A specialist powerboat which enables people with disabilities to enjoy Norfolk’s picturesque coastline hopes to offer more trips than ever before this season.
Poppy, a Coulam V20 vessel, became the county’s first ever wheelchair accessible powerboat when she made her maiden voyage from Blakeney Harbour in 2022.
The free service is made possible by a collaboration between the Norfolk Charitable Trust and the Wheelyboat Trust.
Now, Poppy is hoping to offer 100 trips over the upcoming season, which gets under way in April and runs through to the end of October.
The boat has a bow door which doubles as a ramp for wheelchair users, and can take a maximum weight of 365kg.
"We now have a great team of volunteers on hand to help us with running Poppy, all of whom we are so very grateful to," Amelia Ireson, of the Poppy Wheelyboat, said.
"All clients upon booking are issued with a confirmation email, Wheelyboat Welcome Pack, and directions to Blakeney Quay.
"We like to send a reminder email a week before the trip date, and a follow up email the day after.
"Along with our wonderful admin team, we have some very friendly, welcoming volunteers who meet and greet all Wheelyboat clients at the quay.
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"They are on hand to welcome clients, answer any questions, and help our skippers and crew to get everyone on board.
"All volunteers are DBS checked and we have a great team of qualified skippers, with extensive experience in the boating world.
"They are the ones who drive the boat and take our clients on an enjoyable hour and twenty minute trip around the harbour here in Blakeney.
"Our skippers are an essential part of running the service – we would be lost without them.
"Health and safety is vital within the service and something we take very seriously. We carry out regular risk assessments and team meetings to go over any concerns anyone may have."
To book, visit www.wheelyboatpoppy.org, call 07384896893, or email info@wheelyboatpoppoy.org
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