www.thamessailability.org.uk Registered Charity Number 1189796
Who we are:
Thames Sailability is a charity set up in June 2020 to take over the ownership and management of the boat, Impossible Dream, from its previous owner, Sporting Activities for the Disabled (SAD). Impossible Dream had been serving the local community since 2015 however SAD were about to close its operations and offered the existing crew of Impossible Dream the opportunity to continue independently. The offer was accepted, the crew formed a management team and Thames Sailability was born.
We remain here primarily to provide accessible boating for wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility, and those with learning challenges.
We are based on the River Thames and operate out of Shepperton Marina. Our specially adapted motorboat, Impossible Dream, takes up to 10 passengers, including up to 3 wheelchairs. Trips take place all year round.
Most trips are for organised groups such as schools, but outings for families and social groups are also popular.
Boat helm showing clear space for wheelchair access
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Chairman’s Welcome
As we approached 2021, we all thought life would start to return to a little more like normal but how wrong we were! Our operation was again in limbo due to Covid19. With the marina closed even care and maintenance became difficult. Trips on Impossible Dream
were once again cancelled. Fortunately, following the mass take up of vaccines things gradually improved and our operation was up and running again in April and slowly returned to something resembling normal. Our priority will always be the health and safety of our team and passengers so we continued to take the appropriate precautions.
We were also fortunate to attract additional crew into our team during the year. They have completed our training requirements and are now helping us deliver the Impossible Dream experience. Please do contact us if you would like the opportunity to make a difference in such a unique way.
As we leave 2021, no one can say what the next 12 months will bring however, our client list is growing and trips are taking
place regularly three day a week with multiple sessions on some days. Hopefully this trend will continue.
Clearly, our particularly special provision for people who would otherwise not be able to experience the wildlife and natural beauty along the river is only possible thanks to our volunteer crew and benefactors. Therefore, on behalf of all this year’s passengers I express a huge ‘thank you’ to them, for their continued support and availability throughout these uncertain times.
Hopefully this time next year I can truly report on a ‘normal’ year.
Colin Brown. Chair of Trustees
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Our special boat, “Impossible Dream”
Impossible Dream is based on a Powercat 695-day fishing boat which has a stable twin-hull design with two 40hp outboard engines.
This was adapted with flat decking, side access and a boarding ramp on the starboard side suitable for wheelchairs, powered chairs, and anyone with reduced mobility. It has a safe covered area with fixed and moveable seating and a canvas canopy which provides for all weather operations.
We continue to adapt the boat to improve safety and convenience, and this programme has further upgrades planned. The latest improvement was to introduce ramp access on the port side which allows greater operating capabilities. This was made possibly following a generous grant from The River Thames Society.
As any owner of a boat will tell you, maintenance and renovations are a constant challenge. Impossible Dream leads a busy life though-out the whole year and needs regular cleaning, repairs and servicing.
The port outboard motor propeller shaft has recently suffered damage from fishing tackle which caused the gearbox to be unrepairable. It is currently on borrowed time and at the next service will most likely need to be replaced. The blue finish on Impossible Dream ’ s hull is becoming very tired. It has lost its gloss and really needs to be refinished. We wish to plan a lift out for underside clean and anti-foul during this winter and would like to have the hull refinished during this period. The canvas canopy is in need of a thorough clean, reproofing and some minor repairs. With the boat in regular use, several times a week, there is always another job to add.
In common with all charities, we only exist with the generosity and support of local organisations, individuals and of course the commitment of our volunteer crew. We actively pursue all opportunities to raise the much-needed funds to carry out these tasks and maintain Impossible Dream in a truly presentable condition.
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We’re here to make a difference.
The tranquillity of the water is well known to promote calmness and feelings of well-being. These effects are therapeutic for everyone but especially for people with disabilities and life challenges. Adding fresh air, close-up views of wonderful wildlife, social interaction, encouragement to help steer the boat and the result is an experience that is really beneficial to our very special passengers.
Their appreciation can be seen in positive behaviour, smiles and the repeated requests to “come back again”. It also provides the carers a little relaxation and a break from the challenging role they have.
