HFR Solutions CIC – Community Canal Boat Investment Supports Community Engagement Program
Humber-based Community Interest Company HFR Solutions CIC – which helps organisations improve safety through preparation for and response to emergencies, has recently invested in a brand new 12ft x 60ft Wide Beam Canal Boat Cruiser called ‘Forget-Me-Not’, as part of their community engagement program.
The build has recently been completed by specialist canal boat builders Collingwood and Liverpool Boats, based in Manchester and the ‘Forget-Me-Not’ has just arrived at her new mooring home at Thorne’s Blue Water Marina.
It will comfortably accommodate up to 12 passengers (excluding crew members) to travel in style and provides amenities such as:
Comfortable seating
Kitchen facilities to cook hot food
Lift and wheelchair access
Washroom facilities
Large TV screen
The ‘Forget-Me-Not’ canal boat will be free to use for charitable and non-profit making community groups and will provide passengers with the unforgettable experience of sailing the inland waterways within the Humber and Yorkshire regions and a trip away from everyday life.
John Armson, Emergency Services Manager at HFR Solutions, commented “HFR Solutions is always looking at ways to engage with our local communities and provide a community return in many different ways. Having recognised we wanted to invest in a community boat and a subsequent visit to the East Manchester Community Boat Project and experiencing a trip out on their boat the ‘Community Spirit’, we realised the impact such a similar project could make in our region.
“We feel this project will help to engage communities and facilitate social interaction between generations. We are delighted that this project has finally come to fruition.”
The ‘Forget-Me-Not’ canal boat will provide a visible, enjoyable and rewarding experience, create some wonderful memories and opportunities to chat with others in a safe and relaxed environment. All trips will be facilitated by fully trained crew members and will provide a slower and sedate method of transport.
This unique community-based project provides additional benefits such as the opportunity to learn a new skill by acting in the role of a volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer on this project, HFR Solutions would be delighted to hear from you.
It is also hoped that businesses will see the benefits of engaging with this unique project through sponsorship activities or using the boat to hold meetings, corporate away days or team building events.
Nick Granger, Managing Director, HFR Solutions, commented “Like with so many of our community interest projects, support from the business community will help to make this initiative a success. We are extremely grateful to Howden’s Joinery’s who have kindly offered to sponsor this project, by fitting out the kitchen in the galley and designing the fixtures and fittings. “We would be delighted for any local business to support us on this journey and make use of the boat for team meetings or corporate away days. We are delighted with how the project is progressing and plan to set sail during the spring of 2020.”
This project will allow the HFR Solutions business to further engage with the community in delivering projects that make a real difference to individuals, non-profit making community groups and charitable organisations.
HFR Solutions will be presenting the’ Forget-Me-Not’ project at the next Onboard! event scheduled for next January.