BCS Members & Volunteers Introductory Trips
BCS Members & Volunteers Introductory Trips
We are running Members' and Volunteers' Introductory Trips from Colt Hill Wharf in Odiham once per month on Monday evenings over the summer. These cruises most probably will take place westwards to Greywell and King John's Castle though the direction will be determined by the skipper on the day.
These trips are free of charge and are specifically designed to introduce potential members to others in the Society, and to acquaint potential volunteers to the various ways by which they can become involved with helping on the Basingstoke Canal. You will have the opportunity to meet current volunteers from such groups as:
- The Basingstoke Canal Society - The Society runs fortnightly work party groups (which undertake a variety of jobs, some including heavy engineering), maintenance teams, and provides skippers and crew for the Society trip-boats John Pinkerton II and Kitty.
- Lengthsmen - These are Society members who walk stretches of the Canal (lengths) regularly, checking for and reporting back anything unusual.
- The Basingstoke Canal Authority (who are the Canal owners' managing agency) - The BCA runs volunteer work parties each Tuesday. Volunteers also crew their patrol boat and trip-boat Rosebud (some of whom are Society members), as well as undertaking administrative tasks in their office.
Many opportunities are available to use your existing skills and also to acquire new ones - you can read about volunteering and particular roles we are trying to fill on the Society website - why not join us on a cruise to find out more?
We suggest you make a booking beforehand. We are limited to 50 passengers on this trip (that includes babes in arms), so cannot guarantee to have space at the last moment.
Please note: This trip must be booked at least 12 hours in advance of departure.
Prices
These trips are FREE of charge. |
Duration
Around 2½ hours, however please note: trip may be longer when the canal water is low, for example, after periods of little rain.
A licenced bar is open on all cruises, where you can purchase coffee, tea, drinks, and light refreshments. Souvenirs are available to help you remember the occasion.
Both the John Pinkerton II and its operating company are wholly owned by The Basingstoke Canal Society (a registered charity). All crew members are trained volunteers, and skippers are accredited by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Proceeds from boat trips go towards safeguarding the Basingstoke Canal for the future.