Last week was a busy one for the Anglian Waterways volunteers, who supported both the Great Ouse Boating Association (GOBA) campaign cruise and the Bedford River Festival.

GOBA organised a flotilla of boats travelling from Earith to Bedford to raise awareness of the need for continued investment in the River Great Ouse and the infrastructure that keeps it navigable. The cruise finished in style at Bedford River Festival.

To help the boats on their way, a team of 13 Anglian Waterways volunteers staffed locks from Houghton to Willington, helping boaters travel safely and efficiently along the river. Volunteers kept in touch with the flotilla via WhatsApp, coordinating arrivals and departures so locks were ready when needed.

The boaters couldn’t have been friendlier. Volunteers were kept busy not only operating locks but also chatting with crews, many of whom expressed their appreciation with offers of drinks and invitations to visit them later at the festival.

As the cruise entered Bedfordshire, two volunteers gamely followed the flotilla through the final stretch to Willington, making sure boats reached Bedford safely.

Volunteer David Richardson said:

“It was tremendous fun and we loved the challenge.”

Anglian Waterways volunteers were also on hand at Bedford River Festival itself. Lower river levels, needed to allow boats to pass beneath Engineers’ Bridge, created a few unexpected challenges, with some vessels becoming stuck in the locks. Volunteers worked alongside Environment Agency staff and boaters to overcome the problems safely and keep traffic moving.

Pam, who was helping at Offord Lock during the cruise, summed up the atmosphere perfectly:

“All went really well down at Offord Lock yesterday. Great atmosphere, loads of people milling around all the time as a maximum of two boats could fit in the lock at one time due to its size. Yesterday I had so many invites to look them up at the festival and join them on their boat for a drink or two, which can only mean one thing: either I would find it impossible to make my way back home afterwards, or the flotilla has appreciated our involvement.”

GOBA Campaign Manager Mike Starnes was equally appreciative, saying:

“Thank you all for your tremendous support. You are all gems.”

It was one of those weeks that perfectly demonstrated what our Anglian Waterways volunteers do best. Faced with changing circumstances, long days on the river and the occasional unexpected problem, they used their initiative, worked brilliantly as a team and took every challenge in their stride. A huge thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to help make both events such a success.