Archive for October, 2009
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By LucieU 23rd October 09
October sees the launch of the Waterways Action Squad ‘s first Photography Competition
. The theme is ‘The Secret Life of Canals and Rivers’ and we want to know what the canals and rivers mean to you. As long as you are aged 16-25 and the photo you are submitting has been taken by you then you are welcome to take part!Contact Emma Wright, Volunteer Coordinator at emma.wright@thewaterwaystrust.co.uk for more info and details on how to enter.
Photo credit: Kerry Morrison, “Wild and Productive 2009”. Leeds Liverpool Canal. Commissioned by Liverpool Biennial
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National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
Sunday 25th October
11am – 4pm
Targeted at 16 – 25 year olds, the focus of the event is youth volunteering but it will be an event for the whole family! There will be practical taster activities for those who want to get their hands dirty along with traditional arts and crafts sessions, wildlife walks, demonstrations, circus skills, giant games, performances by local dancers and Bands on Barges!!
The Project Team will be on hand to answer any questions, showcase the activities we have been organising so far and sign up any interested volunteers! The project’s Waterways Ambassadors will also be there to talk about their personal experiences, chat with other young volunteers and reveal what they are planning for the coming months.
Come along and immerse yourself in all aspects of waterway life from; recreation to wildlife, ecology and the environment to industry, culture, history and heritage, traditional crafts, boating and much more! There really is something for everyone!!
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Under 25s take the helm!!
Waterways Action Squad is a new youth volunteering project from The Waterways Trust and British Waterways. Funded by v, the national charity for youth volunteering (www.vinspired.com) and the Bank of America, the project aims to encourage young people aged 16-25 to get involved in the care and promotion of canals and rivers in the North West.
Over 570 volunteering opportunities will be created throughout the project, forming a diverse programme of activities and enabling the young people involved to develop a wide range of practical and life skills. The activities will range from one off taster sessions to part time activities and full time placements. Specific tasks and projects will be developed in consultation with young people themselves but the list below is designed to provide a few ideas as to the types of activities that may be delivered.
- Practical tasks: may include; scrub-clearance, hedge-laying, habitat improvement, tow-path improvements, canal clean-ups and conservation of historic structures.
- Monitoring and surveying: wildlife surveys of key species, creation of identification sheets for bank-side staff, heritage cataloguing to record structures and artefacts.
- Customer service: tow-path rangers, Front of House duties, Guides, café volunteers.
- Interpretation and promotion: creation and development of interpretation events and activities at key sites, volunteer site guides, development of web-based learning and visitor information etc.
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