PERSONALLY I have never understood that 'wellbeing' by water that is so foisted upon us, writes T. Lang.
I know of no few people who just do not care for water, myself included, which was why I would not entertain one of those what are called 'traditional' sterns that have no protection, but insisted upon a cruiser stern with a strong rail, that has the added advantage of being more family friendly.
Dangerous towpath
Occasionally having grandchildren on board we just do not allow them to go alone along the towpath any more, as towpaths really are dangerous now that vegetation has been allowed to grow between bank and water, as young kids love to 'hide' as you once reported, with that particular one falling in the hidden canal and drowning.
But since over 20 years of cruising has come the incident of turning the towpaths into cycleways, with so many people complaining (in your columns too) of the fast people obviously either dashing to or from their place of employment, that really negate any sense of 'wellbeing' on the towpaths.
Something of a challenge
As for us boaters. the condition of the locks make it something of a challenge, for gone are the old days of British Waterway when everything works, that now has resulted in 21 stoppages/breakages this month alone as you reported, making progress something of a trial and certainly not much 'wellbeing' for us that get stopped in our tracks and holidays spoilt.
Pure tripe
As to the 'wellbeing' saving the NHS over a billion pounds, that is pure tripe.
CaRT should get real and stop these silly claims, get rid of all those strange managers, directors, lawyers and whatsoever and spending on non-waterway matters, and then they will have the cash for what is really needed.