GOLDEN DUCK TAKES TO THE WATER

Canal boat handed over to Royal London Society for the Blind

The Golden Duck,, which cost £93,350, and was paid for by donations from Primary Club members, is a 56ft long wide beam boat equipped with special facilities for blind and partially-sighted pupils.

It was officially launched by HRH the Duchess of Gloucester, Patron of the RLSB, at Little Venice on the Regent's Canal on July 6.

"Since the Primary Club began in 1955, it has worked with the RLSB to provide many sporting facilities for Dorton House, including a swimming pool, two gymnasiums, a cricket pitch, an adventure playground and a fully operational radio station," said Robert Fleming, Chairman of The Primary Club. "The Golden Duck is one of the most exciting projects on which we have joined forces. The staff at Dorton House have worked tirelessly to make sure that every detail is suitable for blind and partially-sighted people. Now, all that remains is for the pupils and students to make full use of the boat and thoroughly enjoy themselves. The Golden Duck sets sail with the best possible wishes of the members of the Club."

"The RLSB aims to empower blind and partially-sighted people to lead independent lives through the provision of high quality education, training and employment services," said Howard Hughes, its Chairman .. "This most generous gift from The Primary Club will further enhance the range of experiences and pleasures available to the people we serve and their families."

"Part of our role here is to put some excitement and fun into the lives of the children, which can be rather flat," said Jude Thompson, Head Teacher of Dorton House, the RLSB school near Sevenoaks, Kent. "The Duck certainly does that."