Volunteering
opportunities

Boat Movements 2010

Overall aims for 2010

1. Promoting the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port within the local ‘Cheshire West and Chester’ area.
2. Using these trips to increase training opportunities for the much larger number of people involved.  Local trips will also allow people to ‘go home’ in the evening and rejoin the boats in the morning if they do not wish to stay on board overnight.
3. Use of WORCESTER locally to increase knowledge of the boat operation and to prove the engine further.

We will be using SHAD as the tow boat for GIFFORD for these events.  In addition by not conducting a long trip this year we will not remove a significant number of the floating exhibits for long periods of time, recognising that currently Ilkeston and Mendip are out of the public display.

Crew Requirements

 EVENT DETAILS AND ROUGH PLAN

Ellesmere Festival 10th-12th September

Acton Bridge Steam Rally 2nd 3rd October 2010

This trip takes 1 day of boating from the museum (approx 8 hours of boating).  Proposal is to leave on Friday 1st October and return to the museum on Monday 4th October.

Training opportunities on this trip, travelling breasted up, wide canal locks and also wide river locks and use of lines, as well as deep water boating.

NOTE a qualified VHF user and registered VHF set ideally should be present on this trip, although mobile contact is acceptable.

If you are interested in crewing for any of these trips please contact Will Manning or Mike Turpin or email crewing@boatmuseumsociety.org.uk

The Boat Museum Society works closely with National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, management to organise and develop Museum volunteering. In particular the BMS provides training and support, and new volunteers also receive free membership of the Society.

All volunteers

• become part of an enthusiastic community of people
  
• spend time in a unique and historic, waterside setting
• learn about fascinating histories and stories
• work in a sociable and friendly environment
• use their skills and knowledge in new and rewarding ways
• hone or learn new skills.

We need volunteers to help out in many different ways

• looking after the Historic Boat Collection and engines (more information)
• working with the curatorial team (more information)
• steering boats around the basin and locks (more information)
  
• working in Porters' Row to help bring the cottages to life (more information)
• helping with housekeeping and decorating at the Museum (more information)
• supporting school visits to the Museum (more information)
• taking guided tours round the Museum (more information)
• researching enquiries in the archive (more information)
• helping in the shop or café (more information)
• helping on event days and during school holidays
• tending the gardens and the flower beds (more information)

Daphne and Di hard at work in the kitchen of a cottage in Porter's Row

Whether you have a few hours a month or a few hours a day, we would love to hear from you. 

For more information or to register interest, click here to send email or phone us on 0151 355 5017.

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This expanding group meets monthly in the Island Warehouse, upper floor, to demonstrate the traditional crafts of the inland waterways. The full list of dates is in the Diary.

Crafts demonstrated include boatman's belt embroidery, bonnet making, cabin crochet, canal ware painting, rag rugging, patchwork, leather belt making, and lace plate decoration.

Coffee and Crochet group meets in the cafe on Tuesdays 10.15am to 12.15pm to make blankets and lace for the boats. Everyone welcome - free coffee - free tuition - free materials.

Crochet workshop on 1st Saturday every month - 1.30 - 3.30pm, upstairs in the Island Warehouse. 
Free tuition, small charge for materials, normal admission price to Museum.

New members are most welcome and tuition is offered to beginners.

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