Messing about on the river

Today I had the good fortune to meet some of the members of the Combwich Sailing and Boat Club who have successfully applied twice to the Hinkley Point C Community Fund for funding to buy gig rowing boats.

They bought their first one in early 2018 and such was the popularity, they soon had to buy another (and now a third from their own funds). Their membership rocketed from 40 to over 100 in just one year, with around half coming from the small village itself, and they have been able to introduce a youth section as well. It is one of the best examples of a local group, run by local people for the benefit of local people

Whilst not therapy, watching members take advantage of the high tide on the Parrett today, I am sure the rowing is therapeutic. They don't 'measure' or 'evaluate' this of course, but I am sure they are helping people build confidence and self-esteem, manage mental health conditions, and avoid isolation and loneliness. What really struck me, though, was how they have embraced the whole community, connecting people with the river and with each other. The benefit of this cannot be measured or priced, but I am sure it will be saving a few trips to the GP or worse. If you will excuse the pun, I am sure it is worth the upstream investment.

I must admit I was a little jealous as the small group of hardy souls set off this afternoon gliding upstream with the tide and wind at their backs...but more than relieved when I saw the struggle as they turned around! The real hard work, however, is keeping clubs like this alive and thriving, dealing with all the governance, finance, planning and - very topical this week - safeguarding. It is all too easy to underestimate what it takes to keep the show on the, ahem, river, but the value they bring to people's quality of life and well-being is irreplaceable,