Archived News of the Project.
This page contains items of news of the Project older than twelve months. For more recent items, see the News page.

20 and 21 May 2017 - The Rickmansworth Boat Festival. This festival celebrates canals, the community and the environment. Our boats will be there so come and visit us, meet some of the volunteers, and consider hiring a boat this coming summer. For more information about the festival, use this link to visit the Rickmansworth Waterways Trust website.

29 April - 1 May 2017 - Canal Cavalcade at Paddington Basin. Inland Waterways Association are organising this festival of canal boating, to include morris dancing, food stalls, real ale bar, little shops selling the weird and wonderful, with many canal boats on display. Pickle's Folly will be there, so take this opportunity to look over the boat. For more information about the event, use this link to visit the IWA website.

September 2016 - Dicks Folly was taken to P&S Marine at Croxley Green to be taken out of the water so the hull could be shot blasted, repaired and re-painted. They also made a few modifications to the plumbing while the boat was there. Dicks Folly is now ready for more years of service on the canal.

21 -22 May 2016 - The Rickmansworth Waterways Trust organised  the Rickmansworth Festival. This event is centred on the Grand Union Canal by the Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Batchworth Lock.

30 April - 2 May 2016 - The Inland Waterways Association held their Canal Cavalcade at Little Venice, Paddington in London. Pickles Folly was there again this year. For details of the fun activities and events take a look at the IWA website using this link which opens in a new window/tab. There is also a video of some of last years cavalcade.

3 August 2015 - please note that the address you send the booking form to changed on this date. The new address is:

South West Herts Narrowboat Project,
c/o Janet White,
Myers Clark Chartered Accountants,
1 Egale,
80 St. Albans Road,
Watford,
Herts, WD17 1DL

 If you have previously downloaded our booking form for future use, replace it using this link to the form showing the new address.

16-17 May 2015 - The Rickmansworth Waterways Trust organised  the Rickmansworth Festival. This event is centred on the Grand Union Canal by the Rickmansworth Aquadrome and Batchworth Lock. Their website has all the details: this link opens in a new window/tab.

2-4 May 2015 - The Inland Waterways Association held their Canal Cavalcade at Little Venice, Paddington in London. Pickles Folly was there again this year. For details of the fun activities and events take a look at the IWA website.

3 - 5 May 2014 - The Canalway Cavalcade was held over the Bank Holiday weekend at Little Venice, London. Pickle's Folly was taken there by a Project crew and used as accommodation by some of the organisers. For more information about this fantastic community event, visit the organisers website [link opens in a new window/tab]. There is also a short story written by one of the crew describing their return trip to the base on our website - use this link.

2 April 2014 - The Princess Royal visited the base. After her previous visit had to be cancelled, Her Royal Highness offered to make arrangements for another visit, so as not to disappoint us. There was an air of excitement when the arrival of the Police motorbikes announced the close proximity of the royal Bentley which stopped outside the gates and Princess Anne stepped out. Her Royal Highness was very interested in the Project and canals generally and stopped to talk to everyone present, which included some pupils from Bushey Meads School who have used our new wheelchair accessible narrowboat, Pickle's Folly. Pictures of this event can be seen on our Google pages using this link, which opens in a new window/tab. The Watford Observer covered the visit too, and their article can be viewed from this link.

8 February 2014 - Dick's Folly was taken to RK Marine, based at Bridgewater Basin at Croxley to be craned out of the water so she could have her hull cleaned and blacked and the boat surveyed. A few of the Project volunteers helped with the work. She passed the survey with flying colours and is back in the water ready for service in the new season.

17 December 2013 - The two boats were taken to Bridgewater Boats at Croxley [just below lock 78] on a misty but bright morning, to top up with fuel for the winter. The trip took longer than expected because we picked up a length of rope around the propeller shaft. This took nearly two hours to untangle which meant that the three volunteers brought the boats into the base just after dark. Some of the pictures taken during the trip can be seen on this page.

