Tradition

Traditional skills

boat handling  :  boat building and repair

“Legging” a traditional narrowboat through Britain’s longest canal tunnel

Boat Museum Society members were among those supporting a Horseboating Society’s journey along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal including two passages of Standedge tunnel through the Pennines. The 150-years-old boat Maria was kindly made available by the Ashton Packet Boat Company, and the event was organised by Sue Day – a well-known personality on Britain’s waterways – on behalf of the HBS. Sue’s horse Bilbo Baggins provided the horsepower up and down the canal from Ashton-under-Lyne, while “Antiques Roadshow” personality Paul Atterbury (Vice-President of The Waterways Trust) enjoyed the experience of being one of the “leggers” through the tunnel.

With no towing path through the tunnel, Bilbo had to cross the hills on the traditional horse path while the leggers, 600 feet below, achieved their subterranean journey in the very impressive time of 2 hours and 54 minutes. See the pictures here

As part of the BMS training programme, and in conjunction with the Horseboating Society and Saturn Group, horseboating training / familiarisation days have been arranged at the Boat Museum . They have involved two return trips with Gifford, horsedrawn between the Port and the winding hole, with an opportunity for everyone to participate and be aware of the different roles and techniques.

The horse power was provided by Sue Day with Bonny.

Steam powered Nb President travels far and wide and you can read about the boat handling problems the crew encounter.

For information about video presentations on a range of traditional boating techniques etc.
produced by the

Sight Seen partnership

take a look here

Traditional crafts

boat painting  :  ropework  :  cabin crochet  :  belts and braces  :  rag rugs

Finished belt on left, almost finished belt on right, and the stages of embroidery across the centre. Boatman's braces waiting for leather fastenings on far right.

The Waterways Craft Group demonstrate traditional waterways crafts on the Sunday following 3rd Friday of the month (with the odd change to avoid clashing with other major waterway events) at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port. Crafts include rag rug making, leatherwork, crochet, embroidered belts, painting and costume.

Regular Crochet and Rag Rugging sessions are held at the Museum on Tuesdays - 10.15am to 12-15pm in the old cafe.

Waterways craft courses are held from time to time at Ellesmere Port.

For more information

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BMS has recently published the following Waterways Craft books:

Cabin Crochet - clear instructions on how to make filet crochet lace - 'Friendship' pattern and variations.

Boatwoman's Bonnet - A brief history of the traditional boatwoman’s bonnet and instructions for making your own pattern and bonnet.

Boatman's Spiderweb Belt - A brief history and instructions for making your own belt.

All books are available to order direct - Bonnet order form - Belt order form - Crochet order form

Craft courses at Audlem Mill - for details of courses on waterways related crafts and others please follow this link  (not BMS courses)

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