Every single trip on Lady Winifred happens because someone gave their time. Our skippers, crew and helpers are ordinary people who decided to do something quietly extraordinary – and many of them will tell you it is one of the most rewarding things they have ever done.
We are always looking for new volunteers to join our team. No experience is needed. Just enthusiasm, reliability and a genuine desire to make a difference.
Picture a summer morning at Trevor Basin. The canal is still, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct rises ahead, and a group of passengers who may not often get the chance to do something like this are about to have a day they will not forget.
That is what our volunteers show up for.
You might be at the helm as skipper, responsible for guiding Lady Winifred safely along the water. You might be on deck as crew, working the bridges and keeping everything running smoothly. Or you might be inside with the passengers – making tea, sharing a conversation, and simply being present for people who genuinely appreciate it.
Whatever role suits you, you will never feel out of your depth. Everything you need to know is taught in house by our own experienced team, at your pace, before you take on any responsibility on the water.
The skipper is responsible for the safe navigation of Lady Winifred. All skipper training is delivered in house to NCBA (National Community Boats Association) standards – no prior boating experience is required.
Crew members work alongside the skipper to keep everything running on the day – handling ropes, operating bridges, and helping passengers feel safe and welcome throughout the journey.
Passenger helpers are the heart of the experience for our guests. You will help people board, settle in and enjoy their time on the water – often making a bigger difference than you might realise.
Prefer to be on dry land? Our shore support volunteers keep the Trust running behind the scenes, helping with bookings, administration and fundraising. Just as vital, just as valued.
We do not send you on a course or leave you to figure things out alone. Every volunteer is trained by our own team – people who know Lady Winifred, know the canal and know exactly what our passengers need.
You will learn at your own pace, alongside experienced volunteers, and you will not take on any responsibility until you feel genuinely ready. We have been doing this since 1983, and we know how to look after the people who look after us.
We welcome volunteers of all ages and all backgrounds. You do not need experience of boating or of working with disabled people – though both are of course welcome. What we do ask for is reliability, warmth and a willingness to learn.
We operate from April to October and are happy to work around your availability. Whether you can offer a regular day each week or the occasional weekend, we will find a way to make it work.
The best way to find out if volunteering with us is right for you is simply to come and see us. Get in touch via our contact page and we will arrange for you to visit Lady Winifred, meet the team and see what a day on the water looks like.
We think you will like what you find.