More Melton folk enjoy messing about on the river

It is possible to row a boat or canoe along a 1.5km loop around Egerton Park and Wilton Park with lots of attractive sights en route.

Decades ago, canoeing on the river was a regular sight and it was not uncommon to see many people appreciating the natural assets the town has to offer.

Local photographer Derek Whitehouse took the recent photo above of James Hare and sons, Austin and Vinnie, with their friend, Noah, venturing out on to the river and town Scout groups have also been spotted enjoying boating trips along the stretch in recent days.

Kirsty Wells, who enjoys boating trips with her family on the river, said: “It’s absolutely great for mental health, just switching off about the world and enjoying the beautiful nature.”

Boat trips on the River Eye have become a favourite family activity for Steve Ironside, Katie Howett and their two-year-old daughter,

Ivy.

They jump in their inflatable canoe, which they bought for £39.99 from Lidl, and paddle off down the stretch without a care in the world.

Kaite said: “We have been enjoying the relaxing escape of getting out on the water during lockdown.

“Myself and my partner like to take our daughter in the boat and she loves it.

“So does my sister, Emily, and her partner, Daniel Kelly.

“We recently had a lovely picnic in Egerton Park and then took our inflatable canoe out for a lap around the water.

“It’s great to do something different, it’s fun, free and a great family activity getting outdoors away from the screens and the same four walls.

“We are thanbkful we are able to continue to use this gem in Melton Mowbray.”

With limited boating activities available at nearby Rutland Water, Melton Mowbray Town Estate is keen to encourage more people to take boats out on the Eye.

Town bailiff, Billy Boulding, said: “The river encompasses a large proportion of our parks.

“Boating enthusiasts can row or canoe the 1.5km loop around Egerton and Wilton Park, and enjoy the beautiful scenery the river provides.

“It has been underused over recent years but wouldn’t it be nice to see these family and community activities on the river again in the future?”

In a recent issue of the Melton Times, correspondent Margaret Roswell pointed out an invasive weed problem at the basin on Leicester Street.

The town estate say this area is controlled annually as part of their work teams’ ground maintenance routine.

They thank her for bringing it to their attention.

If you have memories of boating trips on the River Eye in Melton please share them with us and we will publish them as part of a feature in the paper.

Email [email protected] and include any photos you have too please.