Friends

The Friends of Bitternes Afloat is an group that was set up to assist the Bitternes Afloat achieve its objectives. This support can come in a number of ways through both finance, prayer and practical assistance if required.

Most years we are able to financially support individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford to attend the holiday.

We hope in the future to be able to increase our support to the Bitternes by providing financial support for training. In our ever increasing litigious world it is vital for the protection of the young people and the leaders that the leaders are correctly trained, principally in Sailing and First Aid.

These courses are expensive and in order to keep the cost of the holiday reasonable the costs are often borne by the individuals taking them. That is fine where they can afford to do so but there is an increasing danger that leaders will no longer take part because they feel unable to "pay their way".

For that reason The Friends are currently seeking Charitable Status and hope to step up our fund raising and giving.

Most of the donors are ex-Bitternes like the Friends administrator Ian Hamilton. Ian first went on the cruise as a 13 year old boy in 1953, and retired as Commodore in 1999 - the 50th cruise! None the less donations are welcomed from any source whether you are an ex-Bitterne, a member of one of our partner churches, or merely an interested party wishing to support the work of The Bitternes Afloat.

To make a one off donation or to set up a standing order please contact Ian on friends@bitternesafloat.co.uk

Many thanks