Andrea Fisher, East Side Boat Coordinator, relates goings-on around Marsden.
(Summer 2008)
As you can see from the photos, the early Easter gave the Canal a cool start! I remember it well, Gwen, Ronnie and I were quite ready to moor up the boat that day.
So far the season has been busy with training courses for the Certificate in Community Boat Management and the Elementary First Aid Certificate. Also the Shuttle went on a journey to Portland Basin Marina in Ashton to have various services to her workings and a much needed bottom blacking!
She went down in stages. First to the Transhipment Warehouse, in time for the Society's Open Day and launch of the Towpath Guide, and then through to Ashton. Everyone joined in the various stages, some going thro-t-Tunnel and some taking her to Ashton and back. It served to give everyone some locking experience, team building, working together and generally having a really good time (well, okay, there were some bits where we fell down) but the humour was mighty at times. Thanks to everyone who helped. I really enjoyed my day.
On the down side, the Shuttle suffered with damage to paintwork on both sides as a result of her transit through the Tunnel; a cosmetic day is being arranged to make her look tidy again.
There are plans to try and crew her a couple of days during the week, through the school holidays. Anyone who would be interested, please give me a ring: 01484 686136.
We haven't organised any walks since the season began as it has been a bit hectic organising training sessions, but Bob and Claire have had a couple of events in Plink, unfortunately there were very few takers, despite Claire having positive feedback last year from members requesting more activities. I don't know what the answer is, perhaps someone out there does and would like to let them know!
I'd like to finish in wishing crew member Allen Jagger a speedy recovery from his motorbike accident whilst returning from a training course, and hope to have him back on the books for the Summer season.
Andrea Fisher, East Side Boat Coordinator