A WOODEN canal boat which will help give relief to people with mental health issues is to undergo a restoration in 2025 – if enough cash is raised.
Organisers of the Southam project hope the public will support them as they refurbish the boat, which is owned by the Wooden Canal Boat Society (WCBS). They have a £5000 Gofundme target which, at the time of writing, sits at £520.
Once completed, Southam will tow Hazel, a well-being boat which provides time on the water for people with mental health issues and provide accommodation for volunteers.
The fundraising bid is being spearheaded by Chris Leah, who says it is the best unrestored boat in the charity’s collection. Work was delayed on it while Hazel was rejuvenated.
“In 2019 work began. She was taken out of the water and four oak planks were replaced. The worn-out engine was removed. The original plan was that the cabin would be repaired in 2020, but Covid had not been factored into the plans. It has taken the WCBS some time to recover from the effects of Covid, both financially and in terms of volunteer involvement.
“However, things are looking up and work on Southam has restarted.”
He said they need to raise £5000 to ensure the work is done quickly as the vessel is now out of the water at the Ashton Packet Boat Co at Guide Bridge, Ashton-under-Lyne, in Tameside, Greater Manchester.
“If we hit that target then the job will be done quite quickly and Southam will return to being a really useful boat again. If we don’t hit the target the job will probably get done, eventually, but it may drag on for years.
“The WCBS runs a charity shop in Ashton. This provides a useful income, it covers overheads and general boat maintenance, but it’s not enough to fund restorations. We need help with getting these lovely old boats restored and serving the community.”
If funds allow, volunteers will strengthen the hull, renewing planks, then re-clad and refit her cabin. A replacement engine, similar to the one fitted in 1965, has already been acquired.
Southam will represent the charity at waterway events, selling craft items to raise funds for further boat restorations. She will provide accommodation for visiting volunteers and provide volunteers with opportunities to experience the waterways away from the charity’s base in Tameside.
The Wooden Canal Boat Society was formed in 1996. It looks after six historic narrowboats, restoring them and putting them to use on community projects.
The charity is based at Portland Basin Museum, Ashton under Lyne.If you want to donate to the Southam project visit: www.gofundme.com and if you want to help with the restoration go to: www.wcbs.org.uk
