Volunteer weekend at Standedge

Published: Friday, 30 July 2010

LOCAL communities are being invited to play an active role in the future of their local waterway, with a special open weekend being staged at Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre for prospective volunteers.

The event is part of the wider drive by British Waterways, to encourage more people to get actively involved in their local waterway, and is offering individuals, groups and societies the chance to participate in helping preserve their local canal environment.

There's also an opportunity for a creative and energetic event volunteer to ‘Get Involved' in helping organise next year's special bicentenary celebrations.

First in a series

The first in a series of volunteer open weekends is being held at Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th August, between 11.00am and 4.00pm, giving people a first hand chance to see how they might become involved and make a difference.

Visitor Centre Manager James Dean believes this offers a unique opportunity for people with some free time to make a real contribution to their environment, have some fun and get involved in shaping the future of an important national treasure.

James commented:

"Standedge Tunnel is an iconic structure and a world class example of working heritage. Years ago it was saved from dereliction largely through the efforts of volunteers. Now we want to give volunteers a chance to play a more active role in its life and in its future, whether through helping to care for the unique riverside grounds or through passing on their passion to the thousands of people who travel from around the country each year to visit it."

Volunteer Co-ordinator Cassie Weaver points out that volunteering brings significant benefits both to waterside communities and the waterways, enabling communities to engage with their local environment.

They will be looking for two event volunteer roles as well as a retail assistant, education volunteer and a visitor guide and during the open day there will be hands-on activities for people to get involved in.

Visit www.britishwaterways.co.uk/volunteer