers have long been waiting for a boat that competes on equal terms with those their able bodied counterparts use. We must thank Jim Coulam for his expertise and enthusiasm which was fundamental in turning the design from idea into reality’.
Vincent Hedley Lewis (left), Chairman of the CLA Game Fair Committee, and Jonny Beardsall (right) present Andy Beadsley, Director of The Wheelyboat Trust, with the CLA Game Fair's Most Innovative Product award.
HRH Prince Philip visits Wheelyboat Trust stand at CLA Game Fair
The Trust was honoured to receive a visit from Prince Philip who admired the two Wheelyboats on show including the award winning Coulam 16 Wheelyboat.
Prince Philip inspects the award winning Wheelyboat with Andy Beadsley and Vincent Hedley Lewis.
Coulam 16 Wheelyboat launched on Rutland Water
The first production model of the Coulam 16 Wheelyboat has been purchased by Anglian Water and was officially launched at Rutland Water on 4th April. A crowd of well wishers had gathered and heard Jake Williams and Jon Marshall of Anglian Water and Andy Beadsley of The Wheelyboat Trust thank all those concerned for their help bringing the project to fruition. Particular praise went to the CLA Charitable Trust for funding the boat's development from concept to prototype and to Jim Coulam for his enthusiasm and dedication to the project. Andy Beadsley said that it had always been a goal of his since becoming Director of the Trust to develop a portfolio of different craft that met particular needs and requirements rather than being limited to a one-size-fits-all solution. This new boat was a significant step towards that aim and he hoped it would be the first of many on waters across the UK.
Ray Prince (Trustee, Wheelyboat Trust), Jim Coulam (boat's builder), Danny Peet (Trustee, Wheelyboat Trust), John Seaton (Rutland Water Ranger), Jake Williams (Anglian Water), Jon Marshall (Anglian Water), Andy Beadsley (Director, Wheelyboat Trust).
Danny Peet and Jon Marshall discuss the merits of the boat's boarding arrangement.
The boat will provide access to the reservoir's excellent trout fishing. It means that disabled anglers finally have hassle-free use of a boat that looks and performs like all the other boats in the angling fleet. They can truly fish on equal terms with their able-bodied counterparts. While the Mk II Wheelyboat has been available on Rutland since 2005, some anglers feel conspicuous and at a disadvantage using it. This new boat not only means and end to the undignified manhandling of disabled anglers in and out of standard boats, but also brings relief to the fishery staff and their bad backs!
For more info on the Coulam 16 Wheelyboat click here.
Please take time to look at our earlier news and events and the current and past editions of the Waterwheels newsletter.
Wheelyboat Rainbow Reel-In winners announced
Sponsored by Corus Tubes, the Wheelyboat Rainbow Reel-In Competition held at Eyebrook Trout Fishery came to a close on 1st October with four anglers netting generous prizes to a total value of £700.
Ken Waters of Wing, Rutland won a £400 Eyebrook Tackle Shop voucher for the heaviest bag of 8 fish, weighing in at 17lbs 11ozs.
Fred Kettle of Wigston, Leicestershire, won a £200 voucher for the heaviest single rainbow which tipped the scales at 5lb 4ozs.
Don Pack, of Wellingborough, and John Gale, of Wing, both won £50 vouchers after their names were drawn out of the hat.
Ken was also the proud winner of no less than 5 of the 12 monthly prizes donated by Stuart Illsley of the Eyebrook Tackle Shop.
The competition was run very successfully on behalf of the Wheelyboat Trust by the staff at Eyebrook Trout Fishery in Leicestershire. Without their help and support, along with that of Stuart and the Corus Group, the first ever competition for disabled anglers using the specially designed Wheelyboats would never have happened. The Trust's grateful thanks goes to them and to all the anglers who supported the Rainbow Reel-In competition. The Trust would also like to thank Sue Hiatt, its Regional Volunteer in the Midlands, for all the hard work she undertook having conceived the idea and then brought it to fruition.
More details of the Rainbow Reel-In and other awards can be found in our Awards and Competitions section.
Ken is delighted to receive his prize from Ray Prince, a Trustee of the Wheelyboat Trust.
Tweed Foundation Charity Auction and Dinner
Thousands raised for for Tweed Wheelyboats
On 9th October in Kelso, Chris Tarrant, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire's question master (and a passionate angler), and comedian, Mike Osman, hosted a gala charity auction and dinner in aid of Tweed Wheelyboats.
The pair richly entertained the 250 diners and guests throughout the evening, skilfully relieving them of £20 notes at regular intervals. A silent auction was held during dinner and the main live auction followed. There were some extremely desirable lots on offer including a week in October 2008 fishing six of Tweed's finest beats (a once in a lifetime opportunity). Mike Osman proved an expert auctioneer and squeezed every ounce of value from each lot. The six days on six beats went for £15,000!
Nick Yonge (Director, Tweed Foundation), Mike Osman, Chris Tarrant.
The Tweed Wheelyboat is a revolutionary new fishing boat developed by the Trust in conjunction with J M Coulam Boatbuilders specifically for disabled anglers on large rivers like Tweed. The first one, named Tweedability 1, was launched by Chris Tarrant in October 2006. The aim of the auction and dinner was to raise funds to repay the boat's development costs (funded by the Tweed Foundation), purchase two more boats for Tweed and endow The Wheelyboat Trust with funds to enable it to supply boats to other rivers. The evening was a huge success and the money raised exceeded all expectations.
