The Wheelyboat Trust - Registered Charity Number 292216

We were formed in 1984 and were originally called the Handicapped Anglers Trust.  Our principal aim at that time was to supply fisheries with the newly developed Wheelyboat to help them provide access for disabled anglers.

Founding Trustee, Alan Faulkner, conceived the idea of the Wheelyboat after his friend, Bill Buchanan, was paralysed in an accident on his farm.  Alan was determined that in spite of Bill's disability (the injury had left him a wheelchair user) they would continue to enjoy each other's company while fishing.  Plans for a prototype accessible boat were drafted and a team of people came together to develop the concept with funding from, among others, Action Research, The Fishmongers’ Company and Lord Inchcape.  The first Wheelyboat built was officially launched by HRH Prince Charles at Fishmongers' Hall in 1985.  Alan died in 2002 and Bill in 2007 but the legacy of their endeavours goes from strength to strength.

In 2004 we changed our name to The Wheelyboat Trust to reflect our broader aims and the clear demand for Wheelyboats for activities that now extend far beyond the fishing lake.  

Patrons 

Jeremy Paxman
Sir Max Hastings
Charles Jardine
Allan Lamb
Baroness Golding Elizabeth Buchanan CVO The Lady Anthony Hamilton

Trustees

Mr AG Scott (Chairman)
Mrs PV Seligman
Mr GES Seligman
Mr I Thornley OBE Mr SD Barrowcliff Mrs ME Brocklebank Mr JI Leslie Melville Mrs SE Buscall Lady ZLB Benyon

Staff

Paul Elgood - Development Director Andy Beadsley - Operations Director