Get involved in your local canal at volunteer open weekend

19 July 2010

Local communities are being invited to play an active role in the future of their local waterway – with a special open weekend being staged at Anderton Boat Lift for prospective volunteers. The event is part of a wider drive by British Waterways, which cares for Britain’s 200-year old network of canals and rivers, to encourage more people to get actively involved in their local waterway.

Now the ‘Cathedral of Canals’ is offering individuals, groups and societies the chance to participate in the Cheshire’s premier working heritage monument and local canal.

The first in a series of volunteer open weekends is being held at Anderton Boat Lift on Saturday 07 and Sunday 08 August, between 11.00am and 4.00pm, giving people a first hand chance to see how they might become involved and make a difference.

Boat Lift Manager Tim Turner said the attraction offered a unique opportunity for people with some free time to make a real contribution to their environment, have some fun and get involved in shaping the future of an important national treasure.

“Anderton Boat Lift is an iconic structure and a world class example of working heritage. Ten years ago it was saved from dereliction largely through the efforts and campaigning of volunteers. Now we want to give volunteers a chance to play a more active role in its life and in its future, whether through helping to care for the unique riverside grounds or through passing on their passion to some of the 120,000 people who travel from across the world each year to visit it,” said Tim.

Volunteer Co-ordinator Lucy Bowles said volunteering brings significant benefits both to waterside communities and the waterways, enabling communities to engage with their local environment.

“Anderton Boat Lift is a special place and offers fantastic opportunities to get involved, and learn new skills, from wildlife rescue and event management to heritage recording and towpath repairs,” said Lucy.
In return for their time – whether it’s a few hours or days every week – volunteers will receive first class training in a range of skills, access to the workings of this wonderful monument and an opportunity to meet new people in a work experience environment.

A key feature of the weekend will be demonstrations of the types of roles on offer, plus hands on activities for people of all ages and capabilities to get involved in.

British Waterways aims to promote volunteering across the UK’s waterways, working nationwide with volunteers and volunteering organisations to offer a range of high quality experience to the broadest possible cross section of people.

For more information on this fascinating opportunity to get more involved in the Anderton Boat Lift and to help maximise the benefits that waterways bring to society contact Lucy Bowles on 07824327274.

ENDS

Media enquiries: Michelle Kozomara Marketing & Communications Manager on 01606 723854 & 07917 899222 & John Clayton Media Unit on 01606 723866 & 07754 278511.

NOTES TO EDITORS
British Waterways is the public corporation responsible for the care and enhancement of the nation’s 2,200-mile, two centuries-old network of canals and rivers. We work in partnership with public, private and voluntary sector organisations to realise the full social, environmental and economic potential of the waterways for the benefit of all. www.britishwaterways.co.uk

British Waterways is a partner of the UK International Year of Biodiversity 2010 www.biodiversityislife.net/