Royal family member visits Northamptonshire charity as it launches new boat for disabled people

A member of the royal family was invited to see a new boat launched by a Northamptonshire charity.

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, visited Blisworth Marina on Wednesday (October 14) to launch the new boat aimed specifically for disabled people.

Princess Anne was shown around the boat, named ‘Community Spirit’, which will enable the charity to significantly increase its core activity as well as introducing a new service for primary schools.

The ‘floating classroom’ will also provide an environment where children will be encouraged to gain an appreciation of the importance of water safety and learn about the local canal history.

Colin Neal, chairman of the trustees, said: “It was an honour and a privilege to have Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visit us to launch our new trip boat, especially in these difficult times.

“Under normal circumstances, we would have been running boat trips seven days a week.

“However, as most of our service users, and many of the crew, are in the vulnerable category, all trips are on hold this year.

“Our focus is on ensuring we’re in good shape to resume operations in a safe environment whenever we’re able to do so.”

After a short speech by Mr Neal in which he thanked the boat’s sponsors and acknowledged the lead role in fundraising by James Mackaness, Her Royal Highness unveiled a plaque commemorating the visit.

The new boat was funded by contributions from a number of trust funds as well as individuals.

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