“I first started using narrow boats as a Venture Scout when I left school over 50 years ago. Then, when I married, for our holidays my wife and I would hire a canal boat with other couples and take different routes across the countryside.
“As the chief instructor, I make sure that all the boats are in good condition and we are complying with the terms of our licence as an accredited Royal Yacht Association training provider. I am also heavily involved in the boat maintenance side of things.
“As an instructor, I enjoy taking people who know maybe starting from scratch and giving them the confidence to handle a narrow boat. You see relatively shy people blossoming and almost rising in stature. Even if people have used narrow boats before, we are able to give them guidance on how to use the boats properly and safely. We can reinforce good habits and let them know where there might be a better or safer way of doing something.
There is a sense of pride in maintaining the boats. It is something that we are doing for the community, and it provides a great sense of reward.
“I remember years ago I was doing a canal trip across the country from Wales to the Peak District. At one point you go under the M6, so you’re chugging away in your canal boat at four miles an hour, watching the world go by with all the flora and fauna, and just above you there are cars whizzing past. I can recall thinking, ‘Yep, I know where I would rather be.’
“There is a sense of pride in maintaining the boats. It is something that we are doing for the community, and it provides a great sense of reward. On Wednesdays, we get together, have a chat and work through any issues that may need fixing. One of the nice things is working with a great team of people. We don’t just need practical skills – anything you can do, we can probably adapt and put to use.”
- As told to Selina Powell