Restoration Update

A good deal has been done since the last post. It's definitely a stage by stage process and the volunteers at Scottish and Southern Energy really know how to pay attention to detail - nothing escapes their notice.

The photograph opposite shows the boat completely stripped back to the 'bare steel' ready for welding and repairs. The photograph below shows the worn steel plates on the starboard side cut out - but not for long!

Although restoration can be frustrating at times, it is also incredibly satisfying to see something come back into use once again. When the first of the new steel plates was attached to the hull it was a moment to savour.

The bars that can be seen were placed carefully to enable correct positioning of the plate and were removed when welding was completed - as can be seen the photograph below.

The Canal Trust is very grateful to everyone at Scottish and Southern Energy. Restoring the boat back to full working order requires a range of skills and a dedicated team effort, all of which is being provided on a voluntary basis.

Bev Friend and Dave Binding from Scottish and Southern Energy Uskmouth Power Station view progress on the boat with a welder. Keep up the great work!

Photographs: Wyn Mictchell