In 2010 the toilet in St Clare was changed and the shower and bulkhead was removed. It had been planned to remove the upper lockers in the front seating area to allow better passenger interaction. Unfortunately the steel in the upper lockers prevented this and so the work was held over to 2011. The picture shows the work underway as at January 2011.

In 2010 it became apparent that the floor on Dandelion had started to lift. Inspection at the end of 2010 revealed that the sub floor had weakened due to water ingress. Work is underway to remove and replace the subfloor and new laminate will be fitted soon.

Also on Dandelion the crew cabin is being re-modelled to provide more space. The crew shower area has been removed and changed to a storage cupboard. The bunk is being changed to a dinette and smaller under worktop cupboards are being installed. The following photo shows John Townsend in his workshop constructing new steps for the back end of the boat. The steps enable access to the steering tiller above the engine housing.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List published in the London Gazette on June 2^nd 2010 announced the news that the Rothley based charity the Baldwin Trust had won the ‘Queens Award for Voluntary Service (The volunteers MBE).  The award is seen as the national benchmark for volunteering excellence. 

The Trust was invited to send representatives to a garden party at Buckingham Palace  on Tuesday 20 July 2010.  John and Glenda Townsend, Chairman and Secretary together with Charlie Tucker, Treasurer and Harold Wise, Trustee, were pleased to attend. 

The formal presentation of the award was made by the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer Lady Gretton at Pillings Lock marina on Monday August 9 at 7.00pm.

We were pleased to welcome Lady Gretton, Lord Lieutenant and Jill Vincent, Mayor of Charnwood to the Boat House restaurant at Pillings for the presentation event.

Many of our volunteers were present and enjoyed the buffet meal which was arranged to thank them for all their work on behalf of the Trust in providing day trips for our various client groups.

The Queens Award Logo is now displayed on the side of our boats.