The boat, to be based at Milton Keynes’ Campbell Wharf, will be called ‘Electra’.
The name was chosen by the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust’s MK Community Boat volunteer management team, in consultation with founding project partners Crest Nicholson/Campbell Wharf and the Parks Trust. Over 200 suggestions were put forward following a public appeal for suggestions.
James Clifton, the Trust’s volunteer who led the search for a name, said, “The name Electra means ‘shining light’ and Electra was the goddess of sea clouds in which lightning was often seen. The words electric and electricity come from the same source.
“Boat names are traditionally female, so Electra seemed the obvious choice for our all-electric boat and our sparky volunteer team who are making the new Milton Keynes Community Boat happen.
“The name was suggested by two people, Sheila, a BBC Three Counties’ listener from St Albans and Don Allison from Newport Pagnell, one of our loyal volunteers.
“Other suggestions included: Boaty-MK-Boatface, Bright Spark, Alan Turin, Tranquillity and Milton Queen.”
The Trust’s chair, Jane Hamilton, commented, “We have commissioned this exciting boat to provide a new attraction for local communities and to raise funds which can help us promote the brand-new waterway park, with a fully navigable route linking Bedford & Milton Keynes.”
Based on a 54’ traditional narrowboat design, the electric motor will provide a unique experience, gliding almost silently along the canal and greatly reducing emissions.
The tranquil colour scheme of the boat – cream cabin top and sides, blue base, green and blue highlights – reflects this. Electra is currently under construction and due to be launched in the spring.
Now that the boat has been named, the Trust is looking to increase its volunteer numbers, both on board and on dry land. They invite the public to visit their website: www.bmkwaterway.org/milton-keynes-community-boat for further details.
