Our Past

A generous bequest by a patient on the Baldwin Ward of Leicester Frith Hospital led to the founding of the Baldwin Trust in 1982. The charity’s original objective was to alleviate the suffering of very sick long-term patients by means of recreational cruises on the local waterways.

After several years of energetic fund-raising the founding trustees were ready to commission the building of a specially equipped narrow boat in a Merseyside yard where much of the work would be carried out by YTS apprentices to minimise cost. 'St Clare' named after the original benefactor was handed over to the Trust in 1987 and brought to Leicester where she now operates from Raynsway Marina on the North side of the city. In 2008 the boat reached 21 years and has been repainted and a new replacement engine was fitted in 2008.

From its visionary origins in a single hospital ward the Baldwin Trust in time established itself as one of the area’s leading community boats attracting people from care homes and other groups across the region. In 2010 we were awarded the Queens Award for voluntary service. In a typical season more than 1200 disabled and otherwise infirm people enjoy the experience of a river cruise through the Leicestershire countryside.

In October 2002 Leicester City Council donated two neglected and vandalised narrow boats 'Dandelion' and 'Charlotte' to the Baldwin Trust for restoration. Our aim was to restore the boats to community use. After much inspired hard work by a small team of volunteers 'Dandelion', transformed inside and out, was restored during the 2003 season and returned to full active service in 2004. In 2008 'Charlotte' was prepared as a 'sail-away' project boat and sold.

The modest charges made for the river cruises only partially meet the cost of operating and maintaining the boats. We are generally running a shortfall of about £5000 pa which has to be met by active fund raising from a variety of activities including attendance at various boat festivals where we offer visits and refreshments on board. We also run a 100 club offering supporters the chance of winning a monthly prize draw.

In order to undertake more extensive capital projects we have to bid for funding grants from appropriate agencies.