The Severn Unit of national charity, The Maritime Volunteer Service were called out just before Easter by the Avon Navigation Trust to help when heavy rain in the catchment areas of the Avon and Severn in the Tewkesbury area caused flooding and navigation problems for other river users.
The Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) is a well-respected charity with a focus on nautical training and community service. The charity has 20 units around the UK coastline and inland waterways, operating a fleet of small vessels which are used to train members in seamanship, engineering, and communications. These small vessels were put to good use when King John’s Bridge became blocked by tons of logs, trees and other flood debris.
Head of Unit Nic Price said, ” After several hours of hard work our unit members managed to clear the debris away. They also laid a series of buoys to mark the position of underwater obstructions including large branches from tree that had been washed down in one of the previous floods and was half submerged in a particularly dangerous place near the bridge.
“It was lovely to be thanked for our work by the Navigation Authority for attending the incidents at very short notice and keeping the river clear for boats to pass through the bridge safely when navigation re-opened for the Easter holiday.”
Volunteers are uniformed and no experience is necessary as full training is given. Members with practical experience are encouraged to share their skills and knowledge for the benefit of others. Anyone from the age of 18 can volunteer and there is no upper age limit as experience and skills are what helps the MVS to support the local community.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the MVS can contact: Head of Unit Nic Price Tel 07814 913995.
