www.thamessailability.org.uk A Charity Run Entirely by Volunteers
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 Thames and operate out of Shepperton Marina. Our specially adapted motorboat, Impossible Dream, takes up to 10 passengers, including up to three wheelchairs. Trips take place all year round.
Most of our excursions are for organised groups such as SEN schools and day care clubs for young adults, but outings for families and social groups are also popular.
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FUN ON THE HELM
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HELM - CLEAR TO ALLOW WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
“Believe me my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” **
** Ratty to Mole in Kenneth Grahame's classic novel 'The Wind in the Willows'.
Thames Sailability – Annual Report 2023
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Chairman’s Welcome
2023 was a more stable year, all be it punctuated by weather events which reduced our overall capacity to deliver year-round operations. Heavy rain at the beginning of the year and again from early October to the end of 2023 saw the river in flood and Red Boarded. These warning notifications issued by the Environment Agency advise users of all boats not to navigate as strong flows make it difficult and dangerous. As safety is our top priority, we always cancel trips when Red Boards or Yellow Increasing Boards are in place. Consequently, our passenger numbers were somewhat down on last year’s record. Thames Sailability apologised to our users for the disappointment this caused but we believe they understood this was the correct action and is out of our control.
It has become the norm that SEN schools and day care clubs for children and young adults to dominate our service. But Impossible Dream continued to welcome many senior residents to river trips from several local care homes. Regular operations increased to two or three excursions on three days a week with ad hoc trip conducted as requested.
Impossible Dream also had a major improvement project completed in August. We had a windshield de-frosting and cabin heating system installed. Full details of this vital safety and reliability project will be given later in the report.
With demand increasing again this year we embarked on a recruitment campaign to attract additional volunteer crew. Mark Gubbins was invited to join the management team to lead the campaign. I’m pleased to say he was extremely successful, and we have several new, enthusiastic helpers undergoing familiarisation training as I write this report. Impossible Dream is only able to deliver trips when trained, qualified crew are available, so please do contact us if you would like to help and take the opportunity to make a difference in such a unique way.
We were delighted to announce in July this year that former Mayor of Spelthorne, Vivienne Leighton, had agreed to become our President. Vivienne will bring a wealth of experience to our team and will help us promote our charitable work in the community. Vivienne was elected a Borough Councillor for Spelthorne in 2003. She served as Leader of the Council in 2011 and was appointed Mayor in 2017. Ever since Thames Sailability started its operations, Vivienne has been an ardent supporter of our work, and we are honoured that she has accepted the role of President.
Thames Sailability is managed and operated entirely by unpaid volunteers and our special encounter with the wildlife, sights and sounds along the river is only possible with their dedication. Therefore, on behalf of all this year’s passengers I express a huge ‘thank you’ to them, for their continued support and availability throughout the year and into the future.
MAYOR VIVIENNE - 2017
Colin Brown. Chairman of Trustees
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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 truly beneficial to our very special passengers.
Their appreciation can be seen in positive behaviour, smiles, and the repeated requests “can we come back again”. It also provides the carers a little relaxation and a break from their challenging role.
What we did last year
If we were able to operate all our scheduled trips, we would have beaten our 2022 record year. However, the unfortunate impact of the poor weather and other unavoidable events had an enormous effect to this year’s delivery. In fact, we cancelled around half of our scheduled and fully resourced capability. Our boat is extremely well equipped to deal with inclement conditions however we respectfully comply with Environment Agency advice.
| Year | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trips completed. | 122 | 174 | 110 | 32 | 127 |
| Passengers carried. | 696 | 1060 | 617 | 134 | 837 |
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Our special boat, “Impossible Dream”
Apart from our fantastic volunteers, Impossible Dream is our only asset, and we take immense pride in looking after and improving her.
Operating throughout the year brings with it the challenge of dealing with a frozen boat. Crew need to arrive early at the marina to ensure Impossible Dream is in a safe condition and aesthetically acceptable to our passengers. We often encountered ice on both sides of the glass. The task of clearing the screens on frosty winter mornings was not only difficult but unsafe as access to the foredeck was extremely slippery.
