BA Volunteering

[Chelsea14Ian]

Marina and I hope to move to Norfolk when we retire. One thing I have in mind is to do some voluntary work.For many years I did lots in the community. It depends on where we settle know from experience it's often  rewarding. 

Ian 

[marshman]

Sorry Griff, even with your influence the NWDCT would not be able to open the navigation within a year!! Small matter of an uncooperative landowner!!!

After all this is Norfolk so why is that a surprise!!!!!

[ChrisB]

40 minutes ago, marshman said:

Sorry Griff, even with your influence the NWDCT would not be able to open the navigation within a year!! Small matter of an uncooperative landowner!!!

After all this is Norfolk so why is that a surprise!!!!!

And then there is the problem of water, which was a problem from day one and water extraction around Antingham and Gunton is far greater now. I think they are doing a sterling job but it will only ever be a canoe and kayak canal with portage round locks. Yes it will be nice to see a boat go up but if you were to open the locks on anything like a regular basis it would simply run dry. I have a 1904 Bradshaws Guide which complains of no water then.

 

[ranworthbreeze]

Have a look at the NWDCT website there is loads of information.

http://nwdct.org/

Regards

Alan

[ExMemberBobdog]

The BA is a great organisation to volunteer with.

For all the usual health and safety reasons all volunteers are initially provided with basic induction training, that includes things like manual handling, first aid and more.  

Different types of volunteers then go on to do different kinds of activities, and are offered more specialist training for the roles they do.  Ranger volunteers will work with the ranger team both on water (for example patrolling in the launches) and on land (for example bank side tree work in the winter).  A ranger volunteer may in due course be expected to take a BA launch out solo, so needs to have proven boat handling skills, a VHF ticket and more, training for which is provided by the BA. 

Technical volunteers may work with the dredging teams, or the teams doing work to maintain/repair BA moorings etc.  

There are also people who assist at the range of education and other events the BA organise for kids and adults.

 Potter Heigham has a small team of BA volunteers who look after 8 sites in the area, mowing the grass on Bridge Green, and strimming back brush and brambles on footpaths, (LANTRA brushcutter training required and provided) maintaining the benches on the staithe, picking up litter in the area and much more.

Volunteers are not an entirely free resource, training is expensive, travel and other expenses may have to be reimbursed, BA personal protective equipment (steel toe capped boots etc) and basic uniform have to be provided.  Accordingly there is a limit to how many volunteers, and of what types, they can take on at any given moment; ‘on the job’  training of a ranger volunteer for example involves an investment of time by the ranger team.

They do take on new volunteers every year, but the numbers have to be manageable.  Each year some volunteers depart, often because personal circumstances have changed and they can no longer offer the time.  They always advertise when new people are needed, and anybody who is able to make the necessary commitment can have a go.

I used to volunteer for them some years ago and had a great time; worked with lots of interesting people, in some lovely places, and felt I’d made a real contribution to looking after the Broads. Can’t do so at the moment for personal reasons, but hope to go back sometime in the future