Second Tweed Wheelyboat launched
As a result of publicity for the auction and dinner, an extremely generous benefactor donated funds to enable the second Tweed Wheelyboat (Tweedability 2) to be built in advance of the dinner and it was formally launched on the famous Junction Pool at Kelso on 1st October. Ray Crompton, a wheelchair user, whose friend donated the funds with the needs of Ray in mind, was the first angler to use the boat and christened it by catching a salmon the following day. He said ‘it's a fantastic boat and without it I simply could not get on the river’.
Ray Crompton playing a salmon the first one to be caught from the new boat.
The boat's unique design means that the boatman and angler, between the two of them, can board and disembark easily and safely. This overcomes the major hurdle of access to the river for wheelchair users the banks are steep and inaccessible, while the standard Tweed fishing boats are simply not built for wheelchair use. The Tweed Wheelyboat's success is in no small part due to the boatman who operate the boat and who find it so straightforward to row and control.
The Wheelyboat Trust is extremely grateful to the Tweed Foundation, which organised the entire event, for making it such an enormous success. Tweedability 3 will be launched in 2008.
To book the Tweed Wheelyboat, contact the Tweed Foundation on 01896 848271 or visit their website www.tweedfoundation.org.uk.
New Mk III Wheelyboat launched at Siblyback Reservoir near Liskeard
The new Mk III for Siblyback Lake in Cornwall was launched on 1st May by Lady Mary Holborow, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, in front of more than 100 guests. The boat's principal users will be from the Echo Centre in Liskeard, a day centre for disabled people, which raised the majority of funds enabling them to purchase the boat. They will use it for activity days on the lake in conjunction with their accessible sailing dinghy. The boat will be operated by South West Lakes Trust and will also be available for visitors to hire for trout fishing, pleasure boating and nature watching. The projects principal sponsors were HRH Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, Awards for All and the Environment Agency.
The Wheelyboat has been fitted with adjustable handrails and tracking on the deck to secure wheelchairs for the comfort and safety of its special-needs users.
This project is typical of the wider direction the Trust is taking with Wheelyboat provision. It ticks all the boxes in terms of the variety of activities the boat provides access to, the people who benefit from it and the close cooperation between the project partners. It is the perfect example of the aims of the Wheelyboats For All project taking effect.
Wheelyboat bookings: 01579 342366
Venue website: www.swlakestrust.org.uk
Lady Mary Holborow launches Siblyback's new Wheelyboat with David Knight from the Echo Centre and Andy Beadsley.
Lady Mary Holborow and Echo Centre members take the Wheelyboat on its maiden voyage.
New fishing competition launched for Wheelyboat users at Eyebrook Trout Fishery.
Sponsored by Corus Tubes, the Wheelyboat Rainbow Reel-In Competition runs at
Eyebrook Trout Fishery until 1st October. It is open to all Wheelyboat users
(disabled anglers and their fishing partners) and offers some fantastic prizes.
More details.
New Mk III Wheelyboat replaces the old Mk I model at Clatworthy Reservoir near Taunton
One of the country's most picturesque reservoirs, Clatworthy, took delivery of its brand new Mk III Wheelyboat on 19th April. Its 130 acres offer excellent fly fishing for brown and rainbow trout and is home to an abundance of wildlife. The Mk III upgrades the fisherys old Mk I Wheelyboat which will be fully refurbished and found a new home. The new boat has been jointly funded by Lord Barnby's Foundation, a charitable trust, and Wessex Water plc, Clatworthy's owners.
Wheelyboat bookings: 01984 624658
Website: www.wessexwater.co.uk
Patrick Veale, owner of Lance Nicholson's Guns & Tackle in Dulverton, with his son, Warren, and Andy Beadsley ready for a day's trout fishing after the launch.
Refurbished Mk I Wheelyboat to Hallington Reservoirs, Northumberland.
Westwater Angling Club has acquired a refurbished Mk I Wheelyboat for disabled anglers trout fishing on Hallington Reservoirs. Both reservoirs at Hallington now have Mk Is thanks to Northumbrian Water donating the Mk I from nearby Fontburn Reservoir.
Wheelyboat bookings: 01434 681405
Website: www.westwaterangling.co.uk
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall launches new Mk III Wheelyboat at Sutton Bingham Reservoir near Yeovil
On a bright, spring day, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall charmed guests at the launch of Sutton Bingham's new Wheelyboat with a story of how his father helped him catch a mackerel from Richmond Park when he was six! Ever since, he has been hooked on fishing. The new Wheelyboat replaces Sutton Bingham's old Mk I Wheelyboat and will be available for trout and coarse fishing as well as nature watching and pleasure boating. It has been jointly funded by Lord Barnby's Foundation, a charitable trust, and Wessex Water plc, Sutton Bingham's owners.
Wheelyboat bookings: 01935 872389
Website: www.wessexwater.co.uk
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall pops the bubbly.
Second Wheelyboat is delivered to the Munster Blackwater in Ireland
Fermoy Town & District Anglers have 2 miles of salmon and coarse fishing on Ireland's famous River Blackwater and have acquired their own Wheelyboat to provide disabled anglers with access to the fishing. The boat also takes disabled people, school children, etc on sightseeing tours up the river. The first Blackwater Wheelyboat was supplied in August 2004 and is used by Cappoquin Salmon & Trout Angling Association.
Wheelyboat bookings: 00 353 87 922 3983
Downstream view of the River Blackwater and Fermoy town centre from the Wheelyboat.
Mk III Wheelyboat to Staylittle Outdoor Centre, Llanbrynmair.
Staylittle Outdoor Centre is run by Powys County Council and offers its visitors, mainly educational groups, a wide range of outdoor activities. The Wheelyboat provides disabled visitors with pleasure boating and ferry trips on Llyn Clywedog.
Enquiries: 01686 430630
More news and details of our activities are available in the current and past editions of the Waterwheels newsletters.