Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:28 pm on 26 January 2022.
Thank you to Russell, once again, for tabling this debate and for allowing me to say a very few words. Thank you, also, for his work in supporting the Montgomery canal—a beautiful waterway that runs through Montgomeryshire and instils that mwynder Maldwyn, the spirit of Montgomeryshire.
I just want to say a few words about the Heulwen Trust, which I also have encountered, like Russell. It exists to bring sunshine and smiles to the lives of the vulnerable and less abled on board, with the wheelchair-accessible canal boat trips on the Montgomery canal. It began in 1975, when the Prince of Wales Committee, in partnership with the Variety Club of Great Britain, arranged for the apprentices of Cammell Laird to build a 70 ft canal boat specifically designed to carry disabled children. It is thought to be a world first. It was named Heulwen, which, as we all know, is Welsh for 'sunshine' and was launched by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. The scheme was set up to last 10 years, after which local people would assume responsibility to continue the good work.
The Heulwen Trust, as you've heard, was formed in 1985. It continues to be enthusiastically run by a team of volunteers. And, like Russell, I would like to echo the thanks to them for both what they do in relation to staffing the boats and also raising funds to continue the work that they do. I support the continued development of the Montgomery canal, and, once again, thank you to Russell George for bringing forward this debate. Diolch yn fawr iawn. Thank you.