Waterford based boat club makes waves for 10th anniversary

A County Waterford based boat club is making waves ahead of its 10th anniversary celebration which will see it give people an opportunity to engage in free water activities and a summer barbecue.

The Villierstown Boathouse is inviting the community to their 10th anniversary celebration Saturday, August 17 and it will also give people a chance to recognise its work in the area and supporting sustainable tourism.

The club is part of the Villierstown Education and Culture Project (VECP) – a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity. Along with a range of free water activities on the Blackwater River, there will be a summer BBQ and music. People will be able to enjoy tasters of kayaking, SUPs, river tours and self-drive boats, starting at 3.30pm and running on the hour, with the last slot at 5.30pm.

The Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County Council, Councillor Adam Wyse, will also be in attendance to help mark the occasion.

The Villierstown Boathouse has two initiatives, community membership and Blackwater Eco Tours - the tourism arm of the organisation offering river activities and glamping pods.

A spokesperson told Waterford News & Star there are currently 300 members with the organisation drawing people mainly from nearby villages, but also as far away as Mallow and Fermoy, to enjoy the beautiful river and popular facilities.

These include water activities, safety courses, and access to the clubhouse including a food and drink station, changing room, lockers, bathroom, kitchenette and seating areas.

Blackwater Eco Tours provide guided river tours, self-drive boats, kayaking, canoeing, woodland walking trails and glamping pods.

Both projects employ five people, with staff and volunteers on-site daily to assist with activities.

Commenting on the celebration, VECP Chairperson, Vincent Mernin, said: “The anniversary is really important to us as we feel it marks ten years of positive work to support the local community, groups, economy, and sustainable tourism."

“It’s about fostering the community to build a place where we can make it a great place to live while growing and keeping employment levels," he said.

"We believe we’re an example to communities across Ireland of what can be achieved when a rural community takes ownership of its future," he added.

Vincent went on to comment: “We’re also in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) – so there’s a need to respect the environment whilst ensuring tourism and activities remain at a sustainable level."

“I want to say a special thanks to all the people involved in Villierstown Boathouse and all projects, who have volunteered their time to make it happen," he said.

“All the hard work will be on show on Saturday, August 17," he added.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming the local community and groups to come and try the river activities – and enjoy a tasty BBQ."

Since 2010, the VECP has strived to develop education, arts and culture in the village and preserve the community spirit while taking steps to build a better future for Villierstown. It currently has 10 members on the board, on a voluntary basis. Other initiatives under the VECP include the Villierstown Montessori School and the Villierstown Enterprise Centre with office space.

People are advised to bring wet gear or a change of clothes for taking part in the water activities starting at 3.30pm at Villierstown Boathouse.