The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
"I love boating. I've got my own boat which is a Tyler Wilson semi trad. If I wasn't doing this for a job, I don't know what I would be doing... I only know boats!"
Easter is early this year so it's panic, panic, panic trying to get everything ready because we've only got a month now!
Our hireboats have wood-burning stoves and heating systems so they do go out all year round but the busy holiday season starts around Easter.
Anglo Welsh has got 10 bases across the country and I'm the manager here at this base near Bromsgrove. The most rewarding thing about my job on the canals is getting the boats looking right and nice, and seeing the customers setting off on their hireboats looking happy. And seeing a customer come back happy is what it's all about! We're proud to say most of our business is repeat customers.
The paintwork on the hireboats takes some knocks throughout the busy summer season, so it's paint, paint, paint, every week all through the winter. Normally I'm in the tunnel painting the boats at this time of year getting them all ready for the new season. Some have touch-ups but the boat we're on at the moment has had a full repaint.
Winter is the time we fit new bathrooms, kitchens, new carpets, new cushions, headboards, covers, curtains - always keeping things updated and more modern. Then there's all the engine servicing and fixing any problems that don't get done in the busy summer. Lee is our mechanic making sure these engines are all ready for the season. We pride ourselves on not having engine breakdowns when people are out enjoying their holiday!
I love boating. I've got my own boat which is a Tyler Wilson semi trad. If I wasn't doing this for a job, I don't know what I would be doing... I only know boats!
Jonathan & Lee, Tardebigge Old Wharf, Worcester & Birmingham Canal
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