Ladybird Boat Trust

Most Common Questions

Cost Of Trip Boat Mooring Location Fish & Chips Trip Group Size Toilet Users Wheelchairs & Walkers Operating Times

SUGGESTED DONATION

We do not set a trip cost but when asked suggest a £15 donation for 4-5 hr trips and at least £10 donation for shorter trips.

Our boatmaster can accept cash or cheque donations onboard. We also now have a card reader and can accept card payment. Alternatively, you can use the BACS system. (Please go to Donations to see details of paying by BACS).

We are an independent charity, and raising the money to continue to operate is an important issue. If you can contribute in any way, all donations will be gratefully received and will help support those less fortunate. All the crew are all volunteers, but we have fixed costs of insurance, mooring fees, maintenance, and fuel which amount to approximately £18,000 a year. However, we are committed to providing free trips for groups or individuals who, for whatever reason, are unable to contribute to our costs. If you consider that this applies to you then please get in touch with us.

BOAT MOORING LOCATION

The Ladybird is moored at Hartford Marina, Huntingdon, PE28 2AA. Follow the Ladybird signs

On entry to Hartford Marina site, turn LEFT and drive past the front of the Hartford Mill Pub. Continue on the road past the last carpark and round the bend and a large residential block. The security gate is about 150 metres further on. This will be open TWENTY MINUTES before departure time. Once let through by Ladybird crew drive to the end of the road to the car park.

For more information and a map click on Documents in the Tab bar at the top of the page.

GROUP SIZE

Group trips will have between 8 and a maximum of 20 passengers on board. Reduced if there are wheelchairs in the cabin. Two chairs are removed for each wheelchair. Therefore, if there are six wheelchairs (maximum number) then the total number of passengers on the trip will be 14.

USERS

The majority of our passengers are on trips organised by groups that support the disadvantaged and disabled and elderly. These include Specialist Groups, Friendship, Day Centres, Residential, Care Homes and retirement community groups. We also provide some trips for educational purposes to schools and the scouting/guide movement. If you are not part of a group, then you can join one of our individual trips that are available.

WHEELCHAIRS & WALKERS

Vehicles can unload close to the boat with easy access to the cabin. We can take a maximum of 6 wheelchairs on any trip. To create space we need to remove 2 seats per wheelchair and therefore the total group size will be 20 minus the number of wheelchairs.

(eg. 20 – 6 wheelchairs = max 14 passengers in wheelchairs and on seats)

We need ready access and therefore we ask that any walkers onboard are collapsed where possible. Although they will be available for use at any time.

DRINKS & FOOD

There is a small galley kitchen on board with microwave and hot water heater. We have tables, plates, cutlery and mugs. You need to bring your own coffee, tea, milk, other drinks and other utensils that you might require. You might wish to bring your own food and this can be eaten on board or we can moor beside the bank and you can picnic on the riverbank or in a park.

You might wish to have food delivered to the boat or stop at a restaurant or pub. These are some suggestions. However organisation and booking of this is your responsibility.

Godmanchester

These are morning trips, and the finish time is no later than 1330hrs to permit an afternoon trip. This trip MUST be booked for 1000hrs-1330hrs if you are intending to stop for fish & chips. If you are eating on the boat, then a 3 hour trip with a start no later than 1030 is possible.

Fish & chips can be ordered from Rumbles Fish Bar in Godmanchester (King James Retail Centre Ermine St, Godmanchester PE29 2PA (tel 01480 417673) on the day and and will be delivered to the boat. NB The portions are large and those with smaller appetites might wish to share. www.rumblesgodmanchester.co.uk. The shop must be informed at a minimum, the day before the trip.

St Ives

Hartford Marina

DOGS

Only assistance dogs are permitted on board.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Your safety is very important to us.

Crew will be present to provide safe entry and exit to the Ladybird. Before your trip commences the Boatmaster will provide information, and a safety announcement will then be played. The Marine and Coastguard Agency who licence the boat require and inspect our Safety Management Plans for responding to emergencies and that risk assessment for passengers and crew members have been carried out. During the winter months crew carry out training which includes dealing with emergencies, risk awareness and first aid refresher courses.

Our risk assessment and other safety documents can be found by clicking in our Documents section at the top of the page ( or on a mobile by clicking on the three bars on the top right of the page to open up the index)