Sally Clifford meets the family helping to bring the festive spirit to the Safe Anchor Trust.
CHRISTMAS comes but once a year and the McGurty family are among those helping to spread the festive cheer.
In the warm and cosy confines of the cafe at Shepley Bridge Marina in Mirfield, West Yorkshire – home to the Safe Anchor Trust – volunteers are busy preparing refreshments ready for the throng. Even the heavy rain is failing to dampen the spirits of this invaluable workforce who dedicate their time to help keep the charity afloat – and not just at Christmas. For them it is an all-year-round commitment.
Volunteering is certainly a family affair for the McGurty clan. One corner of the cafe is dominated by trestle tables topped with a range of festive gifts, from plush stockings to sweet treats.
Stocking and selling gifts from the Christmas shop is a role Janet and her father, Les, have enjoyed for more then a decade – only relinquishing their duties during the Covid pandemic.
For Janet and Les it’s all about the people they meet – and supporting a worthy cause.
“The atmosphere,” says Janet, in response to her reasons for getting involved. “And the people,” says Les. “It’s also a nice feeling to be able to help. While they are here they are having a lovely time.”
“It brings people joy and makes money for the Safe Anchor Trust,” Janet adds.
Launched in 1995, the charity’s aim is to provide enjoyable and therapeutic boat trips for those in the community who are disadvantaged through physical or mental disabilities; social isolation, age or social deprivation.
Les and Janet aren’t the only McGurtys involved in the operation. Over in the grotto, twinkling with festive lights at Shepley Bridge Marina, Janet’s mum, Margaret, has donned the Christmas Queen costume to assist Father Christmas in greeting children and distributing presents after they disembark from their trip along the Calder and Hebble Navigation from Mirfield town centre aboard two of the charity’s four-strong fleet, Safe Anchor Lady, a 54ft broad beam boat specifically designed for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues, and the 36ft narrowboat Lady Victoria, a replica of an Edwardian River Thames launch.
Margaret explains her involvement began after visiting the marina for a narrowboat trip following the marriage of granddaughter Kerry McGurty-Moore, Janet’s daughter, to fellow volunteer Michael Moore. She began volunteering in the kitchen and helped with bookings before activities were curtailed due to the Covid pandemic.
“We really missed it,” says Margaret, recalling the restrictions brought in during lockdowns.
Seeing normality resumed made Christmas 2023 all the more special – especially for Kerry and Michael’s children, William and Lizzie, who were happily tucking into refreshments in the cafe alongside other young customers – some of whom have been coming on the Santa Special boat trips here since they were born.
“It’s just different, and the people – it’s the same faces and everyone is really friendly,” says one visitor, who was pledging further support with her purchases from Janet and Les’s stall.
Close by, Kerry was manning the raffle for which she had sourced an extensive range of prizes from generous businesses. Kerry’s introduction to the Safe Anchor Trust, which led to her mum and grandparents’ involvement, came through her husband.
Michael explains he was introduced to the Safe Anchor Trust as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Gold award – he now works for the DoE – and is also a volunteer with the Safe Anchor Trust. For Michael and son William, who both have autism, spending time here has a calming effect and brings many well-being benefits. Through their involvement friendships have also been made.
Kerry recalls when she and Michael married in 2014, in their home town of Huddersfield, some of the volunteers formed a guard of honour with wooden spikes (lock levers) specially decorated for the occasion. William’s christening celebrations were held at the marina.
“It’s our second family – it means the world,” says Kerry, adding: “and you get to meet new people.”
Kevin Thorburn, a volunteer and trustee of the Safe Anchor Trust, says: “Thirty-three different Safe Anchor Trust volunteers, of all ages, were involved over the weekend, including several different generations of different families.
“It’s a privilege to bring excitement, fun and happiness to so many people whatever their age.”
Kevin also expressed his thanks to Father Christmas. “We are so lucky that Santa had time to ‘drop in’ and help us celebrate Christmas at Safe Anchor Trust. It’s an enjoyable and fun way for our volunteers to interact with the local community.
“Everyone enjoys themselves – and how many people can say that they got to meet the ‘main man’? Whether you are a volunteer or a visitor, everyone has a smile on their face.”
For more information visit: www.safeanchor.org.uk
