River Canal Rescue’s past and current members, dignitaries, staff, families, contractors, suppliers, the local community and boaters celebrated in style on Sunday 8 June at an outdoor event to mark the company’s 25th anniversary.

Stephanie Horton centre, with Sir Gavin Williamson MP and councillor Ann Edgeller

Held at the Stafford Riverway Link site, close to RCR HQ, Stafford Borough mayor, councillor Jenny Barron and her consort, alderman Ray Barron were impressed with the ‘essential’ service managing director, Stephanie Horton and her team, provide for boaters.

Sir Gavin Williamson CBE, MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, and local councillor Ann Edgeller were equally surprised by the ‘unique’ 24/7, 365 days a year breakdown and emergency assistance service, RCR offers.

Revellers enjoyed five live bands and took advantage of the numerous, craft, food & drink, and prize draw stalls provided by RCR, local companies and roving traders (moored on the nearby Staffs & Worcs canal). Activities for children included an inflatable slide and visits from the police, fire service and St John Ambulance.

Narrowboat engine enthusiasts were able to learn more from RCR’s Key Diesels team, as well as pick the brains of engineers on all things boat-related.

In her opening speech, Stephanie explained how the company launched in June 2000, after her partner, ceo Trevor Forman, had a recurring dream to provide breakdown cover for boats and even dreamt the name and logo.

From 100 to 20,000+ members

Pete Barnett, Trevor Forman (centre) and Stephanie Horton

Trevor, a diagnostic mechanic and Stephanie, an electro-mechanical power engineer, were joined in their journey by friend and mechanic, Pete Barnett (now director/chief rescue co-ordinator).

In the first year, they supported 100 members. Today, RCR has around 40 staff, supporting some 20,000 members, and in 25 years, Stephanie estimates the company has responded to over 60,000 call-outs.

She comments: “Little did we envisage that 25 years on we would have made such an impact and driven so much change.”  

In addition to its core service, RCR offers maintenance and electrics courses and servicing, helps boaters manage insurance claims and access specialist marine service providers, supplies new and refurbished engines, and developed an offline mapping tool Waternav and the environmentally-friendly bilge filter, Bilgeway.

RCR is also a UK top 100 apprenticeship employer and has received awards for customer service, business growth, innovation and pollution prevention.

Stephanie touched upon the nearby fireworks factory fire in 2014, which gutted their premises, leaving staff working from a temporary office until the new HQ opened in 2016. She emphasised: “We would not be here without the hard work and dedication of our staff and the incredible loyalty of our members… many of them are here today and have been with us since we started.”

That personal touch

Members all agree the company is a vital part of the inland waterway community, providing them with peace of mind, that should something happen, it’s comforting to know they have a back-up.

Throughout the day, Trevor, Stephanie and Pete were approached many times by members telling them what a wonderful service they provide – each recounting experiences and commenting on the ‘personal’ touches that make RCR’s service so great.

Attendees equally agreed the event should become an annual event. “There was an overwhelming request from members and locals to run the event again next year,” confirms Stephanie.

Hearing about the 25 year-celebration, Matthew Symonds, head of boating at the Canal & River Trust said: “River Canal Rescue is one of the key organisations working on our waterways. When boaters run into unforeseen incidents RCR, like the fourth emergency service, are on hand to help when it’s most needed. This is one of the, many, reasons why it is one of a few companies pre-authorised by us to undertake recoveries. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship as it celebrates this major milestone.”

All proceeds from the 25th party will go to the Stafford Riverway Link – a charity working to connect the Staffs & Worcs Canal with the rivers Penk/Sow, enabling navigation onto Stafford town centre.

MAIN IMAGE: Wicked Wood roving traders, Kate and John, with Mayor Jenny Barron and consort Ray Barron