A review of 2023
Wheelyboat Poppy had a very successful 2023 Season. Her Team planned 65 trips from Blakeney Quay out into Blakeney Harbour and beyond to the two National Nature Reserves, between April and October. Poppy carried passengers with a range of disabilities (together with family members and carers). Unfortunately, 16 trips had to be cancelled due to poor weather, but they do need to take the utmost care.
On the subject of safety, Poppy is limited to taking a maximum weight of 365kg (total passenger and wheelchair weight) keeping her within the guidelines and allowing for crew.
Here are some reviews from passengers of the 2023 Season:
“Lovely trip on Poppy out of Blakeney on a rather cold and windy day, but well worth going. Check them out if you get a chance…lovely”
“We spent a week in Norfolk and my mum really wanted to see the seals, so a couple of months before we went, I booked a trip on ‘Poppy. They were friendly and
accommodating, from the booking to the trip itself, we even got tips on where to get a good bacon roll afterwards (which actually turned into an amazing breakfast!!!). For us, this trip was about making memories and we now have some lovely ones, which we will remember forever ”
“We had such a lovely (although chilly!) boat ride today. James was really friendly. Amelia was so lovely arranging this for us. What an amazing charity. Thank you so much, it meant such a lot to us”
“We had the happiest day on Poppy the Wheelyboat, leaving for a trip out of Blakeney Harbour! My husband uses a wheelchair, and it couldn’t have been easier. We were met by two friendly and hugely helpful volunteers, our knowledgeable skipper, James, was a mine of information. We were blessed with the most glorious weather and the day ended with a rare sight of a spoonbill doing a flypast. We felt that we were in very safe hands and would highly recommend this inspirational facility”
“We had a fabulous experience on the Wheelyboat last week, taking us to see the Seals. We were extremely fortunate to be collected and returned from Cley next the Sea. Wonderfully knowledgeable local staff who all added to the boat trip. A must if in the area.”
“Glaven Caring clients had an amazing trip on Poppy last month! They could not have been more kind and caring – Thanks from one local charity to another!!xx”
“Hazel has been wanting to do a seal trip for years, but the normal boats are difficult to get in and out of. Poppy solves the problem with ease. We managed to park right by the slipway and then it was just a question wheeling her on via a simple ramp and strapping the chair down. The staff and volunteer were lovely and despite the fret that never lifted we had a great trip and saw dozens of seals. Mission accomplished in style! Thank you.”
“We had the most fabulous trip on the Poppy boat last Friday. My mum hasn’t seen the seals or Blakeney point for 30 years. It brought back so many memories of happy times she spent out there in her younger days. We want to say huge thanks to our skipper, his mate, the meet & greeter’s & all the volunteers & fundraisers who made this experience possible. It’s something she will never forget & the smile on her face was priceless.”
Plans for the 2024 Season
There is a very exciting season ahead for Wheelyboat Poppy. She now has a great team of volunteers on hand to help with her running, all of whom she is so grateful to. The volunteers are working within the admin team, booking the trips, speaking with the clients, answering any questions, and importantly ensuring that everyone knows where they need to be and at what time!
All clients upon booking are issued with a confirmation email, Wheelyboat Welcome Pack, and directions to Blakeney Quay. A reminder email is sent a week before the trip date, and a follow up email the day after. Along with the wonderful admin team, Poppy has some very friendly, welcoming, volunteers who meet and greet all Wheelyboat passengers at the quay. They are on hand to welcome the passengers, answer any questions and help Poppy’s skippers and crew to get everyone on board. All volunteers are DBS checked.
Poppy has a great team of qualified skippers, with extensive experience in the boating world. They are the ones who drive the boat and take the passengers on an
enjoyable hour and twenty minute trip around the harbour in Blakeney; the skippers are defiantly an essential part of running the service – Poppy would be lost without them.
Poppy and her team will work together in 2024 to provide over 100 available trips, starting at the beginning of April through to the end of October. The timetable is available to view on the Wheelyboat website.
Enquiries can be made via the website and the admin team will be in touch at the earliest opportunity. However, do feel free to call on 07384896893 if that’s easier, or email info@wheelyboatpoppy.org
Trips are currently free of charge, however they warmly welcome donations towards the cost of running Poppy and continuing to provide the service.
Health and Safety is vital within the service and something the team take very seriously. They carry out regular risk assessments and team meetings to go over any concerns anyone may have. Training events and workshops are attended by our volunteers and skippers.
More information about the service, the team and when Wheelyboat Poppy runs can be found by visiting: www.wheelyboatpoppy.org
