London Narrow Boat Project

32 Years of Helping to Get Youngsters Afloat LNBP (London Narrow Boat Project) is a voluntarily run, non-profit-making registered charity, whose aims are to enable children, young people and those with special needs of all ages to enjoy the experience of canal boating and the inland waterways. Their services were recognised in 2006 with a well deserved Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The boats are based on the Grand Union Canal at Braunston in Northamptonshire, which is a perfect location for exploring the inland waterways, with the widest choice of routes to choose from.

Now in its 32nd year of operations, its present boats are Lancelot and Guinevere.  These are purpose-built boats, comprehensively fitted out.  Each has a modern, well-equipped galley with full-size cooker, oven, refrigerator and microwave.  There are two toilets, a shower, central heating and three separate cabins providing 12 berths. There is also a separate skipper’s cabin.

The boats are made available with an experienced and fully qualified skipper who takes responsibility for the running of the boat off the shoulders of the group leaders and who also provides training on the handling of the boat where desired.  LNBP skippers have a wealth of knowledge and can also assist the group in planning their routes and advise on the journey.  The boats are available for weekends and mid-week, or any combination, and for longer periods too.

The charity welcomes enquiries from groups and those with special needs from throughout the country.  A bursary grant may be available in special circumstances, either individually or for the whole group.

This is an excellent way to take your group away for a while, giving them an introduction to life on the canals and an opportunity to learn about part of their heritage.  There is a wide range of activities, such as navigation and route planning for the journey, steering a boat through the open countryside, working the locks, experiencing the tunnels and discovering a world rich in resources, learning to live together away from the home environment and generally encouraging teamwork, developing self-esteem and respect for others.  For many it can be a life-changing experience.

Donations to enable them to continue their great work will be gratefully accepted in the LNBP marquee next to the trip boats.

While you are at the show, visit the LNBP face painters in the Children’s Marquee.  And make sure you book your place on the trip boats – you may find yourself talking to one of their skippers.

If you would like further details regarding bookings or an information pack about LNBP, please ask at the marquee or alternatively contact the bookings officer at gh.lnbp@virgin.net or visit their website at www.lnbp.co.uk.

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