MISSION STATEMENT

To provide recreational facilities for young people aged 12 to 20, particularly those who are disadvantaged mentally, physically or financially, in order to improve their conditions of life.

SYNOPSIS
        
                   PURPOSE

In providing a venue for youngsters to live and work together New Petra promotes practical skills in boat handling, catering and languages whilst providing an opportunity to develop inter-personal skills through a residential experience

                  OBJECTIVES

To help young people, particularly those that are disadvantaged, by offering supervised structured activity in an international waterborne environment.

THE PAST

                  HISTORY

Kent Venture Boat Trust was formed in 1981 to purchase and operate a Dutch Barge for the benefit of youngsters aged 12 to 20.  Following purchase and conversion Petra was used extensively on the Medway and Thames, after which the project re-located to Calais and the canals of Flanders.

Charitable status was obtained in the mid 1990's following dissolution of the trust, which was renamed Kent Venture Boat - KVB.

The management team was re-organised in 1999, Petra taken out of service, and laid up in Terneuzen while the future was considered.

                  A NEW BARGE

In 2000 the management committee decided, after survey, that there was no future for Petra, and she was sold.  There followed an extensive search for a replacement barge, and a concerted fund raising effort.

The target was to raise at least £50,000, purchase a larger barge, convert to carry 12 passengers in comfort, and resume operations using Oostende as a base by the spring of 2002.   

THE PRESENT

                  NEW PETRA

In early 2001 the 31m “Spits Pointu” Roelie II (No 2312010) was purchased in Lelystad for £30,000, surveyed, and sailed to Terneuzen for conversion.  This barge spent her working life on the Rhine and was bought out of service by the previous owner, shortened, and a sun deck added.
The overall condition is excellent and she has a future life span of at least 30 years.

Roelie II was sailed to Stellendam In 2002 and over 8 weeks, at a cost of £40,000, the hold was
professionally converted to 7 cabins, 4 en-suite, with a large recreation area and galley.  Back in Terneuzen she was surveyed for load line, classed a pleasure vessel, and renamed NEW PETRA.

Despite many setbacks New Petra sailed to Oostende in the Autumn of 2002 for a naming ceremony by the KCC cabinet member for Community Services.  This was followed by short ‘recce’ cruises for KCC youth workers.

New Petra once again sailed to Stellendam in March 2003 to make the wheelhouse collapsible, in order to pass under low bridges.  This was followed by a long delay waiting for linear motors, and only 2 groups used the barge.

The management team took a ‘hands on’ approach to the conversion, doing much of the work and living on board for most of the time over the 3 year period.

It wasn’t until the spring of 2004 that New Petra finally entered service with a shakedown cruise to Calais, followed by a reasonably successful first season.

KVB has a good relationship with the Port of Oostende and is allowed to use various berths and pass lifting bridges free of charge.  The rowing club adjacent to our main berth is also very helpful and provides fresh water and security.

At the end of the 2004 season it was apparent that many groups were not using New Petra because of transport difficulties on the Continent. KVB purchased a second hand minibus to provide a door to door service, and this appears to be successful.

                  MARKETING

KVB has a web site www.newpetra.org.uk under construction.  When operating this will give an overview of the charity, its aims and ambitions and could provide funding through contributions.  It will also provide access for bookings, and a barometer of our financial situation.

Power Point presentations showing what youngsters can expect on a cruise are given on request, and there is a full colour bi-fold flyer.  Flyers are also sent out in the KCC mailing to keep youth leaders up to date with our venture.

Personal endorsement from past user groups is important and we have an evaluation form to advise KVB of any weaknesses.  So far feedback has been very positive and most youngsters would like to return.

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