On 3rd December the RTBP annual Volunteer (Crew) Supper was held at the wonderful venue of St Mary’s church hall in Twickenham. In 2020 we had our “get together” over Zoom but this year, as it was early December, we actually managed to celebrate together in the same room! The St Mary’s spacious high ceilinged hall is the ideal venue in these current times of needing space and good ventilation! Thank you to Katie at St Mary’s for providing us with such a warm welcome!
Staff and volunteers enjoyed good company, food and drinks, a raffle and the annual awards. The amazing meal was provided by our wonderful RTBP volunteer Marilyn and the clearing up was done in no time at all with the usual RTBP volunteer enthusiasm!
It’s always a challenge to choose just three individuals for the awards, as so many people give so much to the charity. This year, we chose three of our newer volunteers:
Awards were made to:
Hazel Hayes: “the light of learning” for her fantastic contribution as a teacher on RTBP education days
Bernie Hewitson: “the bogbrush of brilliance” for helping out across the board: on education days, crewing for cruises, helping at events and even cleaning the carpet on Thames Venturer
Mark Bridger: “the core of commitment” for taking the plunge to move from being a teaching assistant to being a teacher and consistent support on cruises as crew
Of course, RTBP volunteers received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in June this year which celebrates everyone’s contribution. Thank you to all our volunteers who make RTBP’s work on the river possible. It is always a pleasure to spend time with you!
The raffle raised a fantastic £306 and raffle prizes included: a short cruise on Thames Discoverer, a hamper of food and drinks goodies, festive bottles of vodka and whisky and a £50 M&S voucher!
It was wonderful to celebrate our return to the river and our activities for the year. Everyone is looking forward to more special time on the river in 2022!
And finally…..Santa and his sleigh are back! RTBP staff and volunteers joined Santa in Teddington to help collect donations for the Rotary Club of Teddington and the Hamptons, who then in turn support local charities. RTBP volunteers John Frye and John Wilson are also members of the Rotary Club. Music and lights and lots of Ho Ho Hos brought smiles to everyone’s faces! Thank you to everyone for being one of Santa’s helpers!
River Thames Boat Project 