Signs of Summer

Family fun days and more this Summer

Family fun this summer kicked off on 31st May in glorious sunshine with 104 visitors. More fun days are scheduled during the school holidays and include themed events with free arts and crafts sessions for the under elevens.

Activities may be pebble painting, pegdoll decorating and sun visor painting. Families can drop in between 10 am – 3 pm for an hour. No need to pre-book. Lots of helpers but adults do need to stay and the children take home their designs.

Visitors to the canal can also enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle and take a canal cruise. Pre-booking is recommended as tickets sell out quickly. Watch the swans glide past your window and families of coots and ducks amongst the grasses by the bank. Look out for cormorants, herons and the elusive blue flash of the kingfisher. Enjoy the cascading swathes of pink and white daisies and towering clumps of yellow flag irises beside thebank. From Hunston bridge, glance back to see Turner’s view of Chichester Cathedral.

Or take a gentle walk from the Canal Basin towards Chichester Marina and watch the boats and paddleboarders go past. Look for wildflowers in the hedgerow. Hear the chatter of the birds in the trees. See the sparkling sunshine across the rippled reflections in the water.

Rowing boats can be hired for 30 minutes or longer and you can take a row up the canal to Donnington and back, or just gently rock at the side of the canal whilst watching the wildlife up close. Canoeists and paddleboarders will find the canal a great place for a day out. Buy a daily or annual licence.

Come and enjoy the Canal. Bring a picnic, or visit our cafe staffed by our lovely volunteers for ice creams, drinks, cakes and more.

Wendy Mahe

Photos by Barbara Crowe, David Richardson and Dave Standley