Black Country Voyages, The Black Apotheca at the BCNS Summer Boat Gathering

Saturday 16 May was Black Country Voyages first event showing the Black Apotheca. Jacques Nimki worked with members of the public to discuss his ideas of adding to his archive of herbs and objects whilst we worked around the Black Country canals.

We moored up in a little suntrap at Titford Pumphouse, away from the rest of the boats, but a great spot for catching visitors as they first arrived at the Pumphouse. This was our first time at a boating event as the new Black Country Voyages, The Black Apotheca, so we were keen to get as many people as possible, of all ages, to come and see the boat.

Free workshops were taking place all day, which involved making an origami box that was then filled with drawings and objects that the young people had collected off the boat. It was a fantastic way of explaining Jacques intentions and plans for the project to the young people visiting the boat that day.

For those who didn’t want to get involved in the creative workshops it was their opportunity to talk to Jacques Nimki and enjoy the sunshine on the front of the boat.

It was great to see the boating community and familiar faces interacting with Black Country Voyages and getting their feedback on the project for 2015.

There was a great turn out of people, both locals who lived close to the canal and those who had traveled by boat. A great atmosphere and the lovely weather definitely helped. A great event that we will definitely be returning to.