Marina and Lasses at the Annual Showcase

North Wales & Boarders Waterway Partnership Annual Showcase with Canal & River Trust

Following an invitation to attend the above, Overwater Marina/Audlem Lass Boat Service/Overwater Wheelyboat staged a joint exhibition stand at the Event held at The Lion Quay Hotel, near Oswestry on Friday 6th November 2015. There were over 125 attendees and 22 exhibitors.

Brenda Harvey, Chair of North Wales & Boarders Waterway Partnership opened the day, and introduced Richard Parry, Canal & River Trust Chief Executive. Richard's presentation was full of useful information allowing those present to gain a clear understanding of the Canal & River Trust's strategy for the foreseeable future; this embraced the aim of involving local communities in identifying and resolving local and national issues relating to the successful management and use of the waterways for which they have a responsibility.

Richard Parry was followed by Iolo Williams, well known wildlife expert and TV presenter. He outlined his upbringing and career to date, and shared his own experiences and love of the outdoor environment with us all. There were many humorous tales.

During the lunch break there was an opportunity for all present to roam around the many Exhibits. Our stand attracted much interest and gave us the opportunity to explain the aims of Overwater Marina represented by Janet Maughan and David Johnson; Maughan Lass Wheelyboat represented by Rodney & Christine Cottrell, and the role of the Audlem Lass Boat Service represented by Mike Harthern, Joe & Jane Hoyles.

The opportunity was taken by all of the above to promote the vibrancy of Audlem village, its surrounding areas, and attractions. It was uplifting to hear how familiar people were with the village of Audlem and so many compliments about all it has to offer throughout the year.

The afternoon session involved the formation of discussion groups. The aim was to make everyone aware that the Waterway Partnership wishes to work with existing groups and communities, and any potential new groups, to draw together a comprehensive plan for each of the region's waterways. Large scale maps were provided and those present exchanged their thoughts, and aims for the future success of areas relevant to them.

It was explained that the overall purpose of agreeing a comprehensive plan is to ensure that public bodies, planning authorities, funding organisations and developers have easy access to a clear statement of how local people would like to see their waterway in the future, and how this fits into a broader statement of the benefit for the region. Not only was this though to support applications for funding, it was also seen to be invaluable when development proposals and planning applications are under discussion.

This proved to be a worthwhile, interesting and informative day, with the added benefit of a further means of promoting the village of Audlem and its surrounding area.

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