Trying to warm the cabin and hence start to clear the screens was achieved by use of a fan heater plugged into the shore power pontoon receptacle. This solution was only partly effective and obviously only available when moored up in the marina. It was also considered a little unsafe!
It was decided we needed a better solution, and various options were explored. Following extensive research, we finally requested the advice of a specialist company, SubZero.
Following an onsite inspection by a SubZero specialist it was recommended we install a 4Kw diesel heater with ducting to the screen and cabin together with a shore power system with smart battery charger. Negotiations on cost and installation commenced and resulted in SubZero providing us with an outstanding offer.
SubZero were able to obtain the heater unit free of charge from the manufacturer and offered to cover the cost of installation. This offer was gratefully accepted.
We are extremely grateful to SubZero and Autoterm for their generosity and support which has transformed our cold weather operations.
You will see from the accounts later in this report that maintenance is a major cost for the charity. We need to repeat some of these service tasks annually and most other items on a three-to-four-year cycle depending on the condition. Accordingly, we completed an annual outboard motor service in October. This service was carried out by D&R Engineering at Walton Marina, and
we were delighted with their a very special preferential rate.
NOTE. – SCREEN HOT AIR VENTS
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Safety will always be our TOP priority.
I am very pleased to confirm that we comply and, in many ways, exceed all the necessary safety and legal requirements of operating a craft such as ours. The Environment Agency, who issue our licence, require compliance with the MCA Small Boat Code and we supplement this with policies and procedures based on recognised practice in areas not covered by the code such as safeguarding.
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.
Before every trip the operating skipper will check river conditions and weather forecast and make the final decision on the viability of the trip. As reported elsewhere in this report river conditions were particularly poor this year and our crews unfortunately needed to cancel many trips. This decision is
not taken lightly and is based on Environment Agency advice and our own extensive knowledge of the river. Operating all year round, cold, wet, windy weather doesn’t stop us. It’s only when conditions become unsafe will we cancel, normally with plenty of notice.
Impossible Dream carries all the necessary safety and rescue equipment. A selection of buoyancy aids is available for passengers to be equipped appropriately. The access ramps make her safe to board for wheelchair users and anyone with limited mobility.
A safe ramp is available to allow wheelchair access to the main deck.
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Where the money came from in 2023
Donations we receive from our clients cover some of our operating cost for which we are extremely grateful. However, without the support from local organisations Impossible Dream would not be sustainable. As any charity would tell you, successfully attracting grants is an ongoing task which our team needs to continually explore. We have again been successful in securing funding from several local bodies without which the remaining operational costs, including maintenance and repairs would not be possible.
| Shepperton Aurora Rotary | £1,100.00 |
|---|---|
| Spelthorne Borough | £2,500.00 |
| Egham United Services Club | £1,000.00 |
| Shepperton Marina | £1,654.36 |
| Walsingham Care | £500.00 |
| Mark Gubbins Gig | £417.73 |
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:
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Mooring - Our year-round berth in Shepperton Marina, which is generously subsidised by the marina itself.
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Maintenance - The two outboard engines need regular maintenance, and every so often the boat must be craned out of the water to inspect and clean below the waterline.
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Fuel - Although we cruise at low speeds, we cover a lot of miles in a year.
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Safety - Lifejackets and other safety equipment have components with ‘use-by’ dates which must be replaced, as well as keeping all equipment up to scratch and fit for purpose.
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Legal -
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We carry all the necessary insurances and licences.
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Administration We market ourselves so that as many people and organisations as possible can get to enjoy a trip on the Thames. We have a website and email accounts to support.
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IMPOSSIBLE DREAM READY FOR RIVER
CELEBRATIONS
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READY FOR ACTION AT COWEY SALE
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The year ahead.
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With the boat still in good shape following its major refit last year we hope to be able to concentrate on delivering our service.
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Our successful crew recruitment campaign will see us invest in significant training events.
