Wherry Maud Trust launches crowdfunding campaign #money4maud

Maud started her working life in 1899 as one of a small fleet of trading wherries. Now there is a fundraising campaign to raise vital funds for a new support boat.

Norfolk Trading Wherry Maud, a vessel on the National Historic Fleet, is to benefit from a fundraising campaign to raise vital funds for a new support boat. It will enable Wherry Maud Trust to increase the number of Maud’s sailings and continue in their work to keep Broads history alive in these financially difficult times. With volunteers from across Norfolk clubbing together to help support the well-loved wherry, the campaign has already got off to a flying start, attracting £1150 in donations towards its £10,500 goal.

“We are all excited about this campaign. We are keen to show off our lovely historic wherry to more people,” says Linda Pargeter, Treasurer of Wherry Maud Trust. “With a new support boat, we will sail “Maud” more often and more people will have the opportunity to experience first-hand this wonderful part of Norfolk Broads living heritage.”

With her distinctive black sail, Wherry Maud is one of Norfolk’s best loved sights on the Norfolk Broads. The only remaining trading wherry of typical construction, she’s maintained by Wherry Maud Trust’s team of dedicated volunteers, who run trips throughout the year, keeping alive a significant part of the history and culture of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. With membership currently only £15 per year, all local members can experience the wonder of sailing on Maud and appreciate her living heritage, while other members can keep up to date via the Trust’s bi-annual newsletters.

Having an easy to maintain support boat with a more powerful engine will ensure that the Trust can run more trips and be less restricted by winds and tides. The extra trips will generate donations to make up income that was lost due to the 2020 pandemic.

The cost of the project is £10,500 and the Trust will make every pound count to keep Maud sailing for future generations.