Tranquil day out on the canal for volunteers and charity members
MEMBERS of a charity group spent a sunny day out on the canal.
Volunteers and those who use the services of the Macclesfield MIND branch enjoyed a day out on a boat trip down the Peak Forest Canal.
The branch on Duke Street provides information, advice and support for people living with mental health problems in the area.
The boat, called Hazel the Wellbeing Boat, was formerly a working narrow boat built in Runcorn in 1914 to carry coal to the Northwich salt works.
It is now owned and run by the Ashton-under-Lyne based charity, The Wooden Canal Boat Society.
The full day trip set out from and returned to Marple Bridge.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing as the boat ran aground for a time during the trip.
Wendy Armstrong, from the Macclesfield Mind branch, said: “It meandered down the canal alongside the Peak Forest across the Marple Aquaduct which stands 100 feet above the River Goyt, through the long Hyde Bank tunnel and under the many beautifully-built stone bridges to Hyde.
“Members of Mind enjoyed a tranquil and relaxing day with an added bit of excitement when the boat temporarily ran aground on an obstruction that turned out to be a very large piece of stone which had fallen or been thrown into the canal.
“But no worries – the skilled crew, skippered by Chris Leah and manned by volunteers, soon had the boat afloat again.”
Volunteers were also at hand to answer questions about the history of the canal and canal boats.
The branch which offers help with benefit advice, carers’ services, drop-in sessions, employmentrelated services and meals, relies on donations from the community.
Wendy said: “The boat trip was made possible by generous donations from the Macclesfield Lions club and Macclesfield Rotary Club.
“It was a lovely way to spend a day and the group members really enjoyed themselves.”
Mind branches support over 375,000 people across England and Wales. Their services include supported housing, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, employment, training schemes and counselling.