Canberra Kids Embrace Old-School Fun with Model Boats at Kingston Foreshore
Children in Canberra have been delighting in some classic, screen-free entertainment these holidays, thanks to a heartwarming community initiative at the Kingston Foreshore. Dedicated volunteers from the Lions Club of Canberra City have brought smiles to young faces by offering remote-controlled model boat hire sessions on the picturesque harbour.
Volunteers Bring Joy to the Waterfront
Setting up near the Eyre Street bridge, Lions Club members have generously volunteered their time throughout the holiday period. Their efforts provide both kids and adults with the unique opportunity to hire sturdy model battleships and skillfully manoeuvre them around a designated course on the water. The activity is operated via remote control from the pedestrian bridge, adding an element of interactive fun.
Charlie Woolstencroft, a 72-year-old Lions Club member, shared the philosophy behind the sessions. "We don't take it seriously. We encourage the kids to crash them," he said with a laugh, highlighting the lighthearted and engaging nature of the experience. The robust design of the boats ensures they can withstand the playful collisions that are all part of the fun.
A Community Effort with a Charitable Heart
The initiative is more than just a source of entertainment; it serves a greater purpose. The Lions Club charges a small fee for the boat hires, and all proceeds are being directed to a vital cause. The funds raised will be used to purchase fodder for farmers in Victoria who are struggling in the aftermath of devastating bushfires.
"Each month, the Lions club, as an individual club, vote on where we're going to send the money to," Mr Woolstencroft explained, underscoring the club's ongoing commitment to supporting communities in need.
The Dedicated Team Behind the Fun
The model boat sessions are powered by the dedication of three key Lions Club members: Charlie Woolstencroft, Greta Hamilton, and Simon Scott-Findlay. All in their seventies, they have invested significant time and energy into making the venture a success, though it has left them feeling quite exhausted.
"It is a big commitment," admitted Mr Woolstencroft. The trio faces challenges due to the club's demographic. "We just don't have enough members. It's really only the three of us who are up to doing it. The average age of our members is 74. None of us are young. But this certainly keeps us on our toes."
Despite the physical demands, the volunteers find immense satisfaction in their work. "By staying engaged at our age, it makes the difference, I think. And there's a tremendous amount of job satisfaction, for want of a better word. You can't beat kids yelling and screaming and laughing and having fun," Mr Woolstencroft reflected warmly.
Promoting Screen-Free Outdoor Play
Simon Scott-Findlay, also 72, emphasised the core motivation behind the project. "We wanted to give them a chance to be off screens and out in the fresh air," he said. In an increasingly digital age, this initiative offers a valuable opportunity for children to engage in tactile, outdoor play and create lasting holiday memories.
The future of the model boat hire remains uncertain. The small team of volunteers has not yet decided if they will be able to offer the activity again, largely due to the limited number of active members. However, their impact this holiday season has been undeniable, bringing joy to families and supporting a worthy cause simultaneously.
