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History of the ABA
formerly Boats for the Handicapped Association

Cllr Stocks wearing her Council regalia
welcoming Lady de Knayth in her wheelchair
at the launching of the Mildred Stocks in 1986

In 1985, Councillor Mildred Stocks, Founder and President of the Association, was elected Chairman of Hart District Council, and for her chosen charity decided to raise money for a project which would interest and involve people across the whole  district.

Following meetings with many members of the community, Mildred was approached by two canal enthusiasts, David Gerry and David Millett, who explained the problems facing elderly and disabled people accessing the day boat John Pinkerton operated by the Surrey & Hants Canal Society.

Having experienced life in a wheelchair for some 6 months in 1971 herself, she appreciated the limitations facing those whose disability severely limited their mobility and in particular the ability to visit and enjoy the countryside. Thus the idea of providing a day boat designed to provide wheelchair access took shape.

Mildred Stocks under way

The project was launched in July 1985. Through a contact at the Royal Aircraft Establishment in Farnborough it was agreed to build the new boat with the help of their Apprentices and Youth Training Scheme personnel, a government initiative providing young people with the opportunity to learn basic skills in Metalwork, Woodwork and Electrical work.

Various fund raising activities took place, including the involvement  of the 2nd Battalion King Edward Vll Own Ghurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)  based in Church Crookham, who presented Mildred with a cheque for £2000 – every Ghurkha having given a £1.to top of page

Madam Butterfly being launched in 1995
In early 1986 a Registered Charity known as Boats for the Handicapped was formed. During this period 6 members of the Canal Society (David and Judith Gerry, Stan and lris Knight, David and Rosemary Millett) had joined with Mildred to plan the construction and running of the day boat and to look ahead to the further provision of a holiday boat. In July 1986 following a competition held to select a name, the day boat was launched by Lady de Knayth and named The Mildred Stocks.

After 9 years of fund raising, the Association achieved their aim to provide a holiday boat on the canal. In July 1995 Madam Butterfly was launched at a cost of £63,000. Prunella Scales and Timothy West attended the naming ceremony as Patrons.

In 1997 it was decided that a replacement craft for the Mildred Stocks was required. The Association applied for a Lottery grant and obtained £34,750, to which the Association added £l0,000, and the new day boat Dawn was ordered in July 1998, and launched in April 1999.

Dawn being launched in 1999

The design details of Dawn were prepared by one of the Association's  disabled members, using computer design facilities at Farnborough College of Technology, who together with BAe  Systems also supplied technical support and reprographic services.

In the year 2000, following consultation with interested parties, it was decided that the Charity should be renamed to  recognise a wider disability user base. At the AGM in March 2001 the membership approved the change of name to Accessible Boating Association (ABA).

For further information about the ABA please contact the Honorary Secretary.
See contacts page for details.to top of page