Royal Award For Volunteers

Waterways Experiences of Hemel Hempstead has been granted The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for its work introducing the disadvantaged to the joys of boating on the Grand Union Canal.

The group were nominated by Cllr Bob Mclean, Mayor of Dacorum, who said: ‘I first visited Waterways Experiences during our Deputy Mayoral year 2015/2016, as part of the High Sheriff day. I was stunned by the enthusiasm of the volunteer base and impressed by the focus upon making available a unique experience for disabled and disadvantaged groups across the Borough and beyond. We have been privileged to be involved with them and are delighted that their efforts have been recognised in this way; the entire team should be congratulated on this fantastic achievement.’

Waterways Experiences, known as ‘WExp’, was formed and is run entirely by volunteers with no paid employees. More than 170 volunteers come from all walks of life and together rise to a huge range of different challenges associated with operating three large boats, two of which are quite elderly. Together they ensure that the boats are properly maintained with sufficient crew to deliver the hugely popular trips and that the essential training, finance, admin and communications functions run effectively.