We had a delegation from the future on board nb (narroboat) Preaux this past week and I am proud to believe they left impressed – apart from one who was aghast at how we could live without a 96 inch TV on board, even though I have no idea if one would even fit!
I am also… relieved would be the most honest word… to say that I counted them all on and I counted them all off and not one was left lurking on board after the official departure time!
It’s also a relief (if I am still being honest) to say that I managed not to let any fall overboard (as if I would have been allowed by their eagle-eyes, efficient minders), despite needing to make them walk the plank!
I’m also pretty glad that the iPad that I so carefully stashed under the bedcovers as a safe hiding place survived the collective bouncing as one by one the delegates tried out the springiness of the mattress – not something I had considered prior to their visit, but a test for our comfort that turned out to be hugely important to each and every one!
They were all, without exception, interested, curious and open minded. They were polite and delightful. They ranged from about 3ft high and 2 years old to the senior fraternity of nearly 5 and a lot bigger, about to join Big School in September.
Unprompted they asked sensible questions like how we powered the lights, nodding sagely when we talked of solar and one enquired why we didn’t have a wind turbine; were astonished by the operation of a lock though somewhat disappointed that a boat going down in a lock wasn’t sinking…
They were horrified when we talked of plastic fishing and showed how much we drag out with our net when just cruising along. It’s something which should concern us all and part of a current Canal and River Trust CRT campaign. The children rightly pointed out how bad rubbish in the canals would be for the creatures who rely on the water. They asked if we had a paddle board to get to the edges of the river and looked sceptical when we said we’d love one but it was too costly for us… What cost the future of the environment they questioned?
They watched with fascination as swans and cygnets came fearlessly up to the boat to be fed (Mr Johnson’s Wildlife Swan and Duck food), saw moorhens and mallards gather hopefully in the background and expressed concern that the sizeable swans might bully the smaller birds. Bullying was abhorrent to them and they were loudly adamant that it was wrong.
Seeing our floating world through their eyes was a delight. They were gleeful at being so close to wildlife, appreciated the gentle movement of the river flowing past outside, spotting the tiny fish weaving in and out of the waving weed and left envious of the unique nature of our life.
They were caring, compassionate and considerate, open minded, and curious without being judgmental.
They gave me hope for the future, that they would become educated, informed leaders, positive contributors to society and supporters of sound values. I feel sure every one of the audience at Wembley on Sunday night was the same at that early age. What happened to change that and how do we stop that happening again?
Members of this England team have shown in their daily lives remarkable compassion; a drive to educate our leaders and support those in need; they have used their position to stamp out racism and bigotry and yet faced appalling, shameful and totally unnecessary attacks.
No child is born bigoted or biased. We need to ask how and where such behaviour is learned, and ensure, each one of us, that we are active in stopping it spreading to destroy the next generation.
The Nigerian proverb ‘Oran a azu nwa’ says “It takes a village to raise a child.” It is so right. Every one has a role to play in role modelling, and supporting parents, teachers, educators at all levels, children and adults to nurture our remarkable environment and all who live within it.
We all have a part to play in shaping the next generation to maintain an open-minded, fair and considered approach to life and the environment. It follows that a village or community has to bear the responsibility for developing racist, bigoted, fearful and narrow minded perspectives in those who will be our future. It’s not just down to parents and teachers, uncles, aunts, grandparents and relations but to every single one of us to strive to be exemplary, positive role models teaching by example, and ensuring every child, and adult has equal opportunities to try, to achieve, to be supported and to know that we believe in them and their talents.
Etienne de Grellet du Mabillier was born in Limoges, in 1773. He became a refugee, fleeing the French Revolution and devoted his life to tackling social problems of inequality and unfairness, developing opportunities for fair education, creating humane conditions in prisons and hospitals, and providing for the poor. Many will know his words, but how many of us live by them?
I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Stephen Grellet aka Etienne de Grellet du Mabillier
In other words – in a world where we can be anything – let us be kind. Better still, in a world where we can be anything – let’s work actively and support others to make our society a fair place.
Encouragement, belief and compassion build resilient individuals. If we know we are supported, it makes us unafraid to try and fail, and try again.
If we all demonstrated and delivered these goals, would we need to invest so much time, money and energy to developing wellbeing and mental health support?
Might we all feel happier because we know we have a role to play with others, a role to play to support others, and knowing that our contribution makes a difference?
How about that at the end of each day we make sure we each have a positive response to the best question ever from the fabulous Heather Small? What have you done today to make you feel proud?
I am proud we have been able to introduce some wonderful young people to the delights of the rivers and canals. I may also owe an apology to all those parents of our delightful visitors who have been plagued this week with requests to abandon their lovely homes and large TVs to go and live on a boat!
P.S. I do of course highly recommend boatlife – its benefits are numerous!
Pickingupducks 