I would like to make a booking for my group, what is
involved?
Before sending in the booking form please
phone the Boat Project office to agree a date. It is
useful to have some alternatives to hand. We will then make a
provisional booking for you which will be confirmed when we receive
your completed booking form and a 50% deposit. Please send
this as soon as possible. Final payment is due 4 weeks before
your trip. We are unable to accept payments in cash or cheque
on the boat.
I want to return the booking form but cannot fill in the
passenger record as I do not know who will be coming on board yet.
What do I do?
Make a copy of the Passenger Record section of the
booking form and either send it to us when you know the names of
your group or bring it with you to the boat on the day of your trip
and give it to a member of crew.
We suggest you also take a copy of the booking form for your
records.
What happens if I have to cancel my confirmed booking?
If you cancel your booking up to 4
weeks before your trip, 50% of the booking fee will be refunded. If
cancellation is received within 4 weeks of your visit, the full
booking fee will be retained by the River Thames Boat Project.
How many passengers can we take on board?
For a cruise on the river we can accommodate a
total of 12 passengers including carers and support staff.
When the boat remains moored it depends upon the event e.g. for
School on the River a class of 30 to 35, for a private buffet party approximately 40 people. Please contact the
office for more details.
What is the largest class size for
School on the River?
We can accommodate a class of 30 to 35 pupils plus
support staff on one of our School On the River days. The boat
is usually moored at Teddington Lock, with half of the group having
lessons on the lockside and the remainder on board Richmond
Venturer.
Why can you only take 12 passengers on such a large boat?
We are licensed to carry a maximum of 12
passengers on a trip. The Richmond Venturer is not a purpose built
passenger boat but a converted barge. Our passengers enjoy freedom of movement
on the main deck and down below.
They appreciate the tranquility that this space gives them.
The Boat Project employs a qualified skipper and
provides up to 4 volunteer crew for your day out. Please note
that the crew are not trained carers and do not provide personal
care. Please ensure that you bring enough support staff with your
group.
How many does the Venturer sleep on a residential voyage?
At the stern we have 4 adult size and 1 shorter
5'6"" berth plus 3 canvas pipe cots suitable for children. At
the bow we have 2 adult size berths. The sleeping areas can be
curtained off for privacy. We also have 3 Thermarest (camping) mats and foam cushions that can be put down on
the saloon floor. The crew have their own separate
accommodation.
Can I join a trip if I am not a member of a
group?
Yes. Due to a successful pilot
scheme in 2006 we are including day cruises for individuals who
would like to take part in an Accessing the Thames trip but are not
part of any group. Please contact the Boat Project office for
more details.
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Can wheelchair users get on board?
Yes. We have a specially designed gangway.
The barge has been designed to
the standard 700mm wide x 1m long wheelchair. For the safety of all
on board, we cannot accept electric or larger wheelchairs.
Please make sure that your wheelchair is of the
correct size -
check your dimensions to see if it can go up the gangway.
We also have a lift to take you down in to the saloon.
We cannot accommodate more than 6
wheelchairs.
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Can I bring my dog with me?
Yes provided that it is friendly, well behaved and
the other members of your group do not mind.
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What time should we arrive at the mooring?
We like our passengers to arrive as soon after
10.00am as possible, preferably not before as the crew have their
duties to prepare for your trip. We usually return at approximately 4.30pm
depending upon whether we have to queue at any of the locks. If you
do arrive promptly then we try to get to Shepperton Lock for
lunch.
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How many carers do I have to bring with my group?
You need to bring enough support staff to be able
to look after your group, our crew are not trained carers and do not
provide personal care. For every wheelchair user please bring
an escort to handle the wheelchair. In the event
of an emergency the crew must be free to manage the boat.
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Where do you cruise to?
On a typical day we start from our mooring in
Kingston and travel upstream to Walton or Shepperton for lunch,
returning in the afternoon. Our residential trips upstream can
go as far as Windsor. We cannot get beyond Windsor as the
Venturer cannot get under Windsor and Eton bridge.
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Do you give a guided commentary during the trip?
No. Our crew are very knowledgeable about the river
and will be pleased to talk to members of the group during the day.
On board the Venturer
there are binoculars, books, information packs about the river and
educational toys. Your group is welcome to make use of them during
your visit but please leave them behind for others to enjoy.
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How much does it cost for a day's cruise?
The Richmond Venturer is charged out on a daily
basis.
Scale of charges.
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Do I have to provide lunch for my group?
Yes. Through experience we have found that a large
number of our clients, especially those from residential homes, have
special dietary requirements. It has become a custom to
include our volunteer crew in your catering. If this is not possible
please let us know in advance e.g. children bringing packed lunches.
We provide soft drinks, milk, tea and coffee.
You are welcome to bring wine and beer on board.
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Do I have to bring tea towels, crockery etc. with
me?
No. Our galley is fully equipped and linen is
replaced daily. You may wish to bring large serving platters
but we usually have enough on board. Please do not bring paper
plates or plastic cups on board as they blow into the river if taken
on deck. The use of non re-usables is against our environmental
policy.
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I have to do a risk assessment for our School on
the River day can I visit the boat in advance?
Yes. For School on
the River bookings we arrange a pre-visit meeting at Teddington Lock with
our Project Manager . In addition to assessing health and
safety risks this meeting helps to plan your day's activities.
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Do you hire the Richmond Venturer for private
parties?
Yes. The boat is available for trips and static hire.
Please contact the office for more information.
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Can I be a volunteer crew member as I do not have
any boating experience?
Yes. The Boat Project give full training to
all new crew members and it is mandatory to attend a refresher
course each year. We also provide training in more specific
skills e.g. first aid, VHF radio, disabilities awareness, wheelchair
handling etc.
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Do you have any open days?
Yes. We attend the Teddington River Festival each year.
Other dates will be advertised on this website.
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