Black Country Voyages at Bumblehole Family Fun Day

Saturday 25th July

Last month we returned to Netherton to take part in the Bumblehole Family Fun Day. This was a one off event organised by the very welcoming volunteers of the Bumblehole Conservation Group Visitor Centre.

We were running two activities on the day. People were invited onto the boat to create their own Bumblehole postcards. Taking inspiration from their surroundings, they were encouraged to draw the environment that they could see out of the windows of the boat. The pictures varied from butterflies to the dog walkers strolling past. We were surrounded by people who were passionate for the area and it was great to see them sharing this passion through stories and their drawings.

On the towpath we had the messy table for a painting activity. Jacques Nimki is interested in plant and weed life, so we decided to reflect on this by creating our very own wild flower meadow. Using a large piece of paper, people were asked to use water colour to add to our wild flower meadow. At the end of the day we were left with a beautiful illustration of a wide array of flowers and plants, drawn by people of all ages at the event. We plan to use this community drawing with Ikon’s Youth Programme to create bunting for the boat in the future.

The event was a great success with local people and dog walkers coming to enjoy Bumblehole for the afternoon. There was something there for everyone including live music, car boot sale and conservation stalls for information.

We have already been asked to do the event next year too, so keep an eye out for us returning in 2016.