IWA Somerset Waterways Volunteers have restarted their work party activities but in a strictly limited form, adhering to current instructions issued by the H M Government Corvid 19 virus rules so please be aware that these rules may change at very short notice.
A comprehensive safety talk with a dynamic site risk assessment will be given at the start of each work session.
Currently they are only able to work with a small number of Volunteers at each location. Anyone wishing to attend should text or 07977 263840 or email mdslade8@gmail.com
Mike Slade, volunteer co-ordinator points out: “Remember to include your latest contact phone number so that we can let you know of any necessary changes to our plans.
“If we should become oversubscribed we will let you know.We will also confirm that you are on the list of attendees. Sorry but you cannot just turn up and take part while some lockdown rules apply to our activities.”
Volunteers are advised to bring along a bottle of drinking water or two, as there will be no drinks served for the time being. Wear old clothing suitable for the task and weather,sturdy boots and shoes are advised.
PPE: hand gel,hand wipes, a variety of gloves and hi viz vests available.
Please note that there is only ONE work session taking place this week in each town.
Taunton: Volunteers meet at the Firepool Lock, Canal Road, Taunton TA1 1PJ for 10am start. It is aimed to finish around 1.30pm. We plan to work at Hankridge carrying out a litter pick of the River Tone footpath and adjoining areas,we will car share from our meeting point at Firepool to the Hankridge site. If planning to attend contact Mike Slade on 07977 263840, mdslade8@gmail.com by 6pm Friday.
Tuesday September 22
Bridgwater: Volunteers meet as usual at the Blue Cabin in Bridgwater Docks, Northgate, Bridgwater TA6 3EX for 10am start. It is aimed to finish around 1pm. If planning to attend contact Mike Slade on 07977 263840, mdslade8@gmail.com by 6pm Monday.
Wednesday September 23
Taunton: Volunteers meet at Bathpool Car Park
Dyers Green Lane, Bathpool TA2 8BZ for 10am start. It is aimed to finish around 1pm. We plan to work at Hankridge carrying out a litter pick of the River Tone footpath and adjoining areas,we will car share from our meeting point at Firepool to the Hankridge site. If planning to attend contact Mike Slade on 07977 263840, mdslade8@gmail.com by 6pm Tuesday.
Saturday September 26
Bridgwater: Volunteers meet as usual at the Blue Cabin in Bridgwater Docks, Northgate, Bridgwater TA6 3EX for 10am start. It is aimed to finish around 1pm. If planning to attend contact Mike Slade on 07977 263840, mdslade8@gmail.com by 6pm Friday.
Also taking place on the Canal Saturday 26th September we will be supporting Clevedon Canoeing Club. The members of this Club plan to meet at the Boat & Anchor and litter pick along the edges of the canal using their canoes. They will work towards Taunton for a couple of miles and then return with the litter that they find. We have been asked if we would assist them by acting as marshals and we have pre-arranged for a number of our Volunteers to attend to do this task as they have done this on previous occasions.
Friday October 2
Langport Litter Pick. Volunteers meet at 10.30 am outside the Library Building.
If you or members of your family develop any of the known symptoms of the Corvid 19 virus, please let work party co-ordinators know immediately so they are aware and will not expect you to volunteer for any activity for the next 14 days minimum.
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Anyone intending to attend one of these events for the first time should contact the organisers beforehand and wear suitable clothing and footwear. If staying all day take a packed lunch unless other arrangement indicated.
For further information on any of the IWA events please contact Gemma Bolton on 01494 783453 or email Gemma.bolton@waterways.org.uk Details can also be found on IWA’s website at www.waterways.org.uk