Wallingford Accessible Boat Club (WABC) has unveiled its new website and opened bookings for its 2026 season, offering free two-hour outings for disabled and less mobile passengers.

The improved site, developed by Clean Slate Solutions of Woodcote, highlights the charity’s mission to help disabled and less mobile people experience the River Thames.

John Jenkins MBE, chairman of WABC, said: “This is a very exciting time for our Boat Club – the start of the new season is just about upon us.

“Our volunteer crews are all geared up and keen to go.

“WOW-one, our much-loved wheelyboat, has been fitted out with some new passenger comfort features and now we have a new-look website, which is fantastic.”

Clean Slate Solutions, founded in 2020 by Darren and Michelle King, partnered with the charity after spotting its appeal on social media.

Mr King said: “Having seen WABC’s most recent call to arms on Facebook we just had to offer our help to this amazing charity.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure working with everyone at the charity and we hope that their new website helps WABC go from strength to strength.”

WABC operates a specially designed boat that enables wheelchair users and people with limited mobility to board safely and comfortably.

Passengers are even able to take the helm if they wish, with trips including sightseeing, fishing, or simply relaxing on the water.

The new website can be accessed here: https://www.wabc.org.uk/

Joan Haslam, who lives at MHA The Homestead in Carterton, turned 100 on April 21 and received the cards following an appeal from the care home.

Staff had hoped to gather 100 cards for Joan’s milestone birthday, but the final total more than doubled their goal.

The cards came from across the community, including schools, nurseries, residents, staff, and family.

Verity Perkins, deputy home manager, said: “We are all very thrilled for Joan and to receive the number of cards she did is tremendous.

“The support shown to the appeal has been amazing and we can’t thank everyone enough.”

Among the cards was a telegram from the King, as well as a card from Bletchley Park, where Joan worked during the Second World War.

She celebrated the day with her three children – David, John, and Trish – and their families in a lounge decorated with banners and balloons.

The care home arranged a private party and a buffet for the family.

Ms Perkins said Joan opened around 150 cards before becoming too tired, and described the King’s telegram as her favourite.

She said: “Her favourite card by far was the telegram from the King, which she kept on looking at and kept with her for a while.”

Joan’s family also shared their appreciation for the home’s efforts in making the day special.

MHA The Homestead provides residential and dementia care for 68 residents.

The map highlights 15 historic and cultural points of interest across eight railway stations in the county.

Developed by the Oxfordshire Community Rail Partnership (OxCRP) in collaboration with Black Ark Media, the map aims to inspire residents and visitors to explore lesser-known stories and communities connected to Oxfordshire.

Alayne McDonald, community rail development manager at OxCRP, said: “Our new Black History Map supports local people and visitors to use stations as gateways to discovery.

“By inviting people to explore the county’s rich and diverse stories by rail, the map supports greater cultural understanding while promoting active and sustainable travel.

“We are grateful to the local community groups, institutions, historical societies and individuals who have helped us to highlight underrepresented local histories linked to rail.”

The project was made possible through funding from Great Western Railway.

Derrick McLean, director of Black Ark Media, said: “This is about visibility and understanding.

“The stories on this map have always been part of Oxfordshire, but they have not always been easy to find.

“Linking them to stations invites people to travel with curiosity and see the county through a fuller lens.”

The map is available to view and download on the OxCRP website, alongside the organisation’s full collection of leisure trails.