iconsys canoe down the river Severn

Following on from a successful busy summer shutdown, it was great to enjoy a well-deserved company social outing.  So, on Saturday 14^th September, 44 iconsys staff and their partners assembled at the Severn Park in Bridgnorth for the start of a day’s canoeing down the river Severn.  After the initial Health & Safety briefing and helpful paddling techniques, the group set off at 10:30 in glorious sunshine.  The river Severn is the longest river in Britain and teems with wildlife as it winds its way through the county of Shropshire.   The day offered the group the perfect opportunity to experience this beautiful iconic river which is steeped in engineering history. We journeyed downstream for 6 miles to our first stop at Hampton Loade, where we left the canoes on the bank and headed to The River & Rail pub for a well-deserved break, enjoying a hearty lunch and some refreshments.

After lunch we headed back to the canoes for the final leg of the journey as we continued downstream for the remaining 4½ miles to our final destination of Arley.  At Arley we regrouped and headed to the train station for our return journey on The Severn Valley Railway.  The return trip was a step back in time as we boarded an old steam locomotive (No.2857 for those wanting to research) and enjoyed the relaxing 40 minute journey back to Bridgnorth.

The eventful day was not over, as those who had spent the day canoeing down the river were joined by more members of staff and partners for a get together as we finished the evening off in a house previously lived in by the esteemed engineer Thomas Telford.  The late summer sun was still warm as we sat outside drinking and discussing the sights, thrills and spills of the day.  We enjoyed the excellent BBQ food on offer as we sang along (and some danced) to the live entertainment on show.

As people left at various times in the evening there was a general consensus that everyone enjoyed the day and evening with many wanting to do it again next year…!