Naming of new Workboat at Torksey Lock

Children from Marton Primary School took part in an activity to name the new workboat.

Marton Primary School took part in a two part WOW session, first a classroom visit followed by a trip to Torksey Lock in Lincolnshire.

The school have been involved in a very exciting project to name a NEW British Waterways workboat, which is now working on the Fossdyke Canal.

The project began with a classroom visit, learning how canals were built, why they were built and what cargoes were transported in their local area. The children then took part in an activity to name the new workboat. Many names were put forward with the final chosen one being ‘TORKSEY CASTLE’ named by Xavier - Well Done!

There were so many fantastic ideas, my favourites being ‘The Torksey Monster’, The River Bluebird, Blueberry Muffin and Marton Voyager.

Then the really fun bit came, when the class joined the British Waterways staff at Torksey Lock to stick the Name Plaque onto the boat and see it go through the lock.

The class also took part in water safety activities through the use of the WOW Stay SAFE near water Resource Box.

Special thanks go to all the teachers and BW staff for their support during the visit and hopefully giving the children a great experience! BIG THANKS to the children of class 3 for being a fantastic class to work with and for all their hard work – you’re fab!

A note from the teacher:

 ‘The children completed various tasks as follow up to their visit and they all really enjoyed the morning as it gave them an insight into something close to their home.  Here are a few comments and reflections about safety and the things they remembered.  Hopefully, they will be useful.’

Things I remember from the day:

Feeling excited when the lock gates opened and the water flowed in. 

• When the boat was meant to turn around but only moved forward and backwards.
• Finding out how the lock worked, because I didn’t know it was man powered.
• When Xavier put the name on the boat and had a ride.
• Watching the water come up to the same level and seeing the Torksey Castle coming through the lock.
• Noticing the cogs turning and the sound of rushing water as they opened the paddles on the lock gates.
• The Fossdyke joins the River Trent via a series of lock gates.

Safety Advice:

• SAFE Stay Away From the Edge
• Using a ball or something that floats to help anyone who has fallen in.
• Never jump in canals or jump off a bridge.
• When Sarah showed us all the safety things.