Dream Coniston ‘Job’ – If Only For A Day!
Lake District National Park volunteers acquired a new “recruit” for their lake ranger boat on Coniston recently, who paid for the privilege in order to help provide funds for a community group in Barrow.
Marcus Cardew, a former Merchant Navy Navigator, used to have his own boat on Coniston and said he had always been “very jealous” of the rangers who were lucky enough to work on the lake all the time.
So when the chance came along to bid at a charity auction to spend a day with the rangers he couldn't resist offering £110 for his day “at work”. The auction was held to raise funds for the Barrow Community Trust.
“For many years, I kept a wooden sailing boat on Coniston. Even though most of our interest was in surveying the Lake bed, being surrounded by the peace and magical scenery always left us very jealous of those who were there, year round, looking after it all,” Marcus said after the auction.
And, after spending a hectic day with LDNPA volunteers Derek Lyon and John Dennis, Marcus was still as enthusiastic for the people who help look after the national park's fifth largest lake.
“I was very impressed with the conscientiousness and professionalism of the Lake Ranger Service, and the way they take great care of Coniston Water, and its visitors. It was a privilege to see the Lake Ranger service in action, as well as getting plenty of exercise scampering around the shoreline, trying to keep up with John and Derek – what a wonderful team, ”he added.
