What we do

A ‘friends’ group has existed pretty much since the beginning of the project in one way or another. As the group has evolved over the years, the specific function that the group has taken has changed considerably.  The group today boasts volunteers from the original intake!  Nowadays, the group is made up currently of c.50 volunteers who offer their time and dedication to the project. The group effectively manage the boats with British Waterways’ support now the requirements from the HLF have now been fully met.

Although the role of the group has changed somewhat over the growth and changes within the project, the group generally are there to help keep the boats in top condition by doing various maintenance works during the winter months.  During summer months the group decide what events they would like to attend with which boats and then set about across the waterways to attend them – engaging with interested members of the public for an insight into this living history.

Our Vision

Our vision for the future is to continue to positively recognise the heritage working boats as a unique asset to British Waterways and identify them as a unique resource for education, promotion and interpretation to all segments of the local population.  By recognising the boats in this way we hope to be able to continue to use them as an interpretive tool at events and other organised activities.  This of course cannot be undertaken without the promotion of the group and the recruitment of new volunteers to complement the existing skills and knowledge that the current volunteers have.

Our Objectives

The group’s objectives have changed over time from the original objectives that were set for this point within the project.   British Waterways is financially committed to the project until 2013 whereby their obligation ends.  As this date is fast nearing, the current objectives for the group are:

• To raise the profile of the fleet and the living history and interpretation surrounding them.
• To attract more volunteers who can help with maintenance of the boats as well as taking the boats to events or promotions.
• To raise funds to help the sustainability of the fleet after British Waterways releases itself from the formal project to allow the boats to continue to be used.
• Rationalise the current fleet by finding opportunities for third parties to utilise the boats on a short term basis or permanently.
• To enjoy spending time with the heritage craft and to enjoy the social side to volunteering as well as learning about the craft and sharing knowledge and information with members of the public.