Museum of the Broads – Enabling less able visitors to access the Marsh Harrier

The Museum’s new electric launch, Marsh Harrier, is wheelchair accessible via a lift within the boat.  It was operated by an existing 48 volt system.  However, once operational at the end of 2019, it was found that the power required to operate the bow thruster, the bilge pumps, and the lift drained the batteries to an extent that trips were then limited or had to be curtailed.

This grant will fund the installation of a 12 volt electrical and self-contained 12 volt charging system on the boat.  It will enable the lift to be used without detriment to the normal running of the boat and create access for passengers unable to negotiate the boarding steps and to lower and raise passengers in wheelchairs into and off the boat.

The new 12 volt system, like the existing 48 volt system, will be charged using electricity generated by the Museum’s own solar panels.

The Broads Trust Trustees agreed the grant application early in 2020 but this was delayed due to Covid

Peter Howe, Trustee of Broads Trust, presents the cheque to Nicola Hems, Curator and Robert Paul, Chairman of Museum of the Broads Trustees

Date:  August 2020

Grant Applicant: Museum of the Broads

Grant amount provided towards the full project costs: £1,300