WATERLINKS  

As part of the development of the project, over 100 local community groups and schools in Swansea were contacted for their views. Almost two thirds of the sample responded  - a very high number for a survey of this type. All but two stated that their group would like to use the Community Boat.

The Trust is grateful for the helpful comments that people wrote on the forms returned.        A few extracts are reproduced below:

“And about time too. It is long overdue in Swansea. Good on you”

Mr. B.Jones, Heol Graigfelen, Clydach OAPs.

“This is a fantastic initiative”

Mrs A. Parkhouse, St. Joseph’s Cathedral Infant School, Greenhill.

The River Tawe is a historic navigation, with important heritage sites along its banks. It is also surprisingly rural in places, with footpaths alongside most stretches. The boat trips will make this largely unknown part of the City more accessible to local people.

 “The banks of the Tawe represent one of the most historical areas of the U.K., since Swansea was once the metallurgical centre of the World…….A detailed pre-recorded commentary should, therefore, be installed”

Mr. T.G.Rees, Manselton Cheery Boys senior citizen group.

 "A boat trip which links a visit to the museum with a cruise up the River to see the Copperworks Sites would be ideal for this school”.

Mr. D. J. Jenkins, Hafod Primary School.

“combined with a visit to the new maritime museum  (this) would be a worthwhile educational visit”

A. Morgan, Clwyd Community Primary School, Penlan.

 The benefits for school groups – for both structured and informal learning – are well recognised by the school responses. But the need for good practice in the running of the boat is also highlighted:

“1.  Safety would be of paramount importance for children.

2.  A written risk assessment for school visits”

Mr. G. Penry, St. Helen’s Primary School, Castle Ward.

Boat trips are a convenient way for people with disabilities to gain access to the countryside.

 “When the boat is purchased I would like to know the number of wheelchair passengers it could take”

Mrs P. English, Swansea Stroke Club.

“We would certainly like to take part in this project if you are successful in getting it off the ground”

Mrs P. M. Baker, Swansea District Disabled Club.

The boat trips could support a whole range of community programmes, from outings by mothers and toddlers, to informal counselling for a mental health group.

And boat trips will increase opportunities for active and healthy life styles, by getting older people out and about.

 “We think this project is a good idea and will be a benefit to people like senior citizens and disabled who cannot travel far, to enjoy a couple of hours away from home”

Mrs H. Feathers, Arthritis Care, Clydach Branch.

“As a group we have used the Brecon boat and often the people wish there was similar in Swansea”

Mrs L. Williams, Re-cycled Teenagers (Over 55).

Letters of support have also been received from a number of Communities First and development trust co-ordinators :

The Phoenix Community Development Trust

Bonymaen Communities First

Gorseinon Development Trust

Cwmni Clydach Development Trust

Clase and Caemawr Community Partnership

These expressions of support are greatly appreciated.

Supported by Compact Funding  City and County of Swansea

Nov 2007

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E:mail to JAD@waterlinks.org.uk  with questions or comments about this web site.

Postal address:    SCBT, 8 Plas Cadwgan, Penllergaer, Swansea SA4 9AZ, Wales.

Last modified: Saturday, 03 November 2007