Who we are
William Howard
Helmsman & Director
Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate, Marine Engineer and Boat Builder. First Aid at Sea qualified. Will was brought up on the river near Streatley so knows the surrounding stretch of the river like the back of his hand. He owned boats and fished here from the age of 12yrs. Later on he became a Queens Swan Upper and gained knowledge of wildfowl. He has lived with an enduring mental health condition for years and felt there was a need for people with disabilities to be able to go out on our amazing local precious resource, The Thames, due to its calming and healing properties.
Laura Howard
Director
Laura is very fond of the river and has experienced its healing qualities first hand. She understands the need for projects such as Floatability to provide leisure activities that are suitable for people that may have complex needs. With a varied background in Psychology, Special Needs Education and Psychotherapy along with local council administration and finance, she has a wide skill set to bring to Floatability.
Jo Price
Director
Jo is a building surveyor by profession, and enjoys doing anything practical in her spare time. Being out in the natural world really helps improve Jo’s mental health, as she is no stranger to struggles of this kind. She took part in the Floatability fundraising row in the summer and hopes that by providing the opportunity to get out onto the water, Floatability will help others who struggle with physical or mental health to enjoy the healing power of the river.
Giles Viney
Director
Giles has a background in computer technology and also volunteers for Chiltern Edge Community Association, Chiltern Edge Squash Club and on occasion Sonning Common Youth Club. He is a very active person and likes to make a difference in the community. His valuable experience in many areas has helped to shape Floatability to what it is today.
Volunteers
Nick Sandall
Volunteer
Nick has lived in Goring area for the past 25 years and is proud to have raised a family close to the river. Although his working career at Deloitte took him all over Europe as Head of Fsi and latterly head of sales in the Nordics, it was the joy of seeing the family and river that restored his inner balance. He is determined in semi retirement to help others benefit from the healing powers of the river and now he hopes his fund raising roles will help Floatability to raise the money and then provide the much needed river trips for people with mental and physical disabilities.
COLIN RATCLIFF
VOLUNTEER
Colin lives in Goring and is hoping to be able to give some of his time to worthwhile organisations in the area as a volunteer. He worked for 30 years in Thames Valley Police, his last post being Detective Inspector, Forensic Services Manager. He then worked in the private forensic science sector, including time on contract as a police officer in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Scenes of Crime Department. He was Clerk to Goring Parish Council for 5 years, retiring in 2020. He has always lived close to and loves The Thames, hoping now to be able to help the rest of the Floatability team with this venture to bring the river closer to others.
Adrian Wikiert
Volunteer
Adrian is self employed and enjoys the river and wild water in general. One hobby is spear fishing which is does at any opportunity. Having worked on the grounds at Priors Court School for many years he now greatly enjoys giving back to the community.
Julian Datta
Volunteer
Julian works in the IT industry and enjoys anything to do with the water. Originally from Swansea he grew up on the coast so getting on the Thames with Floatability is a great way to give back while doing something he loves. He would love one day to have his own boat. He is married with two daughters at University and a mad black labrador.
How we came about
Two of us, the directors, have enduring mental health conditions. The number of social activities which we can benefit from in a safe, supporting, non-judgemental and caring environment were few. This led us to being isolated and we wanted to change this. Boat trips promote well-being and peace of the mind, body and spirit. Even more so in areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Will has always had a strong bond with the river and local area, having grown up on it and so we decided to combine the two; a bond with the river and its ‘healing’ properties and our determination to find activities for those with disabilities. We also wanted to help form valuable social connections, which are keys to a happy, healthy state of mind. Lack of opportunities or health conditions sometimes make it difficult for people with disabilities to leave their home. So began Floatability. All Directors are focused on the business making a difference in the community.
The premises
We will operate from two pick up points:
Goring Mill Stream, near Goring Lock. This is for people without physical disabilities only.
The Pangbourne Club / Pangbourne Slipway. This venue has accessible toilets and is less than a minute walk from the slipway. The ground is suitable for wheelchair users. Parking is available in a car park immediately adjacent to The Club. There is also limited parking at The Club and an alternative car park over the road.
The Reach
