All hands on deck for boat launch
They will be pushing the boat out on the Lake District’s third longest stretch of water to celebrate a new season for 60 vessels.
After weeks battling to put right the devastation caused in November’s savage flooding, Coniston Boating Centre is back in business for the half-term holidays.
Submerged under four feet of water in the aftermath of the worst storms in living memory, the Lake District National Park’s popular attraction - drawing around 180,000 visitors a year - is ready for a bumper 2010 season.
With a fleet ranging from eight-seater electric motor boats to solo kayaks, centre manager Dave Coxon thinks there might be a few romantic rowers around on February 14, to make use of the eight traditional wooden craft.
“It’s quite literally been all hands on deck after the centre spent several days submerged in the heavily swollen lake.
“We are hoping for some clear, bright days over the holidays and are renting our electric launches at two hours for the price of one. Boating is a fantastic way not just to enjoy the lake made famous by speed ace Donald Campbell, but some of the country’s best scenery.”
Neighbouring Bluebird Café - also owned by the Lake District National Park - took a battering in the floods, but is ready to open on Valentine’s weekend thanks to three temporary units.
Dave added: “The building is next to the boating centre and is a favourite haunt for countless customers. It’s another fine example of people pulling out all stops to get as much as humanly possible back in action.
“We’ve got a new footbridge running through the site and our entire fleet is ready for hiring. We will be open through to Easter and across the whole of the summer and look forward to welcoming old friends and new boaters.”
