About Us

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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Friday 11 May 2018

A massive sigh of relief.

First I must say a big thank you to the two boats arriving yesterday wanting to moor in the basin. I had to explain about Pentland being lifted out of the compound and how we could'nt have any boats moored where it was all going to happen. They were brilliant about it and after winding headed off back down to moor below the lock. So this morning and the long-awaited day had arrived. Ian and I were up bright and early,  the crane had been ordered for 8.30 am. Glancing from the galley window at 7 am and...oh no... was that the bottom paddle raised?? It sure was as a boat wanted to come up. OMG, I'm going to have to turn them away as well. But again they fully understood, such nice people these boating visitors. Anyway, they did come up to wind, went back down and asked if they could come back up once Pentland was in the water. 

So here are the photos of Pentland, a workboat originally owned by BW then C&RT. Her final resting place would have been at Newark until rescued by ECP&DA. Full of holes when found she has been replated with the steels donated by Paul Barber at Sheetstores, welded by Ernie one of the society members, had the bitumen and paint donated by Dacrylate and many hours of hard work by this societies men and women at work party Fridays. A job well done!

Sheets off for the final time.

Linda Richardson from Towpath Talk came to record the event.
Crane arrives

In position

Gate removal for more manoeuvrability
Chains attached to hook



And then to Pentland


The lift starts





Out she comes












Any leaks??

Check the engine bay

A few Gongoozlers

Thumbs up ...no leaks



Oh, and the nice couple on their boat descending the lock earlier came back up in reverse.

Pentland is now nestled next to us for protection. I can now wash both side of the boat instead of only one.








Seems strange having an empty compound.




1 comment:

Jennie said...

I am so pleased that it went to plan. Jennie

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