Community ready to set sail on canal
A CHARITY AND CHURCH are clearing the decks to launch their newly commissioned canal boat.
People Know How and Polwarth Parish Church followed up a successful 2019 partnership project which provided events and activities for young people and the community on a chartered canal boat.
The pilot demonstrated there was a need to provide a space for wellbeing and community cohesion, and the response they received from participants was overwhelmingly positive.
In February, the two partners finalised the purchase of their own custom-built canal boat, and in June that boat All Aboard was craned into the Union Canal. Since then, the craft has been prepared for its official launch.
READY FOR LAUNCH
Anna Philbrick, All Aboard Coordinator, said: “It’s been an exciting process preparing our new boat to officially launch on the canal - from installing the bright yellow canopy and lift, to training up our team of volunteers, to ensuring our boat is safe and accessible for all. “The launch comes at a pivotal time in the canal community’s recovery from the pandemic, and we’re really looking forward to start hosting sessions and projects as well as new volunteers interested in this unique opportunity. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone on board.”
Visitors are invited on board the new boat when they will be offered opportunities to get involved with
All Aboard.
The project is currently looking for crew and helmsman volunteers to support the running of the boat, taking young people, families and adults on trips on the canal.
There are also opportunities to provide support on the boat through art, music, meditation or any other ideas you might have.
Get down to the canal boat launch at 36-38 Polwarth Terrace between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 25 September and join in the All Aboard celebrations.