There is a little known Kent based charity supported by a number of Freemasons of East Kent, which provides a wonderful opportunity for disadvantaged children to enhance their difficult lives by undertaking a unique residential, international and educational experience. The charity is known as Kent Venture Boat (KVB) and is a fully refurbished Dutch barge called New Petra which acts as a mobile floating home for youngsters for a week or two, whilst making its way around the Lowland waterways from its permanent base in Oostende.

The children are taught to crew the barge, and are even given turns at the wheel. Regular stops are made to allow the children to enjoy the different aspects of various towns such as Brugges and Ypres. Some groups are taken to the Menin Gate to lay a wreath and experience the Last Post. Founded as a Trust in 1981, KVB obtained charitable status in 1995, since when it has given a much needed team structure to many youngsters from backgrounds of abuse and violence, enabling them for the first time to learn to build relationships based on mutual trust and dependence. Due to some major refurbishment costs the future of this extremely worthwhile charity is in serious jeopardy, and without some additional benefactors it may be that the barge will have to be sold off and the project abandoned. More information about the charity's activities and contact details for anyone who would like to help can be found on-line at www.newpetra.org.uk or telephone Bro Michael Baxter 01304 372 796

From Ed44, P11