M.B. Swallow

 

 

It was with mixed emotions that I handed over the keys of ‘Swallow’ to her new owners on Easter Sunday at Ellesmere Port.  It’s been a great privilege, pleasure (and, at times, an adventure!) to have been involved with ‘Swallow’ for some twenty years (from 1999, then as owner from December 2001). 

 

‘Swallow’ has travelled over much of the UK’s interconnected inland waterway system:  from the Leeds & Liverpool, Rochdale and Chesterfield canals in the north to the Kennet & Avon, and Lee Navigation in the south, including the tidal waters of the Rivers Thames, Mersey and Trent, and the Manchester Ship Canal.   We’ve had immense pleasure in welcoming visitors, young and old, to ‘Swallow’ whether at major events or on trips or just tied up somewhere.  It’s been great to see some of the youngsters who boated with us go on to own a boat of their own or just become canal enthusiasts, thus helping to ensure a future for the waterways. 

 

None of this would have been possible without the enthusiastic support of many friends, too numerous to mention other than ‘Chief Engineer’  Steve, famous for his breakfasts (and stories!).  Steve had taken ‘Swallow’ into his own heart and done so much to keep her active, not just on the longer trips but also very much around his beloved Black Country.   Thanks too to the Black Country Living Museum for readily providing a secure and safe mooring each winter. 

 

For my part I own another historic narrow boat,  ‘Apollo’,  which is nearing the end of a very long restoration, and which will now need my time and attention, and while sad to part with ‘Swallow’ (for this reason)  I am sure her new owners, Tony and Sarah Seddon and daughters,  will be ideal custodians (for that is what we are) of ‘Swallow’ as they have all the necessary skills and enthusiasm. I am sure we will continue to see (and enjoy) ‘Swallow’ as she continues to attend events and gatherings, based, most appropriately, where she was built – at Yarwoods Basin on the River Weaver, Northwich.