The Rose is a 55′ wide beam boat, owned by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, that offers private charters and regular public trips along the Kennet and Avon Canal from Hungerford Wharf. The Rose carries over 6,000 passengers a year and contributes about £40,000 to the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. The boat is entirely run by fully trained volunteers who do it because they thoroughly enjoy it. Every penny raised by The Rose goes directly to the Trust.
May 2022 Update
The Rose and her crew are now well into the summer schedule. As far as public trips are concerned this means two trips a day on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays Mondays. There is a 1.5hr trip at 11.30am and a 2.5hr trip at 2.30pm. All trips start and finish at Hungerford Wharf.
The Rose also offers private crewed charters for you to host your own event or party. These can be any time subject to boat and crew availability. The layout inside the boat is flexible which makes it possible to host a variety of events.
In case you are new to the area, The Rose is owned by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and run by volunteers to raise funds for the Trust. She is a very popular attraction and brings passengers from near, far and very far with a number of
followers coming from abroad. The word spreads everywhere thanks to social media.
For the comfort of the passengers there is an electric wheelchair lift for standard size wheelchairs, a cloakroom and an onboard licensed bar selling snacks and hot and cold drinks.
A trip on The Rose of Hungerford is enjoyed by all ages and the boat provides Activity sheets (with prizes) for children as well as Passenger Information Booklets which are full of photos and information about the boat, canals in general, the
Kennet and Avon Canal in particular, wildlife and plants that you may see and lots more. These are provided on the boat for passengers to read during a trip but may also be purchased to take home.
The crew are justifiably proud of their reputation not only for efficiency and training, but also for the guaranteed warm welcome they offer to their passengers.
This is instrumental in keeping passenger numbers up. The figures are very good and result in a considerable amount raised for the Trust. Of course we are always keen to have more passengers so do please come onboard and spread the word to friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to do so as well.
We all deserve a bit of fun and relaxation and that’s exactly what you get onboard The Rose of Hungerford.
All information at rose.katrust.org.uk and on social media sites.
Trips
Trips vary in length and give passengers the chance to enjoy a slow and relaxing view of the canal, and all it has to offer; bridges, locks, wildlife and spectacular scenery. The Rose has a galley and licensed bar and can offer hot and cold drinks and snacks; charter trips can be catered or self-catered. The boat has an electric wheelchair lift and facilities on board.
Would you like to volunteer?
The Rose is always keen to hear from new volunteers. No experience is necessary as full training is provided for the various roles. If you are over 16 (essential as there is a licensed bar on board), enjoy working as part of a team and being outdoors this could be for you. It is clear to see that the crew have a great time and enjoy being on The Rose, on the Kennet and Avon Canal and looking after their passengers.
If you would like more information about what is involved and would like to go out on a trip to see if you enjoy it you can email rose.volunteer@katrust.org.uk.
Any general enquiries about The Rose of Hungerford can be emailed to rose@katrust.org.uk.
Further information and photographs are on all major social media sites and The Rose’s website rose.katrust.org.uk
March 2022 Update
February 2022 Update
January 2022 Update
Christmas Eve saw the last of our sell-out Father Christmas trips and thanks must go to everyone for supporting us, not only with these, but throughout 2021.
We’ve survived this difficult and uncertain year predominantly by being flexible enough to adapt to frequently changing situations whilst being careful to observe guidelines and restrictions. As in the whole country there were many varying views on what changes should or should not be made and we tried to be sensitive to people’s feelings, both passengers and crew.
Plans are underway for the 2022 season which starts with a special trip on Mothering Sunday 27 March, with regular trips starting at the beginning of April.
We are lucky enough to have a stalwart group of volunteers who run The Rose. They are lucky enough to have already discovered the combination of good things that being a member of the crew brings. We work hard to raise funds for the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust by offering regular public trips and private crewed charters from Hungerford Wharf; but more than that, we have fun. We train hard, but there are always smiles and laughter; we work as a close-knit, friendly and supportive team but individuals have the opportunity to do different roles and train further to gain qualifications, if they wish. There are regular crew social events such as a summer al fresco lunch, a pub supper or a winter crew quiz. Crewing on The Rose must be one of the most enjoyable ways to volunteer; helping our passengers, young and old, enjoy their time on board while appreciating the beautiful Kennet and Avon Canal, its flora and fauna as well as its fascinating history.
Volunteers are all ages (over 16), from various locations, careers and experiences and we are now searching for new crew members. If you are interested, or would like to find out more about crewing on The Rose please email rose.volunteer@katrust.org.uk with your name, address, telephone number and email. We would be pleased to organise for you to come out with us one day to see if you enjoy it. There is no need to have any experience as full training will be given.
One of the most popular features is the crew booking system. Rather than having a regular fixed commitment, there is an online roster so the crew can find times that suit them.
One of our long standing supporters sent me this poem about volunteering which I thought I would share with you:
It’s not for money, it’s not for fame;
It’s not for any personal gain.
It’s just for love of fellow man;
It’s just to give a helping hand.
To give a little of oneself
Is something you can’t buy with wealth.
Like hard-earned medals worn with pride,
This, too, makes you feel good inside.
It’s your reward, there in your heart,
It’s feeling that you’ve been a part
Of helping others far and near.
That makes you want to VOLUNTEER!
Do come and join us. We’d love to hear from you and you would be very welcome.
More information available on our website at rose.katrust.org.uk/help-us and also on Facebook and Instagram on our official pages @theroseofhungerford.
