Swingbridge Boats Have Multi-role Function in Supporting Our Community

Published on: 31 Jul, 2016
Updated on: 1 Aug, 2016

Swingbridge 1, one of two narrow boats operated by Surrey Care Trust for community activities.

Happily, despite the closure of the Guildford Boathouse, some boats can still be seen going up and down the Wey navigation, adding colour and interest to the riverside scene.

Two of the craft most regularly spotted locally are narrow boats Swingbridge 1 and Swingbridge 2.

The Swingbridge project was launched in 2002 and provides training, volunteering and environmental conservation opportunities along the waterways of Surrey.

It is based at the National Trusts’s Dapdune Wharf in Guildford. The Swingbridge boats are an accredited training centre, recognised by the National Community Boats Association.

The two boats are used for training, education activities and team-building and for carrying parties of young and old are frequently to be seen on the River Wey.

They are run by The Surrey Care Trust and crewed by trained volunteers, all holding the necessary qualifications.

Volunteer Phillip Mansley at the helm, gratifying a second childhood ambition while doing useful community work and helping to raise funds.

One of the volunteers, Phillip Mansley, seen here doing a stint at the helm, said: “When I joined up about a year ago, it was mainly to gratify a second childhood yen for messing about in boats. And it got me off the streets and out of the house.

“But there is a more serious side to it: the funds raised go to help fund the amazing work the trust does with vulnerable people, especially young people who for one reason or another have failed to make it through school and whose prospects in life are extremely bleak. Surrey Care Trust really does turn lives round.”

Swingbridge is available for private hire for crewed trips up and down the River Wey and with its built-in lift and an all-weather canopy it is a popular choice for groups of senior citizens, especially those with limited mobility.

For more details call 079873 282239 or e-mail: swingbridge@surreycaretrust.org.uk.