16 October 2013 - The planned visit by Her Royal Highness, Anne, Princess Royal, could not take place because of bad weather grounding her helicopter. The naming of Pickle's Folly and the opening of the work at the base was carried out by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, who stood in at short notice. The Princess Royal has said that she will be glad to rearrange her visit for another date. We would very much like that and will keep everyone informed through these pages. The Watford Observer reported on the occasion and their account can be viewed on their website, using this link. Pictures of the event can be viewed on this page.

August 2013 - The car park at the base had the surface removed and tarmac laid, making the surface much smoother and easier for wheelchair users. The work was carried out by local contractors, Treacy Surfacing Ltd of Rickmansworth and has improved access to the boats. Photos can be viewed on this page.

14 May 2013 - The work at the base is almost complete. More photos have been added to this page.

January 2013 - The work to repair and improve the base started despite the snow on the ground. The bank will be reinforced with steel piling and anchored to points in the bank. The railway sleepers which have provided the surface for so long will be replaced with concrete and include a gentle ramp for wheelchair users. Additional lights, power points, and pump out facilities will also be fitted. See this page for pictures taken as the work progresses.

Pickle's Folly latest - 31 December 2012. We plan to cruise the new boat to the base rather than take her by road. A volunteer crew drove to Stourport-on-Severn and will begin their journey on New Year's Day. See this page for the continuing story of the trip.

Pickle's Folly latest - We have just been told that Pickle's Folly is scheduled for completion during the week commencing Monday 3 December. This is great news and we are looking forward to mooring her at the base, alongside Dick's Folly.

Pickle's Folly latest - In September 2012 some members of the Project's committee travelled to Worcestershire to see the new boat and check on its progress. We were pleased to see the amount of internal work done; the engine was installed, and the top coat of paint outside was being applied while we were there. Terry Huckerby, of Starline Marine, greeted us with his usual smile, and gave us a very detailed account of the work so far, and how they plan to continue. If you go to this page you will see some of the photos taken on this visit.

Pickle's Folly - June 2012 - we have received photos from Starline Marine, who are building our new boat. They have almost finished the shell and will be starting on the inside shortly. Use this link to view the pictures.

Rickmansworth Canal Festival - Saturday and Sunday 19 and 20 May 2012. Dick's Folly was taken to Rickmansworth for the festival, the first since the boat was refitted. As many of our volunteers had other commitments, there was only a 'skeleton staff' in attendance to enjoy the atmosphere and good weather. The two photos here show Dick's Folly at her mooring [click on them to view larger pictures], and the more observant of our volunteers found another photo of Dick's Folly on Flickr, and one of Persephone, the boat owned by our previous chairman. These links open in new windows.

Abbots Langley Winter Acoustic Concerts - Sunday 11 March 2012. The Oxford Fiddle Group was brought to Abbots Langley Community Centre by Tim and Lesley Brooks of AL Concerts [use this link to their website]. They played a variety of instruments in addition to their fiddles at the last in this series of concerts. See their press release for more information. This series of events, organised by AL Concerts, have once again proved to be a great success and have raised much needed funds for the Project.

Abbots Langley Winter Acoustic Concerts - Sunday 12 February 2012. The third concert in this winter's series of concerts organised by Tim and Lesley Brooks of AL Concerts [use this link to their website]. Pilgrim's Way, from Manchester, are a dynamic young trio led by singer Lucy Wright, accompanied by accordionist Edwin Beasant and fiddler Tom Kitching. See their press release for more information. The Project once again provided refreshments.

31 January 2012 - An announcement was placed on DEFRA's website concerning the future of British Waterways. BW is to become the Canal and River Trust, and has been granted charitable status. Statements by Environment Minister Richard Benyon and Tony Hales, the chairman of the trustees of the new trust can be viewed from this link to DEFRA's website [opens in a new window/tab]. A similar article appears on British Waterways' website.

