ON OCTOBER 21 we met once again in the Parish Hall.

We were greeted with cups of tea and no fewer than four different cakes – one apparently known by some as donkey’s wedding cake, but to most of us as bread pudding.

We bought raffle tickets, patronised the Bring & Buy stall and paid outstanding annual subscriptions.

Our speaker Wendy Treble was standing in for her husband Paul, who was unwell, and who is the founder and organiser of the Disabled Afloat Riverboat Trust, the subject of our talk.

It all began when social services and probationary services thought that some disturbed and disabled children might benefit from a holiday, where professionals/carers could be in one-to-one contact with them over a few days, and so help them with their problems and difficulties.

These little holidays took place on a canal narrow boat called Gypsy.

Originally these young people used the boat on weekdays and the Scouts and Guides at the weekends.

The boat cruised to various places including Stratford on Avon, Evesham and The Kennet and Avon Canal.

Eventually a new boat was needed and one was built with special disabled facilities and was launched in Gloucester docks by Princess Anne.

Now some years later, D.A.R.T. offers more than twenty reasonably priced holidays afloat each summer to disabled people and their carers.

Boats are accessible for wheelchairs and help is always there if needed.

Usually there are ten helpers to three disabled persons.

D.A.R.T. is a registered charity, and amongst its fund raising activities they sell teas at Tewkesbury Abbey.

Most of the helpers are volunteers.

Passengers benefit greatly from these holidays becoming more confident and enjoying a degree of independence (they may not usually have) as well as enjoying the holiday, making new friends and seeing new places.

We enjoyed our talk about D.A.R.T.; a service most of didn’t realise existed.

Our speaker answered questions and was thanked.

The raffle was drawn and Rosalind our Chairperson asked for ideas about our Christmas Party in December and we have yet to make a decision about this event.

We enjoyed some more tea and cake before making our way home.

Our next meeting will be November 18.

We meet in the Parish Hall at Beeches Green at 1.30pm and visitors are always welcome.