About the Project - Initial Workshops
After the grant was obtained, there were site visits by canal society members to identify the most interesting surviving features relevant to the canal's history which could be interpreted for blind and partially-sighted visitors. This was undertaken in February 2007. From the features identified, a text outline of the walk was produced by a canal historian, with additional information about the canal and its history. This was then recorded for review by Galloway's members. The results were presented to a group of the blind and partially-sighted members of Galloway's during a series of workshops at the beginning of May.
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The workshops included discussion about the canal's history and traditions so that Galloway's members were well informed before their site visit. During their subsequent visit their thoughts and feelings were recorded on site for use in adding human interest to the sound recording. Other sounds, such as lock operation and water flows were also recorded. It had been arranged that boats from Wheelton Boat Club would be passing through the locks, and this allowed Galloway's members to understand more fully how a canal works. They were also given the opportunity to tow the boats so that they could feel how easy it was to move a boat through water.
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On return to Lancashire College, the visit was discussed and the most interesting features identified. Two groups were formed, and both groups discussed their visit, their views being recorded to provide a guide to improving the sound files and information provided. One of the more important features was the sound of the canal's operation and how this could be described so people could visualize what was happening. This also included how locks worked; the fact that members had been able to help opening and closing gates was a major benefit. The sound of excess water running down the byewashes alongside the lock drew their attention to this aspect of water level control which they had not realized was important. They would have liked to include sounds of wild life, but this was considered to be outside the scope of this project, but could form the basis for a second one looking at flora and fauna along the towpath. The sound files should be easily available, perhaps on CD from tourist information centres, and could include more generalized information about the canal, such as descriptions of local scenery. Encased audio boxes on site were considered, but they are difficult to maintain, particularly for a project run by volunteers.
The towpath was considered very relaxing, and the gravel surface was excellent. Perhaps this could be varied at points of interest, such as locks and signs, especially if there are seats alongside. Bridges, where the towpath narrows, were the only main point of concern, and this would be especially so with a large party. Hedges also needed regular trimming to keep them away from the path.
For the signs, it was essential to keep them simple and preferably with a matt finish. Braille was considered, but there are difficulties in providing this on cast signs. A headline could be provided by using punched metal, but to provide all the text would be expensive. This is where the sound files were essential as they could be linked to specific sites, the headline giving enough information for the relevant sound file to be found. All the usual design features for the partially-sighted were mentioned, such as colour and size and spacing of text. Tactile signs were also discussed, and again the consensus was that they should be kept simple. Several cast panels and patterns were displayed during the workshops and comments made about what information could be presented in a meaningful way. As before, the main conclusion was 'keep it simple'.
The topics for the panels at Johnsons Hillock were discussed, the main three areas of interest were how the canal and a lock operates, its heritage, and the wildlife and environment. The last was considered as being outside the scope of the current scheme, but would make an exciting future project. How boats were towed was thought to be interesting, especially after the opportunity they had had of pulling a boat during the visit to the locks.
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