Roger, being made of wood, is vulnerable in the same way as all wooden craft. Her conservation will go on for many years: our horizon at present is to 2020, but it will extend much further. A major piece of work in the next few months is funded, but after that the Trust is working to establish a firm financial basis for the future of this vital element of our heritage. Roger is docked for maintenance every 2 years, and in between needs constant care from our volunteers and supporters.

Roger, registered as a National Historic Ship, is one of very few wooden working boats left in working order, and is an important example of the type of craft so vital to our waterways in the early part of the last century. Built in 1935/6 and restored by RWT from 1997 to 2001, she is an integral part of our heritage education, and one of very few available in this area - and almost unique in being available for people to see and enjoy outside a museum, and not in private ownership.

The public who enjoy and benefit from our education work are fascinated by the nature, asd well as the history, of the Roger whenever they see her. The success of our efforts to keep Roger available and in good order will ensure that future generations can enjoy her, and what she represents, for many years to come.