A n n u a l R e p o r t 2 0 2 3 - 2 0 2 4 Registered Charity 1191392
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TRUSTEE'S STATEMENT
During the period of 2023-2024 Floaty Boat grew from strength to strength, taking on two extra operational members and delivering new and existing projects to empower and benefit the boating community.
We harnessed the feedback and input from Boaters so we can continue supporting and expanding our incentives to suit the need of the community using the skills already existing on the canal. We continued to build relationships with other local organisations and groups to enhance connections across communities.
We are positive that moving forward the charity will continue to grow in the coming years and to fulfil our aims and long term objectives.
DOM NEWTON
Chair of Trustees 2020-2024
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OUR AIMS
Floaty Boat is run by Boaters for Boaters and sees first-hand what a strong, proud, diverse and supportive community we have. The Kennet and Avon canal is often described as the longest village in the country; it’s a bit like stepping back in time where people say hello to their neighbours and community spirit is very much alive.
Moving continuously from place to place can prove challenging when things don’t go to plan. What started as a simple breakdown can all too quickly impact on many aspects of an individual’s financial, emotional and physical health. That’s why our approach is all about reducing the likelihood of boaters reaching crisis point.
It’s a simple, but powerful model which builds upon the incredible strengths and culture of the liveaboard community. Our activities create opportunities for everyone to connect, support and share; where money or background doesn’t define an individual or their opportunities.
Our vision is a resilient, empowered and thriving liveaboard boating community where every individual has a sense of belonging. That also includes a stronger relationship with the communities that we pass through and are part of, through the schools our children go to, the services we access, and the towpaths we share.
Our long term aim is to work towards purchasing a boat as a community hub, run by the community for the community, so that we have a base to deliver our projects from and a space which Boaters can use.
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A YEAR ON THE CUT
We delivered two engine maintenance workshops and one 12 volt electric workshop. These courses are designed to expand knowledge and develop confidence with boat engines and electrics, enabling boaters to be able to understand their systems and carry out simple works themselves, thus preventing crisis. All our workshops are delivered by experts who live on the canal or have a strong connection to it and specialise in work on off grid systems.
In July we raised money in a Floaty Boat raffle at The Kennet and Avon Floating Fayre in Bath.
In October the community pump was stolen, the canal and ministries kindly donated money for us to purchase another pump which we sourced. The pump is used throughout the year to float vessels which are sinking. It is a vital asset to Boaters.
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The coal boat on the west end of the canal went out of business at the beginning of winter, this left many boaters particularly those without transport or with health issues unable to get fuel directly to their boat. We collaborated with local boatyard Bradford Wharf Services to run a not for profit coal boat between Foxhangers and Darlington Wharf, Bath. This was a one off incentive to fill a gap until another fuel boat business stepped in. The boat was called Ishtar and service was a success due to the countless efforts of volunteers in the community. Ishtar kept many Boaters warm through the coldest months. This ran between November and March.
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We again provided a helping hand to lots of Boaters over the winter with fuel on the Pay it Forward Scheme. In conjunction with our service on Ishtar coal boat, the boatyard in Hilperton and Fredrick the Fuel boat. We set up the scheme by donating a small amount to each merchant, then people could donate and the money is used to give fuel to those who are most in need.
On 15th December we put on our annual Boater kids’ Christmas party with the real green Father Christmas handing presents to all the kids. This was a great event for both kids and adults to get together over the festive period.
On 1st February we delivered another 12 volt electric workshop in Devizes.
On 26th February we took on The Kennet and Avon Floating Fayre under the Floaty Boat banner. Our operational members already run the Fayre and it fits with our charity ethos so it made sense for it to be part of the charity.
In March, we submitted a workshop proposal bid to Wiltshire Council and won funds to delivery 14 workshops (engine maintenance/ 12 volt electrics/ fire safety/ bike maintenance. These will be delivered between April 24 and April 25.
“ Thank you so much for putting on thr children's Christmas party it was fantastic and such a lovely thing to do. we have only been boaters for 4 months but it's felt like such a great warm community!”
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BEHIND THE SCENES
F I N A N C I A L A C C O U N T S - A P R I L 2 0 2 3 T O M A R C H 2 0 2 4
INCOME
Raffle £24.50 Donations from workshops £150.00 Donations for PIF £748.50 Wiltshire Council funding for workshops £6770.00 Total £7693.00
EXPENDITURE
Pay it forward-The Boatyard £281.50 Pay it forward- IshtarFuel boat £348.00 Pay it forward- Fredrick the fuel boat £155.00 Kids Christmas party £172.43 Office expenses £12.95 Workshops £50.90 £1021.03 Total
Balance carried forward £1632.97 In-period balance £6671.97 Year-end balance £8304.94
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LOOKING AHEAD
Our aims for the next 12 month period are:
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Continue to facilitate the Pay it Forward scheme, enabling the community to support itself to stay warm through the winter months and diminish fuel poverty.
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Delivery of workshops to continue to share knowledge and resources within the community and build resilience.
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Delivery of three Floating Fayres in spring, summer and winter, a place where Boat traders can sell their wares, exhibit skills such as music and crafts and linking our floating community to the wider local communities through which the canal passes.
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Continue to be a voice for liveaboard Boaters.
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Build partnerships with a range of local and national stakeholders and organisations, and increase our capacity to help improve understanding between our communities.
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Continue to provide events/spaces for Boaters to get together, tackling issues of isolation and loneliness due to the transient lifestyle of continuous cruisers.
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Floaty Boat, 7 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon Wiltshire, BA15 1JS
www.floatyboat.org Registered Charity 1191392