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Growing the capability of our team is essential to allow Impossible Dream to operate on more days. So, we will continue to encourage our volunteers who wish to become qualified skippers to complete RYA Power Boat 2 courses.
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All our safety equipment, especially life jackets and buoyancy aids, will be serviced and replaced wherever necessary.
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We will have our outboard motors serviced.
The Management Team
Our Management Team are all unpaid volunteers, and crew Impossible Dream. We welcomed Mark Gubbins to the team this year who took on the task of attracting new volunteers. The remainder of the team are all founder members of Thames Sailability. They all work tirelessly to keep our operation safe and reliable.
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Chairman: Colin Brown
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Secretary: Derek Beake
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Treasurer: Chris Bound
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Bookings Administrator: Nigel Horsfield
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Without Portfolio: David Jillings
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Recruitment Mark Gubbins
Some of our management team – Colin, Derek, Nigel, and Chris (L2R)
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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 2023.
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, by providing opportunities to enjoy boating activities on the 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-today 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 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 the body’s standards continue to be maintained.
We became registered with the Fundraising Regulator this year. This registration demonstrates that we operate all fundraising activities in accordance with the The Code of Fundraising Practice.
Financial Review and Results
The Charity ended the year in a healthy financial state.
The operation was affected by two periods of inclement weather therefore passenger numbers were significantly reduced leading to a subsequent reduction in passenger donations. Accordingly, fuel costs were somewhat down, however other operating costs such as mooring fees, insurance and licenses saw the expected increases.
Our major refit last year ensured maintenance and repair expenditure was significantly reduced.
We were successful in many of our fund-raising initiatives, and we received on-going support from several local organisations, all of which allowed us to meet our increased outgoings and return a small surplus.
Financial Summary.
The income of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 amounted to £11,399, against which was set our expenditure of £6,992. The net surplus for the year was £4,407.
The overall net assets of the Charity at the conclusion of the year were £33,247, of which Unrestricted Reserves amount to £8,247.
The Charity does not hold any investments.
Although the Charity is entitled to exemption from examination under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, 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 7[th] April 2024 and signed on its behalf by
Colin Brown – Trustee
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BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
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Notes 2023 2022
ASSETS
Non-Current Assets
Impossible Dream 1 10,000.00 10,000.00
Current Assets
Cash in hand 182.21 144.88
Cash at Bank:
(1) Current Account 2,099.06 4,908.40
(2) "Liquidity Manager" 35 Day Account 17,861.21 11,053.68
30,142.48 26,106.96
Debtors
CAF (Donation & Gift Aid Pending) 16.94 1.22
Freemantles School 170.00 190.00
Pre-payments
Insurance, Licence & Moorings for 2024 2,918.14 2,541.56
Creditors
None 0.00 0.00
Nett Assets 33,247.56 28,839.74
RESERVES
Non-Current Assets
Fixed Assets (Impossible Dream) 1 10,000.00 10,000.00
Restricted Reserves
Reserves Carried forward 2 15,000.00 10,000.00
Unrestricted Reserves
Reserves Brought Forward 8,839.74 6,194.15
Surplus from Income & Expenditure 4,407.82 2,645.59
Transfer to Restricted Reserves -5,000.00 0.00
Total of Unrestricted Reserves 8,247.56 8,839.74
Total 33,247.56 28,839.74
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Notes on the Balance Sheet
1 The Bill of Sale shows a price of £1 having been paid by Thames Sailability to SAD for "Impossible Dream". For accounting purposes only, a nominal value of £10,000 is included here. This is not intended to reflect market value or replacement cost and is not related to the value for which the boat is insured.
2 The Trustees consider it vital for the future of the Charity that provision is made for the eventual replacement of "Impossible Dream" and/or its engines. During the year, the trustees have passed a resolution to increase the Restricted Reserves by £5,000.
