£15,000 donation helps complete restoration of charity’s much-loved narrowboat
A charity’s much-loved narrowboat has been given a facelift thanks to the generosity of former Goodyear workers.
Wildside Activity Centre in Wolverhampton has received a donation of £15,000 from the 5/344 Transport and General Workers Union Benevolent Fund
The money has enabled the Whitmore Reans-based outdoor and environmental education centre to renovate its narrowboat Treblisa, which is regularly used to offer canal trips and excursions to people of all ages and abilities living in the city.
The donation will also fund three boat trips per year over the next five years for students at Penn Hall School, which has received regular support from the former Goodyear employees.
Tony Stewart, a senior volunteer at Wildside who helped coordinate the renovation works, said: “We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the 5/344 Transport and General Workers Union.
“Treblisa is a much -used resource by the people and communities here in Wolverhampton and without this latest donation we would have found it incredibly difficult to carry out such extensive work.” Chairman of the 5/344 Transport and General Workers Union Benevolent Fund, Cyril Barrett, added: “We have a long-standing, positive relationship with Wildside and Penn Hall special school.
“The trustees and management committee have been greatly impressed with the vital work both charities are doing, supporting so many children and their families in Wolverhampton and the Black Country.
“The refurbishment of the narrow boat Treblisa will create a proud living legacy to all of the ex-members of the charity fund.”
A small celebration took place to formally relaunch the Treblisa following its refurbishment programme with attendees including former Goodyear worker Keith Garrett and Mr Barrett.
