Bishop gets on board St John Crusader for trip on the Trent

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham will enjoy a trip down the River Trent next Saturday, (16^th May 2009) when he and his wife Jane step on board the St John Ambulance Nottingham Crusader for the morning.

Although the Bishop, the Rt Revd George Cassidy, is a Patron of St John Crusader, he has never been aboard the boat so the trip has been arranged in the run-up to his retirement later this summer.

The Crusader, which is a purpose-built river boat with its own distinctive livery,  is also a highly visible flagship for St John Ambulance in the city and county.

Photo opportunity:

Bishop George and Jane will set off on their trip at 10am from Colwick Marina, on Saturday 16^th May, when there will be photo opportunities of them on the boat.

Travelling a few miles east to Gunthorpe and then back up the River Trent to the Embankment, Crusader's half-day trips enable thousands of local people each year to benefit  from a half day out on our local river .

In the experienced hands of Barry Gatford, Skipper of Nottingham Crusader, assisted by volunteer crew members, who are all members of St John Ambulance, including his wife Carol, Nottingham Crusader is licensed to carry 25 people as part of St John Ambulance's contribution to care in the community.

Travelling through pleasant countryside and along green corridors in built-up areas, the trips provide much-needed relaxation as well as a unique insight into the wildlife which inhabits the banks and waters of the Trent.

"Our Crusader boats cater for all disabilities. There is nobody who can't use our boats. Passengers are stimulated by close contact with nature and a cruise offers a learning experience for all," say St John Ambulance Nottinghamshire.

More than 4,000 people benefit each year from the experience, which is calming and can offer a welcome release from institutional care. The boats also provide a sense of movement for those who are severely disabled or confined to wheelchairs.

Two Crusader boats were specially designed for St John Ambulance to provide free riverboat trips for local groups, the other being based in Newark.

Skipper Barry Gatford has been a member of St John Ambulance for over 50 years and still has his first aid certificate from 1957 to prove it. An expert on the history of the Trent and traffic on the Trent, Barry heads up a team of four skippers.

Barry and Carol were involved with Crusader from the start. "We started with just one boat back in 1991, which could only carry 12 passengers. We now have a bigger vessel that can carry 25 people, although we restrict it to 22 as it can often get crowded, and we have been fully booked throughout the 2008 season."

St John Ambulance is always looking for volunteer crew members to help with Waterwing. For more information about Nottingham Crusader and Newark Crusader telephone 07778002892.

Ends