PRESS RELEASE
10 March 2014
STANDEDGE TUNNEL ON THE HUNT FOR NEW EDUCATION
VOLUNTEERS
One of Yorkshire’s leading tourist attractions is launching a recruitment drive for new volunteers to
join its education team.
Hundreds of children enjoy discovering Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre with their families each
year and increasing numbers of local schools are booking educational visits to explore the longest,
widest and highest canal tunnel in Britain.
As a result the Canal & River Trust’s Education Co-ordinator Helen Evans is keen to recruit new
volunteers to join the education team at Standedge so that even more youngsters and families can
enjoy what the visitor attraction has to offer.
“It’s a good time to join the team as we are having increasing numbers of enquiries from schools
interested in discovering more about their local waterways history,” said Helen.
“Education volunteers can get involved in a whole range of activities – from helping children to
understand the history of waterways transport and trade, to delivering children’s holiday crafts,
bridge building, towpath walks and roses and castles painting,” said Helen. Training is provided for
each activity.
Volunteers need to be over 18 years old and be prepared to volunteer for around 3 – 4 times a
month. The opportunity would be ideal for people considering a career in teaching or working with
children. All prospective volunteers are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service and reference
checks.
Canal & River Trust, Toll House, Delamere Terrace, London, W2 6ND
T: 0203 3204 4514 E: press.office@canalrivertrust.org.uk W: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Twitter: @CanalRiverTrust
Patron: H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. Canal & River Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales
with company number 7807276 and registered charity number 1146792, registered office address: First Floor North, Station House, 500
Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB
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Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre is staging two drop-in volunteer recruitment events on
Thursday 13 March between 3pm – 6pm at Huddersfield Library, Princess Alexandra Walk,
Huddersfield, HD1 2SU and on Tuesday 18 March between 3pm – 6pm at Marsden Mechanics
Community Hall, Peel Street, Marsden HD7 6BW.
Existing staff and volunteers demonstrate some of the current education activities as well as being
on hand to answer any questions.
To register your interest in attending the drop-in information event email
helen.evans@canalrivertrust.org.uk or telephone 07585 402702.
As one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways Standedge Tunnel visitors can explore
deep into this marvellous Yorkshire attraction on one of the family friendly boat trips.
The Watersedge café, which serves delicious food and drinks for hungry walkers and tunnel
visitors, had an extensive makeover and now includes a family-friendly space for youngsters to
relax while their parents enjoy a relaxing cup of tea. A free indoor soft play area in the Visitor
Centre was a welcome addition to the site last year.
Up-to-the minute information on all that is happening at the Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre can
be found on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/standedge or by visiting Standedge Tunnel’s
website at http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/standedge
Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre is now part of The Canal & River Trust, a new charity entrusted
with the care of 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales.
Did you know:

At 3.25 miles long, Standedge is Britain’s longest canal tunnel

Opened in April 1811, Standedge Tunnel is over 200 years old

Typical cargoes through the tunnel included wool, coal and horse manure!

Before diesel power boats were legged through the tunnel
ENDS
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For further media requests please contact:
Elaine Hodgin, Marketing & Communications Manager
t 01452 318200 m 07800 548253 e elaine.hodgin@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Notes to editors:
The Canal & River Trust is the guardian of 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and
Wales. We are among the largest charities in the UK, maintaining the nation’s third largest
collection of Listed structures, as well as museums, archives, navigations and hundreds of
important wildlife sites.
We believe that our canals and rivers are a national treasure and a local haven for people and
wildlife. It is our job to care for this wonderful legacy – holding it in trust for the nation in perpetuity
and giving people a greater role in the running of their local waterways
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk