Historic wooden working boat Dane seen here undergoing restoration at Alvecote on the Coventry Canal, is set to be relaunched at an event this coming spring.
The 70ft oak and elm boat Dane was built in Burslem for the Mersey Weaver & Ship Canal Carrying Company, and registered at Stoke-on-Trent in 1947. Since 2013 the restoration project led by the Narrow Boat Heritage Foundation has involved a rebuild of the keelson, bottom planking, some side-planks, stem post, gunwales and cabin frame.
The Foundation aims to bring a part of Britain’s history back to life by rescuing important wooden working narrowboats – and at the same time re-establishing dying skills among a young workforce that could play an important role in such work. As Dane nears completion, the foundation is already seeking funding for a second restoration. Narrowboat Clee is in a poor condition, but retains the majority of her original planks and cabin – making an excellent pattern for replacement with new work which is true to the original.
For more information see nbhf.co.uk
