A Glorious Evening on the Water: Our Annual Canal Barge Trip from Shepley Bridge Marina

On a beautiful summer evening, 20 of our members—brain injury survivors, their families, and dedicated carers—gathered at Shepley Bridge Marina in Mirfield for our much-anticipated annual canal barge trip, hosted in partnership with the Safe Anchor Trust and generously sponsored by Intospeech.

Setting off around 5:00 PM aboard two of the Trust’s specially adapted boats, we cruised gently along the canal and river navigation, soaking in the peace and beauty of the Yorkshire waterways. After a day of heavy rain, we were blessed with a glorious burst of sunshine that lit up the landscape and lifted everyone’s spirits.

The journey was more than just a boat ride—it was a chance to unwind, connect, and simply be present in the moment. As we glided through the calm waters, laughter and conversation flowed freely, and the sense of community was palpable.

We returned to the marina around 8:30 PM, hearts full and minds refreshed. The feedback from our members said it all:

“Such a peaceful experience just relaxing.”

“It was so relaxing.”

“The weather was perfect and the trip was enjoyable and relaxing.”

“Love the peace and tranquility and just having time and space to relax and enjoy the time with nice people.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Intospeech for making this special evening possible, and to the Safe Anchor Trust for their continued support and hospitality. This trip is a cherished tradition, and once again, it reminded us of the healing power of nature, community, and shared experiences.

Here’s to many more peaceful journeys ahead.