What we did last year
Our activities in 2021 were heavily disrupted by Covid, but we were able to resume operations in April and started a slow but steady recovery. 2019 figures show how extensive the disruption to our service was over the last two years but 2021 data indicates a definite recovery. (Note: in the first 3 month of 2022 we have already completed more trips than the whole of 2021)
| Year | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trips completed. | 110 | 32 | 127 |
| Passengers carried. | 617 | 134 | 837 |
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Safety will always be our TOP priority.
With safety as our top priority, all our skippers hold recognised qualifications, but must then complete our own programme of training which is specific to our procedures, boat and its safety equipment.
Our safeguarding policy and basic risk assessments are available for clients to use or supplement their own documents.
The evening before every trip the operating skipper will check river conditions and weather forecast and make the final decision on the viability of the trip. This year we cancelled just
a few trips due to river conditions. This decision is taken when the Environment Agency advises against navigation because of strong flows which are due normally to heavy rain fall upstream. Otherwise, the weather doesn’t stop us, Impossible Dream is fully enclosed and we operate all year round. (No marina freeze ups to report this year)
Impossible Dream carries all the necessary safety and rescue equipment. A selection of buoyancy aids are available for passengers to be equipped appropriately. The access ramps make her safe to board for anyone with limited mobility and wheelchair users.
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Our supporters make it possible. Thank You!
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Shepperton Marina, who looked after Impossible Dream whilst it was locked in.
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Shepperton Aurora Rotary, for their ongoing support of Impossible Dream.
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The River Thames Society, for funding the port side ramp project.
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Staines 10K Road Run, for thinking of us.
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Everybody who made a Gift Aid declaration.
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The Royal Yachting Association, especially the Sailability team.
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Alan Woolford, our founder and President who started off Thames Sailability.
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All our volunteers and their and families.
Members of Aurora Rotary at the unveiling of their supporter’s plaque
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Where the money came from in 2021
Apart from the regular and very significant donations we receive from our clients we received the following grants and donations, for which we are enormously grateful:
| Shepperton Aurora Rotary | £1500 |
|---|---|
| River Thames Society | £1000 |
| Staines 10K Road Run | £500 |
| Shepperton Marina | £1720 |
We recognise supporters by allowing them to display their Logo on Impossible Dream. We appreciate that with the ongoing support of these major benefactors our operation achieves so much more and reaches many more people.
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How we spend your money
Any boat owner knows that boating is an expensive undertaking. Thames Sailability is no different in that respect. Most of our money is used for:
| Mooring | Our year-round berth in Shepperton Marina, which is generously subsidised by the marina itself. |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | The two outboard engines need regular maintenance, and every so often the boat has to be craned out of the water to inspect and clean below the waterline. |
| Fuel | Although we cruise at low speeds, we cover a lot of miles in a year. |
| Safety | Lifejackets and other safety equipment have components with use-by dates which have to be replaced, as well as keeping all equipment up to scratch and fit for purpose. |
| Legal | We carry all the necessary insurances and licences |
| Other | We market ourselves so that as many people and organisations as possible can get to enjoy a trip on the Thames. |
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A busy year ahead.
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We have a number of new volunteers who wish to become qualified skippers and will complete RYA Power Boat 2 courses in 2022. Growing the capability of our team is essential to allow Impossible Dream to operate on more days.
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We plan a major refurbishment next year including a lift out deep clean and full service of the outboard motors.
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The canvas cover will be repaired, cleaned and reproofed keeping us dry and protected from the worst of the winter weather.
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We will be reviewing all our safety equipment, especially life jackets and buoyancy aids, and replacing wherever necessary.
The management team – Chris, Derek, Nigel and Colin
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Trustees’ Report and Financial Statement
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2021.
Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the Charity as per the Constitution are:
to provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their disability with the object of improving their conditions of life, in particular by providing opportunities to enjoy boating activities on the River Thames and its adjoining waterways .
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The objectives are met by providing river trips in a safe environment on the boat Impossible Dream.
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The Charity has no paid staff, and all activities and their organisation are undertaken by volunteers. Professional services are used only in specialised areas, such as major engine and hull maintenance.
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The Charity does not employ professional fundraisers.
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The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and believe the charity’s activities are fully compliant (FRS102: 1.18).
Structure, Governance and Management
The Charity was set up as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) established under a constitution which sets out the objects of the Charity and its governance. Thames Sailability was founded in 2015, and was registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales on 5 June 2020.
