The Heritage Open Days on 12th and 13th September made it a busy weekend for us. This annual festival celebrates England’s local history and gives access to thousands of places usually closed to the public.

Walton 12th September
The Venturer cruised down to Walton and was moored from 12-4 at Walton Wharf. There were stalls selling cakes and other goodies, a dog show and the local Sea Cadets held a display of boat handling. The Venturer was open to the public and we had 183 visitors who spent over £200 on our treasure hunt, tea/coffee and cakes and the gate.

Kingston 13th September
John Lewis celebrated 25 years in Kingston this year and we were invited by them to take part in the Kingston Heritage Day. Local charities had stalls along the riverside and the medieval ruins, housed in the store’s basement, were open to the public. The boat was moored outside John Lewis and welcomed 93 visitors who spent nearly £150.  But the real bonuses were made below decks by a team of volunteers who signed up a number of great  new potential volunteers.

Thank-you to everyone who crewed, manned the boat, baked cakes or helped in other ways.

Adapted from the Friends Summer 2015 newsletter.