28 January 2012 - Once again we are very grateful to the committee of the Tough Ten (10K race) for granting the Project money as a result of last year's race. We have received a cheque for £250 from the race committee which will be used to fund the new Crewsaver life jackets which the Project has purchased. A big thank you to Angi, Martin, Janet, Lesley and others who turned up on the race day. It was a fantastic day and the weather made the day extra special. Further details of where the funds went are covered by the Watford Observer in their article [the link opens in a new window/tab]. This year's race is planned for Sunday 7th October, and volunteers are wanted for setting up the course, marshalling, manning water stations, etc. This year is the 30th anniversary of the race and many surprises are planned to mark the event. Each year the race is enthusiastically supported by ex-England and Watford football manager Graham Taylor who spends the whole day with us and presents the prizes at the end of the race. There is nothing to stop you bringing children along as it is a great community event.

5 January 2012 - Members of the Project met on board Dick's Folly with Terry from Starline Marine, to discuss details of the new boat. This is an exciting project to be involved with and it should not be long before the decision is made to go ahead with the building of the new boat.

16 November 2011 - Members of the Project visited Starline Marine, in Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire to discuss ideas for our new accessible narrowboat. The outline is for a boat 60 feet in length and capable of sleeping 10-12 people. Incorporating Starline's ideas, the plan is to make the accommodation flexible so removable bunks can make space for a wheelchair user. The boat will have a hydraulic lift to enable access to a large part of the boat from the rear deck. This boat was made possible by the gift from the executors of the late Graham Pickett who died earlier this year [see August 2011 entry below].

Abbots Langley Winter Acoustic Concerts - Sunday 13 November 2011. This was the second concert in the series held at The Abbots Langley Community Centre and organised by Tim and Lesley Brooks of AL Concerts [use this link to their website]. Dave Webber, Anni Fentiman and Brian Peters presented their show 'On the Road to Mandalay'. See their press release for more information. This concert was also publicised in the Watford Observer.

3 October 2011 - Members of the Stopgap programme run by HCS for young people in Hertfordshire met members of the Project to hand over new window covers they had made for Dick's Folly. The covers are made from recycled materials from Watford Recycle Art Project. These will come in very useful as only a few days before, the narrowboat was hit by an angler's line and lead weights which was cast from the far side of the canal. See pictures on the following page.

2 October 2011 - This 10km race has been organised for the last 29 years! All runners are sponsored and the proceeds are donated to local charities and causes. Last year our Project was one of the beneficiaries of the race, receiving a cheque for £1000. John Blake organised volunteers from our Project who wanted to help with the marshalling of this event. For details of the Tough Ten see their website [link to www.tough10.co.uk will open in a new tab/window]. Angi, Janet, Martin and John were willing to stand in glorious sunshine, telling the runners where to go. Click on this picture to enlarge it:

September 2011 - The Project is extremely grateful to many people and organisations who have helped and supported us through a very difficult time while Dick's Folly has been out service being refitted. As a way of offering our thanks, we have been organising 'Thank You' trips. The following page shows some of the photos taken during one of these trips with members of the Stopgap programme. 

24 August 2011 - We are extremely pleased to announce that the executors of the will of local resident Graham Picket have presented a cheque to the Project, in accordance with Graham's wishes. The committee have prepared the following press release. The Watford Observer newspaper have also printed an article which can be seen on their website, using this link, which will open in a new window/tab.

11 June 2011 - Abbots Langley carnival. Like last year, Little Dick was pulled along the carnival route by a group of Project members: Judith E, Martin C, Maureen M, Angi N and Ann G. A member of the public videoed the procession and Little Dick can be seen at about 8 minutes, just behind Postman Pat and his cat Jess [see the video on YouTube]. Other pictures can be seen on the following page.

10 June 2011 - Dick's Folly arrived at Croxley Marina on the back of a low loader and was craned back into the water! She has been repaired and fully refitted and she is ready for use [once our band of volunteers have given her a good clean]. Click on this picture to enlarge it: 

21 and 22 May 2011 - Rickmansworth Canal Festival. Because Dick's Folly was not quite ready, we could not take her to the festival, but we did make our presence felt by joining forces with a few friends; Eve and Tony on Triple B [Slow Down for Duck's Sake], Ralph and family on tugboat Tiny, and Janul on The Crimson Pirate. Pictures of the event are shown on this page.

14 May 2011 - Rickmansworth Carnival. A small crew of volunteers joined the carnival parade pulling Little Dick's Folly with them. Pictures of the event are shown on this page.