The Charity is governed by the Board of four trustees, which meets on a regular basis. The day-to-day operations of the Charity are managed by a Management Team appointed by the trustees, who themselves are all members of the Management Team and who support and advise on all financial matters.
Trustees Selection and Appointment
Trustees are selected and appointed by the Management Board, and are appointed subject to confirmation by a vote of the Members at the Annual General Meeting.
There are currently no trustees selected as representatives of any other organisation, nor is any other organisation entitled to appoint a trustee.
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Trustees
Mr. Colin William Brown Mr. Derek William Beake (Chairman) (Secretary) Mr. Nigel Jeremy Horsfield Mr. David Edmund Jillings
All of the trustees were founders of the Charity, and remained in post at the end of the year.
Related Parties
The Charity has no subsidiaries. There are no related parties in the Charity.
The Charity is affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association, and operates in a manner which ensures that body’s standards continue to be maintained.
Financial Review and Results
The Charity has ended this financial year in a sustainable financial state.
Donations from passengers in 2021 were again significantly reduced by the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic, which reduced and curtailed activities for periods of the year. Running costs (mostly fuel) were also reduced, but the more significant operating costs such as mooring fees, insurance and licenses still had to be paid. However, we
continued to be supported by a few previously recognized local organisations which resulted in us remaining solvent with an operating profit of a little over £1,700.
Financial Position
The income of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2021 amounted to £6,381 whereas costs for charitable activities were £4,615. The net surplus for the year was £1,765.
The overall net assets of the Charity at the conclusion of the financial year are £23,480.
The Charity does not hold any investments.
The Charity is entitled to exemption from examination under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 for the year ended 31 December 2021. Nevertheless, the accounts have been reviewed by an independent examiner and found to be in order.
The trustees are satisfied that the Charity continues as a going concern.
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Reference and Administrative Details
Registered Charity Number 1189796 Registered Charity Address 13 Richmond Drive, Shepperton, TW17 9EB. Charity Secretary Mr. Derek William Beake Independent Examiner David Wilkinson, FCA
The report of the trustees was approved by order of the board on 8[th] May 2022 and signed on its behalf by
Colin Brown – Trustee
Port outboard motor propellor shaft – fishing line damage!
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Balance Sheet for the Year Ended 31 December 2021
| Notes | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Non-Current Assets | ||||||||
| Impossible Dream | 1 | 10,000.00 | 10,000.00 | |||||
| Current Assets | ||||||||
| Cash in hand | 168.60 | 149.43 | ||||||
| Cash at Bank: | ||||||||
| (1)Current Account | 5,809.89 | 11,343.80 | ||||||
| (2)"LiquidityManager" 35 DayAccount | 2 | 7,501.08 | 0.00 | |||||
| 23,479.57 | 21,493.23 | |||||||
| Debtors & Pre-payments | ||||||||
| CAF(Donation & Gift Aid Pending) | 79.53 | 56.74 | ||||||
| Freemantles School | 240.00 | 315.00 | ||||||
| Walton Leigh School | 0.00 | 96.00 | ||||||
| Insurance & Mooring Fee Pre-payments for 2022 |
2,395.05 | 2,467.70 | ||||||
| Creditors | ||||||||
| None | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||||
| Nett Assets | 26,194.15 | 24,428.67 | ||||||
| RESERVES | ||||||||
| Non-Current Assets | ||||||||
| Fixed Assets | 10,000.00 | 10,000.00 | ||||||
| General Reserves | ||||||||
| Reserves Brought Forward | 14,428.67 | 0.00 | ||||||
| Surplus from Income & Expenditure | 1,765.48 | 14,428.67 | ||||||
| 16,194.15 | 14,428.67 | |||||||
| Transferred to "Prudent Reserves" | -10,000.00 | 0.00 | ||||||
| Total of General Reserves | 6,194.15 | 14,428.67 | ||||||
| Prudent Reserves(see notes) | 3 | |||||||
| Transferred from General Reserves | 10,000.00 | |||||||
| Total of Prudent Reserves | 10,000.00 | |||||||
| Total Reserves | 26,194.15 | 24,428.67 | ||||||
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Income and Expenditure for financial year ended 31 December 2021
| Income | Note | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash held at date of incorporation | |||||||
