Waterways Action Squad Blog » event

The Waterways Renaissance Awards 2010!

Mena — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:07:42 +0000

The Waterways Trust Annual Awards Evening returned on Wed 17^th March 2010, and turned out to be quite a fun event! Hosted by Sir Peter Soulsby at The Lowry in Salford Quays, the ceremony had a beautiful and appropriate setting overlooking the River Irwell, with breathtaking views of the city at night. Everybody was dressed in their best attire, and seemed ready for lots of laughs and, above all, appreciation for the year’s hard work. Dinner was yummy (we even had chocolate gateau) followed by humorous and inspirational speeches by various panel members. There were 11 categories, with the surprise of a 12^th unexpected award for Outstanding Achievement from one project that could have apparently won in a number of categories. The lucky winner was the Lough Neagh Regeneration Project, which has increased awareness of the waterways for visitors and decreased damage to the natural environment. Gerry Darby said it was ‘unbelievable’ to win, and seemed seriously over the moon when accepting the award. The ceremony was followed by picture taking, congratulations, and lots of merriment. Overall, the night moved along smoothly and everybody went home smiling – and perhaps a little bit tipsy!

Launch Event a Success!

LucieU — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:35:57 +0000

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).

We were particularly pleased that the launch attracted both families and young adults, largely due to the sheer diversity of the activities and displays on offer. Traditional arts and crafts ran alongside local rock bands in the Island Warehouse; Wildlife demonstrations – from owls to snakes to shire horses – shared a space with free-runners and improvisational comedians; and while some took to the water for a trip in the museum’s boat Centaur, others climbed about Bigmere where live music was performed throughout the day.

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

FREE EVENT – The Big Launch!!

LucieU — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:44:07 +0000

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!!