11 February 2011 - Quiz night at The Nap Community Centre, Abbots Langley was a fun evening for 25 teams which raised £1,000 for the refit of Dick's Folly. More details on our Fundraising page.

6 February 2011 - JIG JAW appeared at the Abbots Langley Winter Acoustic Concert held at Abbots Langley Community Centre, Gallows Hill Lane, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, WD5 0AP [see their website]. Pictures of the event are shown on this page. Jig Jaw combined the percussion and passion of dance traditions with vocal harmonies in a tight scintillating quartet of singing and dancing talent. Jigjaw's music is developed from traditional dance melodies, so to showcase this connection we are following the concert with a barn-dance for which the accompanying music will be provided solely by their voices.

December 2010 - Some of the Project's committee visited Dick's Folly at Starline Marine to see how the work is progressing. Some of the photos they took are displayed on the following page and are very interesting.

November 2010 - The Project was the beneficiary of proceeds raised by the first concert in a series of Winter Acoustic Concerts held at the Abbots Langley Community Centre. Entitled "Where the Working Boats Went" the evening of music and stories by a duo called Life and Times. Read the article in the Watford Observer and visit the Life and Times' website.

October 2010 - Dick's Folly was lifted out of the water at Croxley and put on the back of a low-loader. She has been taken to Starline Marine in Worcestershire for the long awaited refit to start. Fundraising is continuing as the cost of the work has yet to be raised. The following page contains pictures of the lift out. The event was recorded by The Watford Observer newspaper - read a copy of their article.

June 2010 - a team of Project volunteers got together and pulled Little Dick's Folly in the parade at Croxley Revels. Watch the video on YouTube of the parade made by Les Mead.

May 2010 - We managed to get Dick's Folly to Rickmansworth Festival with the help of Richard and his boat, Great Britain. Richard tied the two boats together and a small group of volunteers helped to operate the locks and they were tied up along the towpath opposite Tesco. The festival was a great success and we were able to show people the boat and its needs [especially the interior]. The following page contains pictures of this part of the journey and the festival.

May 2010 - A small group of volunteers joined Friends of Meresworth [carehome in Rickmansworth] to organise a float for the Rickmansworth Carnival. This year the float was also supported by volunteers from Guidepost Trust, Henry Smith House, Watford as well as some from SW Herts Narrowboat Project. As we were using the Roundabout bus you could say we were an example of community spirit and cooperation. The following page contains pictures of the bus at the carnival.

May 2010 - Dick's Folly was taken to a boatyard at Croxley for an out of the water survey before the refit works start. A group of volunteers moved the boat under its own power from the base at Hunton Bridge to Croxley: this turned out to be the last time the engine could be used until urgent engineering work is carried out as a major fault with the powerunit/gearbox was found during the survey. The following page contains pictures of the boat during this journey.

May 2010 - After the survey in April, Dick's Folly was taken to Rickmansworth in time for the festival. Gallery pictures.

April 2010 - Dick's Folly was taken to a local boatyard to have a survey carried out on its hull, and to inspect the engine mountings. Once this has been done, the Project will be in a better position to determine the amount of work needed before the refit of the interior. Gallery pictures.

March 2010 - the Watford Observer newspaper has published an article about the project and the need to raise funds for our continued future. The article can be viewed from this link to the newspaper's website, which will open in a new window/tab.

March 2010 - Surprise work on Hunton Bridge Lock 72 has closed the Grand Union Canal by the Project's base. The pound between locks 73 and 72, going north from the base  has been drained in order to repair the chamber, and replace the lower gates. One boater who was heading to the Ashby Canal from Denham, said he had walked this stretch last weekend [28 and 29 February] and there was no warning of the impending work, and nothing on the Waterscape website. He now has to wait until 12 March before he can move on, assuming the work goes according to plan. The following page contains pictures of the work in progress [as of 2 March].

July 2009 - The base was visited by staff from the local office of GE Money, Watford for a team-building day. They spent all day working on the boat and the base, cleaning, gardening and we are very grateful for the hard work from all those involved. Gallery pictures.

2006 - Boxing Day volunteers cruise - Gallery pictures.