The workshops start from the beginning of February and will finish with a  performance evening between April 22nd – 24th at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port.

musicians at the museum

This is not a beginners course – You should already be able to play or sing to a basic standard, though you don’t need to have done grades. A basic understanding of music theory OR the ability to learn by ear would be useful.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Simon Colderley or Hazel Mayow on 0151 373 4392, or email simon.colderley@thewaterwaystrust.co.uk  hazel.mayow@thewaterwaystrust.co.uk

We have brand new opportunity for you all!

The Hedgerows viagra YOUR help!!

Along this part of the canal there is a long strip of hedgerow that is near enough derelict!

It’s grown all tall and straggly and is no longer much use as a home or protection for wildlife.

Unfortunatly thousands of miles of hedgerow have been lost this way in the last 50 years, and its been a major blow for the creatures that depend on them for food, shelter and as safe corridors to get from one habitat to another.

This is where you come in!

What this hedge needs is laying –the ancient technique of cutting and bending over the trunks just leaving just enough bark intact for the plant to grow up again so it ends up stronger and more bushy. At first this looks brutal, but is actually good for the hedge and makes it live longer.

How will the laying be done?

We will cut down the hedge using saws, loppers and billhooks, and weave the spare branches into a temporary barrier/ wildlife shelter. Its physical work and good exercise – but don’t worry if you haven’t done it before or are a bit unfit – there will be full training and you can take it at your own pace.

We will provide you with gloves and tools, but you need to wear strong footwear (preferably steel toe caps if you have them) and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Make sure you’ve got something warm and waterproof with you in case the weather turns nasty, and bring some lunch to fuel you – we provide the brews! You don’t need any special skills just willingness to get involved! Health and safety and basic equipment training on the day

Times & Dates: Every Friday, 10am-4pm, starting 1st October 2010

Disabled access: The towpath can be uneven but is accessible for wheelchair users.

Directions: Meet at National Waterways Museum, South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port. Its a 10 minute walk straight along from the Rail Station

What to do now: If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Hazel Mayow on 0151 373 4392 or 07920 466237, or email hazel.mayow@thewaterwaystrust.co.uk

L-R: Lucie Unsworth - Project Manager; Katie Williams - Volunteer; Hazel Mayow - Volunteer Leader

On Sunday 25^th October 2009, we held our Launch Event at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port.  The day was a massive success, attracting around 350 visitors to the site including Mayor Tony Sherlock, several local MPs, the BBC, and representatives from our partners (The Waterways Trust and British Waterways) and funders (The Bank of America and v – the National Young Volunteers Service).

Wildlife Displays

We got heaps of positive feedback from visitors and volunteers alike.  West Cheshire College Student and Young Volunteer, Maria Safina enthused – “Everybody’s been enjoying it, they’ve been getting involved with the wildlife, the bands have been a big success…they have added toward the cause…I think awareness is being spread”.

The launch, and all we achieved there, could never have happened without the hard work of our young volunteers.  A total of fifty-three young volunteers helped out on the day, serving in roles that ranged from event management to photography to media and communications management.  The event was largely organised by thirty West Cheshire College students whose involvement will go towards a v Award Certification, increasing their chances of successfully securing acceptance into universities as well as future work.  All of our volunteers did a fantastic job and we would like to extent our thanks for their boundless enthusiasm and all of the effort they put in.

The event also saw the launch of our photography competition, The Secret Lives of Canals and Rivers.  Anyone between the ages of 16 and 25 can enter for the chance to win a boat trip for them and their friends.  All you need to do is send in one or more photographs that depict what the waterways mean to you.  Whether it is the wildlife and natural environment of the area, the narrow-boats, or perhaps the history of the canal industry that inspires you; anything goes!  For more information on the competition or to send us your photographs, contact our volunteer co-ordinator, Emma Wright on emma.wright@thewaterwaystrust.co.uk

Article written by Sarah Glenister, Waterways Action Squad volunteer

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!!