Andrea Fisher, East Side Boat Coordinator, relates goings-on around Marsden.

(Summer 2009)

What a treat to be writing in stunning sunshine; at one point this Winter I thought we would never see it again, but it's here and the canal looks wonderful and vibrant again, and as you all know, the scenery is breathtaking. However, enough of waxing lyrical.

The "Shuttle" has been very popular this year and with the exception of a couple of early weekends, has done very well socially and financially - takings of £1040 so far!

More people seem to have heard of us: British Waterways and the Canal and increasingly our "clientele" come from out of the area to see what we have to offer. It's good to be able to pass on information and point people in the right direction when we don't have all the answers.

Children are still such a treat to watch and listen to; they are so enthusiastic and not shy at talking about what they want and the "ittle boat" fires their imaginations.

We've done another wedding, cruising from Lock 42 to the Visitor Centre, carrying Bride and Groom, bridesmaids and attendant parents. The weather was bright and sunny and the area just lends itself to photographs and champagne al fresco.

Down to business: We have another three volunteers with Certificates in Community Boat Management, Paul Leeman, Allen Jagger and Alex Thompson; well done lads! They all enjoyed the course and we have another three candidates in August, all being well.

Peter Ruffley, from the Tameside Canal Boat Trust's "Still Waters" has three more Boatmasters, making things a lot easier for skippering his 47-seater. Two of these Boatmasters you'll know on the East Side: Tony Zajac and Alan Morton and the third is Paul Tyler. Congratulations all round and many thanks for your time and energy.

Due to me gadding off on holiday, I've nothing to report on the social side, apart from a very lively get-together after the Annual General Meeting at the Tunnel End Inn; always a good venue when the serious stuff has finished.

Until the next Issue then, have a good Summer and feel free to contact me (01484 686136) with ideas for walks, socials, volunteering etc.

 

(Spring 2009)

Greetings! Nothing, of course, on the boating front due to the long, cold winter months, but Ronnie has been diligent and regularly fired up the Shuttle to be sure she's ready for action in a few weeks. Thanks Ronnie.

The boat trip and dinner at Portland Basin in February was a very well attended; I think we'd about fifty at the dinner, so busy, I never did a head count. The feedback was very positive and we had no complaints. We had a mixed group of East and West, which I find really rewarding, lots of good-natured banter on the your side versus our's scenario.

We also had a full table from the Community Boats Association who have taken on our training courses for our Skipper's ticket. It was good to have them along as they've been very generous with their time - letting our candidates get used to their boat before the course. Although the banter about White and Red Rose country with them is quite intense at times!! So a very successful event for which I have to say a big 'thank you' to Peter Ruffley for his organisation.

On Sunday, March 8th, we walked from Diggle to Marsden over t' top in a coolish wind, hail stones, snow and a few rumbles of thunder; it was quite bracing, to say the least.

A number of people who were at the trip and meal turned out; plenty of leg-pulling and serious information from Bob Gough and Ronnie Rose. 14 of us on this trip, which was really good and keeps us in touch over the out-of-season period.

I shall have been badgering you with Crew duties by the time you read this, so thanks in anticipation!

That just leaves me to pass on our good wishes to Terry Lomas who's had a bout of illness, well done to Maureen who'd been administering to his needs.

I look forward to seeing you all around Tunnel End and Standedge, in hopefully good weather.

Andrea Fisher, East Side Boat Coordinator

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