The Baldwin Trust’s 40th anniversary season began on 1st April with smiles and balloons to mark the occasion. The Baldwin Trust have been operating their fully accessible narrowboat cruises along the Leicestershire waterways since 1983, when the Trust was started by Bert Halsey and his wife as a way of providing respite to the patients of the Baldwin Ward at Leicester Frith Hospital. The Trust currently operate 2 narrowboats: Dandelion, from Barrow Boating, and Halseyon Days from Leicester Marina. Both boats are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate up to 12 people.
Many local community groups have benefited from trips along the canals and rivers, with one user recently commenting “it was so tranquil travelling at a slow pace, enjoying each other’s company and the river wildlife”. All cruises are crewed by fully trained volunteers; stops along the route can be arranged, and you are welcome to bring your own picnic and refreshments to enjoy. If you would like to share this experience with family and friends, you can see availability and book online at www.baldwintrust.co.uk or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The Trust are always seeking new volunteers to train as crew and skippers, and to assist with the running of the charity; if you would like to learn a new skill, meet new people and spend time on the water, then we would love to hear from you.
On Saturday 25th March, Beedles Lake Golf Club played host to the Baldwin Trust’s first social event of the year. The Baldwin Trust was set up in 1983 to provide respite for patients on the Baldwin ward at the former Leicester Frith Hospital; 40 years later the Trust is still going strong, providing crewed narrowboat cruises for community, friends and family groups in their fully wheelchair accessible boats.
Almost 70 volunteers and their partners came together for an evening of fun to launch the anniversary celebrations – rope throwing, line dancing and a quiz based on the rich history of the Baldwin Trust were all included in the evening’s entertainment. The Trust volunteers were addressed by Richard Jayes, acting Chair, who reminded all volunteers of the important role they play. “Without you, our volunteers, we would not be able to provide so many trips to such a wide variety of organisations; from the Ukrainian refugee group to groups of children with additional needs; so many members of our community benefit from time on the water.”
The Baldwin Trust welcomes new volunteers of all backgrounds, skills and abilities; in the 40th anniversary year, the Trust is looking to increase the number of volunteers from around 70 to 100 or more. Demand for the service is high, with many members of the community looking to benefit from time on the tranquil waters of the local river and canal system. There are volunteer opportunities available in all aspects of the Charity, from crewing or skippering the boats, to management and Trustee roles to assist in the running of the charity – if you have an interest in the waterways, would like to spend time outside, want to meet new people and learn new skills, then we would love to hear from you. www.thebaldwintrust.co.uk email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
