MARLOW’S senior citizens took to the waves yesterday as over 150 were treated to a pleasure boat trip along the Thames.

The Rotary Club of Marlow rolled out the red carpet to welcome pensioners aboard a steamer for its annual river trip from Higginson Park.

The event is regularly oversubscribed, with organisers having to operate a rota system from year to year due to its popularity among the town’s older people.

And full to the brim, the pleasure boat set out on a four-hour expedition along the river to Henley.

Rotarian Philippe Burger, who helps organise the annual trip, said: “We put forms for people to fill in at the Tourist Information Office, Age Concern and throughout sheltered accommodation.

“We had 145 people sign up initially and the boat only holds 150. You’d be amazed how much they enjoy it, especially those who don’t get to go out all that much.”

Rotary’s annual trip has been running for around 30 years, and shows no signs of losing its popularity, with a packed boat looking forward to food and refreshments provided by Marlow’s Inner Wheel Club.

And the trip was a multi-generation affair, with future Rotarians from the ‘Interact Club’ at Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School helping pensioners enjoy their trip.

Year 12 student Jessica Nunn, a member of the junior Rotary movement, said: “The club started last year after it was advertised by Rotary in school.

“It’s a great way to get involved in the community like this, and helped me get to know the area as I was new to the school.

“It’s such a lovely event and I was lucky enough to come along and enjoy it last year too.”

Brian Jonson, who was handed the presidency of the Rotary Club of Marlow last week, was also on board to take in his first public engagement in the role.

Marlow Mayor Suzanne Brown also took to the windy waters, risking her hat in the strong breeze as she toured the open-top vessel chatting to passengers.