It has been an interesting week thus far, centring around the ‘official launch weekend’ of the canal boat ‘All Aboard’.
As a collaboration between the social enterprise People Know How and Polwarth Parish Church, the stated purpose of this boat is to provide a space for wellbeing and community cohesion by hosting projects and events for children, young people, families and adults and providing opportunities for individuals to gain volunteering and work experience.
- Provide opportunities for children, young people, families and adults to learn, grow and socialise outdoors, experiencing something new and exciting while increasing confidence and participating in the community.
- Provide opportunities for individuals to gain volunteering or work experience in supporting us to maintain our canal boat.
- Increase community cohesion through cultural, social and spiritual events with a model of gathering, sharing, doing and celebrating together.
- Support the community as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic
Although the first day of the three day event was a little windier than hoped, but with the events including a short voyage along Edinburgh’s Union Canal with the Lord Provost on-board, the boat was later opened to the public – anyone who was interested in learning more. With the events drawing to close with the boat being anointed with some holy water (from the River Jordan), the launch was considered a success.
Work aside, it was good to catch-up with some friends (one of whom I did not know lived in the area)…
