Boating charity gets Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

Published: Thursday, 27 May 2021

THE Queen's Award for Voluntary Service has been presented to the Accessible Boating Association.

The award, that was created in 2002 is recognised as the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK,  and was presented last week by by Nigel Atkinson, the Lord Lieutenant for Hampshire, Alan Tilbury reports.

AwardBasingstokeBasingstoke Canal

Based on the Basingstoke Canal at Odiham the Accessible Boating Association provides boating trips for people who cannot do so on a normal boat, because of physical capability or mental difficulties, with President Brian Drew stating:

"It was one of the most important days in ABA's 35 years history. We all felt incredibly proud as the work that we do was acknowledged by the presentation of the Queen's Award for Volunteering.

"By providing specially adapted boats that have hydraulic lifts, the association provides the freedom for these people and their carers get on and off boats safely and securely and to then experience a cruise in beautiful surroundings."