The Grand Wheelybus Launch .....continued

On Friday afternoon in the Town Hall, over 100 people gathered to celebrate the launch of the Overwater Wheelybus – another resounding success to the team of dedicated people led by Rodney Cottrell and wife Christine who have in the last eight years created and operated the Audlem Lass, the Overwater Wheelyboat and now the Overwater Wheelybus.

After a welcome to the ceremony from Janet Maughan, President of the Overwater Wheelyboat Services, Rodney Cottrell Now Chairman of the Overwater Wheelyboat Services, described the history of the Audlem and Wheelyboat Services.

Audlem Lass
It all began some 8 years ago when Janet Maughan asked Rodney if it would be feasible to create a ferry service between the Overwater Marina and Audlem. Rodney naturally replied positively without at the time knowing how he could achieve it. After a few months search a hull was purchased for £3000 and Rodney went in search of funding for a roof, seating and a new engine. The rest is history – originally a team of 5 people, the team who operate and skipper the Lass is now some 40 people including 5 ladies. 37,000 people have travelled on the Lass in the last eight years and £15,000 has been raised for the RNLI.

Overwater Wheelyboat
After some two years of operating the Audlem Lass it was realised that no facilities were provided for passengers with disabilities and so a search was conducted for a suitable additional boat. Mike Harthern found an organisation called the Wheelyboat Trust and the team were quick to contact Andy Beadsley, Director of the Wheelyboat Trust and arrange a visit.

Andy confirmed that the Wheelyboat Trust could provide an appropriate electric boat and help with some funding.Meanwhile Rodney and team set about raising some £26000 to purchase the boat which Rodney proudly claims was achieved in three months! with help of Comic Relief, Cheshire Community Action, Ableworld and indvidual contributions from people within Audlem. Since launch the Wheelyboat has provided trips around the Marina to Lock 15 and along to Hack Green for some 1500 people.

Overwater Wheelybus
One piece of the jigsaw, however, was still missing. Several carers said that they had clients with disabilities who were not able to take boat trips because no transport was available. So Campbell Ward's suggestion was – why not acquire a Wheelybus? Rodney and Team set about the task of raising the £35000 plus needed to purchase such a vehicle. With the help of Cheshire Leader, Big Lottery(Awards for All),High Sheriff Charity Fund, Car Transplants, Cheshire County Foundation and many others this was achieved over a two year period and so the Wheelybus has been purchased from a company GM Coachworks in Newton Abbott about whom Rodney is extremely grateful and complimentary for all they have done to help bring the project to fruition.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

The meeting was addressed by

• Janet Maughan President of Overwater Wheelyboat Services
• Rodney Cottrell Chairman of Overwater Wheelyboat Services
• Sarah Beckett (DL) on behalf of minibus funders.
• Antoinette Sandbach MP
• Councillor Rachel Bailey, Chairman Cheshire East
• Andy Beadsley, Director of Wheelyboat Trust
• Reverend Helen Chantry conducted a blessing for the minibus.
• Lesley Smethen Mayor of Borough of Cheshire East closed proceedings.

Refeshments were provide by the cafe at Bridge 80 from the Marina.

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