It costs around £9,000 a year to operate and maintain Beatrice, and that does not include major projects such as the new engine we fitted a few years back. So we thank all those who help us to find that money to do our work. Some comes from grants but it also includes, among others, those who make donations in return for a trip, those who put a few coins in one of our collections, those who leave us money in their will and those who support us generously through fundraising.
Recent donors include Cllr Bill Cawley, the Mayor of Leek for 2022/23, who made us one of the beneficiaries of his Mayoral year. He personally organised a number of events that have helped us pay our bills. And Bill Lomas, Leek's enthusiastic Town Crier, is also a supporter, both with cash donations and his encouragement and promotion of our Charity. The picture shows Town Crier Bill in his splendid regalia on a visit to the boat.
