Nancy Oldfield Trust Seven Rivers bid to head to Norwich

Vessels crewed by volunteers and staff of the Nancy Oldfield Trust, a boating charity, are due to moor at the Yacht Station, near Foundry Bridge, on May 11.

The visit is the centrepiece of the charity's Seven Rivers challenge, which will see the boats navigate all seven rivers of the Broads, travelling 166 miles over the course of 11 days.

READ MORE: Nancy Oldfield Trust's voyage of all 7 Norfolk Broads rivers

The group, travelling in a motor cruiser, an adapted sailing boat and a safety RIB, are planning to stop at 20 spots along the way, to meet up with locals and highlight the work of the trust, with the Norwich event running from 11am to 2pm the main focus.

The Nancy Oldfield Trust's voyage will navigate all seven rivers of the Norfolk Broads (Image: Nancy Oldfield Trust)

Members of the public are encouraged to head to the river to visit the boats and find out more about the organisation, which provides boating opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged individuals, families and carers.

The expedition is designed to raise the profile of the charity and to celebrate its 40th anniversary. 

Stephen Bradnock, from the Trust, said: "We are really excited about the trip, and in particular the visit to Norwich.

"We are based on the Northern Rivers, so a trip into Norwich - so far from our base at Neatishead - is unprecedented and is going to be a real highlight.

"We like to think we are quite well known in our corner of the Broads, but in many ways we still feel like one of Norfolk's best-kept secrets.

"This visit - and the rest of the trip - will be a real opportunity to meet up with new people and find others in the wider community who may benefit from the services we offer but may have never heard of us.

"People can arrange to come and see us at different places during the tour, but don't need to make arrangements in advance for the Norwich open day."Norwich Yacht Station (Image: Andrea Cope)

SEVEN RIVERS CHALLENGE

The expedition involves Lions Pride II, a Yeoman sailing boat specially-adapted for use by disabled sailors, Nancy Bee, one of the Trust's motor cruisers, and a safety boat.

Different volunteers will be on board the craft for different stages, as will some of the customers who use the Trust.

In total 58 different staff and volunteers are expected to take part.

The trip starts in Beccles on May 8 and is due to finish back at the Trust's HQ near Barton Broad on May 18.

During the tour the boats will stop at several locations, including: Oulton Broad and St Olaves on the Waveney; Cantley and Coldham Hall on the Yare; Norwich on the Wensum; Loddon on the Chet; Horning and Wroxham on the Bure; Potter Heigham and West Somerton on the Thurne; and Ludham Bridge on the Ant.

READ MORE: Norfolk's Poppy river ferry in Blakeney reopens for season

The Nancy Oldfield Trust (Image: The Nancy Oldfield Trust)

A BROADS INSTITUTION

The Nancy Oldfield Trust was established in 1984 by Richard Kenyon, who wanted to create a facility where anyone with a disability or who was socially disadvantaged could enjoy water-based activities.

He was supported in his efforts by his parents Nancy and Oldfield, so the charity was named after them.

It has grown significantly since then but is still based in Neatishead at the same bungalow, which can be hired out for self-catering activity holidays.

It has a fleet of 19 sailing and motor vessels for use by visitors, as well as two rafted canoes,  three pedal launches and an eight-person stand-up paddleboard.

It has a small team of staff and is supported by 99 volunteers.

The charity relies on donations to carry out its work. 

For more information, and to donate, visit www.nancyoldfield.org.uk