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INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Income | Notes | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subscriptions | |||||||
| Subscriptionsreceived (net of fees) | 242.64 | 85.98 | |||||
| Passenger Donations | |||||||
| Cash& Cheques | 795.00 | 310.00 | |||||
| Via CAF | 322.94 | 848.32 | |||||
| Accounts | 1,535.00 | 2,550.00 | |||||
| 2,652.94 | 3,708.32 | ||||||
| Grants & Other Donations | |||||||
| RTS &ThamesHeritageTrust | 0.00 | 4,000.00 | |||||
| RYA | 0.00 | 1,950.00 | |||||
| Accent Services | 0.00 | 500.00 | |||||
| JubileePageant | 0.00 | 100.00 | |||||
| WalsinghamCare | 500.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| Shepperton AuroraRotary Club | 1,100.00 | 500.00 | |||||
| Sunbury & Shepperton Rotary Club | 80.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| SpelthorneBoroughCouncil | 2,500.00 | 1,000.00 | |||||
| Shepperton Marina | 1,654.36 | 1,803.64 | |||||
| EghamUnited Services Club | 1,000.00 | 0.00 | |||||
| MarkGubbins Gig | 417.73 | 0.00 | |||||
| Personaldonations (via CAF,net of fees) | 445.24 | 632.65 | |||||
| Other Personal Donations | 322.87 | 140.58 | |||||
| 8,020.20 | 10,626.87 | ||||||
| Gift Aid | |||||||
| GiftAidrecoveredvia CAF,net of fees) | 176.56 | 248.41 | |||||
| Sales | |||||||
| Sale ofCristmas Cards | 0.00 | 20.00 | |||||
| Interest | |||||||
| Interest onsavings | 307.53 | 52.60 | |||||
| Total Income | 11,399.87 | 14,742.18 | |||||
| Expenses | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| ID Running Costs | |||||||
| Fuel | 614.79 | 819.72 | |||||
| BoatInsurance | 501.61 | 456.76 | |||||
| EnvironmentAgencyLicence | 118.35 | 113.80 | |||||
| Boat SafetyExamination | 172.59 | 0.00 | |||||
| MooringFees | 3,094.24 | 2,887.58 | |||||
| SundryMaintenance | 42.18 | 303.82 | |||||
| 4,543.77 | 4,581.67 | ||||||
| ID Maintenance & Repairs | |||||||
| AnnualService | 1,100.93 | 6,583.47 | |||||
| Heating & Shore power | 682.57 | 0.00 | |||||
| Sundries | 0.00 | 138.00 | |||||
| 1,783.50 | 6,721.47 | ||||||
| Crew Training | 0.00 | 80.00 | |||||
| Administration Costs | |||||||
| RYA,RTS andFRSubscriptions | 215.00 | 205.00 | |||||
| CIOInsurance | 227.66 | 215.66 | |||||
| Printing &Admin | 171.79 | 251.99 | |||||
| Internet &Web-hosting | 50.33 | 40.80 | |||||
| 664.78 | 713.45 | ||||||
| Total Expenses | 6,992.05 | 12,096.59 | |||||
| Surplus /(Deficit) | 4,407.82 | 2,645.59 | |||||
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ACCOUNTS GENERAL INFORMATION.
TREASURER
The Trustees have appointed Christopher John Bound to act as Treasurer.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
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Thames Sailability is grateful to David Wilkinson FCA, who has acted as Independent Examiner and has
approved the Accounts for 2023.
AFFILIATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
Thames Sailability is affiliated to the Royal Yachting Association and is a member of The River Thames
Society.
THE FUNDRAISING REGULATOR
Thames Sailability is registered with The Fundraising Regulator, the independent regulator of
charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and is committed to fundraising in a way
that is legal, open, honest and respectful in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice.
HMRC
Thames Sailability is registered with HMRC and is eligible for Gift Aid.
CAF
Thames Sailability has appointed the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) to handle all donations
and subscriptions paid online via our website. CAF have authority to collect Gift Aid on our
behalf. CAF charges processing fees, which are included in these accounts.
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The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee’s report above:
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.
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Signature (s)
Full name (s) Colin William Brown Nigel Horsfield
Position Chairman Trustee
Date 7 [th] April 2024
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www.thamessailability.org.uk A Charity Run Entirely by Volunteers Registered Charity Number 1189796
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