| Pre-incorporation Donations | 0.00 | 644.01 | |||||
| Subscriptions | |||||||
| Subscriptions received(net of fees) | 84.82 | 85.10 | |||||
| Passenger Donations | |||||||
| Cash & Cheques | 584.75 | 235.00 | |||||
| Cheques | 75.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Via CAF | 120.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Accounts | 1,310.00 | 582.00 | |||||
| 2,089.75 | 817.00 | ||||||
| Other Donations | |||||||
| SAD Legacy | 0.00 | 10,000.00 | |||||
| SAD Boat Insurance,Licence & RYA | 0.00 | 705.44 | |||||
| Personal donation(Direct) | 0.00 | 2,000.00 | |||||
| Personal donations(via CAF,net of fees) | 395.16 | 467.54 | |||||
| Shepperton Aurora RotaryClub | 1,000.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Shepperton Aurora RotaryClub | 500.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Staines 10k Road Race | 500.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Shepperton Marina | 1,719.52 | 1,485.64 | |||||
| VoluntarySupport North Surrey | 0.00 | 500.00 | |||||
| Other Cash Donations | 0.00 | 30.00 | |||||
| 4,114.68 | 15,188.62 | ||||||
| Gift Aid | |||||||
| Gift Aid recovered via CAF,net of fees) | 90.52 | 601.37 | |||||
| 90.52 | 601.37 | ||||||
| Interest | |||||||
| Interest on savings | 1.08 | 0.00 | |||||
| Sales | |||||||
| Sale of 2 buoyancyaids | 0.00 | 30.00 | |||||
| Total Income | 6,380.85 | 17,366.10 | |||||
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Income and Expenditure for financial year ended 31 December 2021, continued
| Expenses | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID Running Costs | ||||||||
| Fuel | 485.70 | 104.82 | ||||||
| Boat Insurance | 417.05 | 184.76 | ||||||
| Environment AgencyLicence | 175.12 | 175.12 | ||||||
| Boat Safety | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| MooringFees | 2,933.14 | 857.10 | ||||||
| SundryMaintenance | 44.38 | 129.68 | ||||||
| Engine Servicing | 0.00 | 1,172.49 | ||||||
| Anti-Covid Measures & Sundries | 0.00 | 80.82 | ||||||
| Signwriting | 0.00 | 20.00 | ||||||
| 4,055.39 | 2,724.79 | |||||||
| ID Improvements | ||||||||
| Port sidegate | 183.17 | 0.00 | ||||||
| Administration Costs | ||||||||
| RYA Affiliation | 130.00 | 130.00 | ||||||
| CIO Insurance | 212.01 | 73.04 | ||||||
| Internet & Web-hosting | 34.80 | 9.60 | ||||||
| 376.81 | 212.64 | |||||||
| Total Expenses | 4,615.37 | 2,937.43 | ||||||
| Surplus /(Deficit) | 1,765.48 | 14,428.67 | ||||||
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2021
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Balance Sheet 1 Impossible Dream was donated free of charge by Mike Browne and Sporting Activities for the Disabled and is now registered in the name of Thames Sailability. The Bill of Sale shows a price of £1 having been paid by Thames Sailability to SAD, but this has been ignored in these accounts. For accounting purposes only, a nominal value of £10,000 has been included under the heading of "Assets". This is not intended to reflect market value or replacement cost and is not related to the value for which the boat is insured.
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2 A second bank account was opened during 2021. This is a "35 Day Notice" account which pays interest. Funds which are not expected to be required for use in the medium term will be transferred to this account at the discretion of the Treasurer.
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3 The Trustees consider if vital for the future of the Charity that provision is made for the eventual replacement of Impossible Dream and/or its engines. As the boat ages, the likelihood of expensive repairs and replacement increases and the decision has therefore been made to transfer a significant part of our reserves into what is known as a "Prudent Reserve". Although neither the Constitution nor the Charities Commission place any legal restrictions on the expenditure of the Prudent Reserve, the Trustees have agreed that every opportunity will be taken to build the sums held, in anticipation that major expense is inevitable at some time in the future.
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Income and Expenditure 1 Boat Safety Examination - A boat safety examination was carried out prior to the incorporation of Thames Sailability. The next examination will be due in October 2023.
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The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee’s report above:
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature (s) Full name (s) Position Date |
|
|---|---|
| Colin William Brown | |
| Chairman | |
| 20thApril 2022 | |
| 20thApril 2022 |
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