SMASH outing on the Thames
3 August, 2009
Members went on a day boating outing, inAugust, on the River Thames. We boarded the Venturer, a converted barge, at Kingston upon Thames and cruised first downriver to Richmont. Due to the condition of the tides, we then cruised upriver back towards Kingston and on as far as Sunbury. The boat moored at Hampton Court for a picnic lunch which the members shared with the boat skipper and volunteer crew. After a leisurely lunch we then traversed back to Kingston, arriving home in the late afternoon. We were blessed with very pleasant sunny weather which, although somewhat chilly on th river, was very enjoyable.
The Ventorer is a converted Dutch cargo boat which was refitted, in 1988, for use mainly by disabled visitors. It is specially fitted for wheelchair use with wheel clamps on the uper deck and with a lift between decks. It can be used for day or residential voyages with accommodation for 12 sleeping.