Children to welcome back electric boat
Refurbished craft an educational tool for schools
AN ELECTRIC boat used by local schools as a teaching tool has undergone a major refit and is about to go back into service on the Grand Union Canal, in Hillingdon.
The Elsdale II floating classroom, which is owned and operated by environmental charity Groundwork South, has had a brand new demonstration kitchen fitted along with a new bar, electric generator and a new set of batteries.
The boat will be formally re-commissioned on Thursday on the canal, alongside The Swan and Bottle pub in Uxbridge.
Groundwork education manager Mike Moritz is delighted by the work that has been carried out.
He said: “This is going to enable us to broaden the curriculum that we can offer and the newlyfitted kitchen should prove a real help for local school children learning food technology and cooking.
“Additionally, the new batteries will improve the performance of the boat and keep it running for at least the next 10 years.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming lots of schools aboard, but we also hope to attract more corporate hirers which will help subsidise service we provide schools.”
The boat will be open for public viewing from 10am and Hillingdon deputy mayor, councillor George Cooper, will visit to formally re-commission Elsdale at around 3pm. the for
The boat will then undertake a short cruise along the canal while local primary school children make use of the new kitchen to prepare some tasty treats.
For more information, visit the website at www. elsdale.co.uk.