Wexp get Queens Award for Voluntary Service

Wexp of Hemel Hempstead has just been granted The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for its work. It runs three boats on the Grand Union Canal,  introducing the disadvantaged to the joys of boating.

Waterways Experiences are a registered charity and operate three large canal boats from a beautifully landscaped boatyard on the Grand Union Canal just to the south of Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire. Their mission is to promote well-being by providing affordable canal boat trips particularly for the disadvantaged. As well as day trips all year round, we provide very special holidays for teenagers with learning difficulties or other disadvantages.

They were nominated by Cllr Bob Mclean, Mayor of Dacorum 2016/2017, who said: “I first visited Waterways Experience during our Deputy Mayoral year 2015/2016 as part of the High Sheriff day. The Mayoress and I visited again during our own mayoral year and have visited privately since too; we were both stunned, once again, by the enthusiasm of the volunteer base and impressed by the focus upon making available a unique experience for disabled and disadvantaged groups across the Borough and beyond. It was that focus which so impressed us both, and led us to determine that we wished to put the organisation forward for the Queen’s award. We have been privileged to be involved with them and are delighted that their efforts have been recognised in this way; the entire team should be congratulated on this fantastic achievement.”

Paul Bennett, Chair of Trustees said: “We are very proud to have been granted this prestigious award, the highest one given to UK volunteer groups. It recognises the outstanding work done by our volunteers over more than three years. Waterways Experiences, often known as ‘WExp’, was formed and is run entirely by volunteers with no paid employees. More than 170 volunteers come from all walks of life and together rise to a huge range of different challenges associated with operating three large boats, two of which are quite elderly. Together they ensure that the boats are properly maintained with sufficient crew to deliver the hugely popular trips and that the essential training, finance, admin and communications functions run effectively.”

Volunteers are rewarded by wonderful feedback from clients. One grateful parent wrote the following after her son’s experience aboard a Waterways Experiences residential trip: “I cannot speak highly enough of all the volunteers that help on the trips (and with all the administration that is involved). To give up this amount of time to help individuals and their families is unbelievable. To give children/
young adults with additional needs such rich experiences and friendship is fantastic. I feel so lucky that we have become part of this wonderful group and I cannot thank them enough for what they have given Joe and my family.”