The location of Bisham Abbey alongside one of the prettiest stretches of the River Thames makes it a wonderful location to have a group event where you can combine boating with a social gathering with a picnic under our large stretch tent. The groups that we host cover a wide spectrum of abilities and interests. Groups such as Stroke or Alzheimer’s support organisations tend to be older while the parent/child groups organised by the schools or by the families themselves, e.g. SEND holiday clubs, support younger people. Irrespective of the group we are able to offer paddling or power boating options.
Paddling in our Bell boats
We have three canoes each one capable of taking up to eight or ten people which means that we can potentially have a group of up to 24-28 on the water together. There is no pressure on somebody to go on the water if they don’t want to, they are free to enjoy being by the river but we do require a responsible parent or carer to accompany each child or dependent adult. One of our boats does allow for a child or adult to be lifted from a wheelchair into the boat so they can join the fun as well. Once on the water not everybody needs to paddle and so those less active can still experience being out on in the boat with their friends. As with all out boating sessions ABT will provide somebody to steer the boat but you are welcome to have a go yourself.
Motor Boating in our Wheelyboat
The specially designed power boat is ideal for those less active people or those with limited mobility. The drop down front makes access to the boat step free, making it accessible to those in a wheelchair or with limited mobility. For larger group events we take a group of 6 or so people at a time for a 30-40 minute trip while everybody else enjoys the picnic and chat on the bank. In this way everybody that wants to, should get a trip out on the river. The exact number that we can take per trip depends on the number of wheelchairs and the overall weight loading. As ABT provides the helm (the person doing the steering) and a crew member you are free to sit back and watch the world go by. However there is also the opportunity to have a go at steering.
