Our aim is to give opportunities to people who would like to go boating on the Cotswold Canals but who may need a little extra support to do this.
The Katakanu is ideal for getting low and close on the water to see wildlife, have a picnic, take photos or whatever. It takes up to six people and, so long as at least two people do, you can choose to use a paddle or not. It is a very stable boat. We have found that more elderly people who once enjoyed canoeing or sailing, enjoy the experience of being back on the water – our most elderly so far is 89 years old. You can’t get lost or left behind so it is an ideal boat for adults with learning difficulties.
We are hoping to raise the money for a Wheelyboat which is accessible to people actually in their wheelchairs. The steering wheel is movable so this boat also offers the chance for people to take charge or be a passenger, whatever their abilities.
We have not yet worked with children and young people with disabilities and their families but that is to follow.
We need volunteers to train and be comfortable taking people out and we need to know about who might want to use the boats. We are trying to be as flexible as we can be to accommodate any particular needs. We just want to get people out on the water, using the canal and having fun.
Invitation to the Official Launch of Cotswold Boatmobility
We do hope that you will be able to come to our Launch Event on Wednesday 28th October 2015 at Ebley Wharf.
We expect to meet between 11am and 2pm, with a ceremony at 12noon to name our first Katakanu. She is to be called MYRTILLE. This will be a photo opportunity as we need to start raising public awareness of our group. We have had wonderful donations of the Katakanu, the paddles, buoyancy aids and items of essential equipment and support but now is the time we need to start raising the funds to buy our own Wheelyboat and secure the future for this community group.
You will get the opportunity to use one of the Katakanus or a Wheelyboat from the Pirates Club and the Cotswold Canals Trust trip boat, Endeavour, so do come with appropriate clothing – warm and ready for rain! Life jackets or buoyancy aids will be worn and we have some we can lend to you.
There are a number of cafes, toilets and a shop at Ebley Wharf, and we will have refreshments available,too. You may wish to bring a picnic. There will be groups of us on both sides of the canal.
We would like to show our appreciation to you for all the support we have had to get to this stage. We are planning this to be a fun event by invitation only, as we need to be boating safely, so please could you let us know if you are able to come.
Thanks,
RSVP to Jan Thomas
Go to ‘4Cs Friends’ for all the links.