There’s been what feels like a meteoric change in the UK this week, one I hope we can be part of bringing onto the waterways.
This week we’ve had the pleasure and privilege of spending time with those who count, who really count – the next generations. These are the individuals who will shape our countries and build the future, and we need to make sure that we hand strong foundations over to them and their children.
For three delightful small family members from New Zealand, this week was their first experience of canals and narrow boats. They had the chance to experience the peace, tranquillity, beauty, hard work, and dangers on a short trip. By the end of the day, they left in their wake hundreds of very replete swans, ducks, and geese.
Before bed, the docu-scribe among them recorded the day thus:
Today we went to Steve and Deena’s on their canal boat. It was so cool and we all loved it. We had a cookie. It was a ginger cookie. I liked it when the canal boat was going up in the locks and downs it was fun and we liked throwing food at the ducks
He obviously didn’t think it overly important that as he wrote one of his siblings was experiencing the wonders of the NHS via A&E after falling in beside the boat and splitting his chin on the gunwhales… he didn’t let a minor moment overshadow his day and for that lesson I am grateful. I’m the one who would dwell on that accident continually, replaying it constantly in my mind and imagining I could have done something to stop it happening. Ridiculous, I know, as accidents happen and all was resolved and all is well.
If we can follow the balance and perspective of our young scribe I feel that will bring us hope.
Ironically the next day after a 7.15am start to move the boat through a swing bridge from where we had to leave it to get to A&E, I found myself many miles from the boat being educated by an enthusiastic Beaver Scout into how to stay safe near water!
Proudly clutching his well-earned Canal and River Trust Explorers Challenge Badge and full of advice to keep those around us safe in, on and near water I found myself glad my 6-year-old grandson has had the chance to be on our boat regularly since he was born. He said with wisdom beyond his years: “You need to be careful round the boat Granny, and look out for other people too.” Very true, and I’m grateful it’s a lesson he lives out too.
So two lessons in two days from those under 10 have served me well. Thursday dawned bright and clear in Leicestershire, and having postal-voted, I was able to spend every moment I could in the inspiring company of around 90 5-year-olds. They were on a school trip to the Great Central Railway, and I was privileged to be part of the team dedicated to keeping them safe and enabling them to make the most of their day.
As our steam locomotive pulled its chattering carriages across the viaduct over the shimmering expanse of Swithland Reservoir, my group spotted some big white birds in the water. Swans it turned out are something hugely exotic for these city children – not one could automatically name them accurately. All of them live not far from the canalised River Soar as it winds through Leicester, where swans, ducks, and geese abound, but the canal and its wildlife have not yet become part of their life and awareness. Outings like Thursdays bring them a vital new perspective.
By encouraging future generations to experience and appreciate our waterways and their wildlife, we stand a good chance of preserving them for the future. As humans we stand up for what we care about.
By the early hours of Friday morning, it became apparent that those who cared and voted for their country had voted to change the government. The new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, made his initial address to the nation. I was struck by several words in his speech, which have stayed with me ever since:
Respect. Actions not words. It will take a while. Public service. a world better for our children.
Who wouldn’t want those things?
It made me realise that if we want the waterways around us to still be here for our children and grandchildren, their children, and grandchildren, then it is something we can and should all commit to ensuring. It is up to us, all of us who benefit from our waterways, in any way, to fight for them, respect them, and take positive action to ensure that the waterways remain as unique places that inspire, invigorate, and nurture.
So I will be asking what can I do to change things for the better for the waterways and the country I love. I hope you will do the same too, and although it will take time, we can keep moving forward together to take responsibility to improve things. It’s not about leaving it to other people, to the government, to CRT, but about us getting involved however we can to make things better. That maybe in small constant ways, litter picking, not travelling too fast on the waterways so we don’t erode banks or in bigger ways like volunteering.
Personally I recognise I need hope that things can and will get better in the future and I also believe that being an active part of that change will make me value it more. I’m aware it’s not just for me and my young ones.
Do share other ways you can think of ways that we can all contribute positively.
Pickingupducks 