Find My Nearest
#BeTheStart of change in your community
Start is an initiative aiming to make sustainable living second nature so that everyone can enjoy a better quality of life. Each day of this month has a theme supported by a different brand or organisation. Some upcoming themes are start a local food revolution, start a car sharing revolution and be the start of … Read more
Community boater has narrowboat coffin
NarrowboatWorld.com recently reported the sad news that a respected community boater has passed away. Robert Boothroyd, aged 60, died of cancer, and took his final journey by canal boat. His coffin was decorated the same as his narrowboat and a procession of boats followed behind. Bob “The Gas” Boothroyd was formerly a merchant seaman. In … Read more
Charities: A new way to help others!
If you work for a charity sometimes it’s hard to come up with new ideas, whether you are working to help vulnerable people, raise funds or educate people in an engaging way. Have you considered making use of your local canal or river in your work? You may find there’s a wonderful resource on your … Read more
5 part quick guide to boat training
The NCBA and many of our member organisations provide valuable training for anyone interested in boats, canals and helping the community. We’ve put together this quick guide to show you some of the inspiring ways you could retrain and combine your love of the waterways with making a difference to your local neighbourhood. 1 The brains … Read more
Reach out to young people…. with a canal boat
A Hertfordshire community boating charity is currently recruiting in both volunteer and paid roles. Reach Out Plus offer canal-based holidays to disabled and disadvantaged teenagers. They have four specially adapted boats at their base at Nash Mills and take young people on week long trips. They are now looking for volunteers with an interest in … Read more
How can #canal boats help your community?
On 19th March I went to an event in Leeds called ‘Building the Social Economy Through the Waterways.’ It was a chance for projects and initiatives that have connected communities and businesses to share their experiences. People attended from all over the UK, many from community boating projects. “Underappreciated.” Trevor Roberts, Development Director of Canal … Read more
Easter Cruises for your community
Last weekend our village school held a fund raising quiz-hunt around the village culminating in refreshments and Easter eggs at the school. Needless to say the persistent snow encouraged many families to abandon hunting for clues, in favour of the warm drinks and home baked cakes on offer back at school. Without knowing what weather … Read more
Stop gongoozling and start #narrowboating!
I recently read Marie Millward’s guest post on The Culture Vulture website. She says that what the Leeds waterfront lacks is people actually on the water. She loves the waterways, “Where the normal rules of dry land do not necessarily apply.” She says her local waterfront in Leeds is well used for jogging or cycling … Read more
You are invited to our free event!
We are pleased to announce that our annual AGM will be held in Leeds on March 19th This is a free event that builds the social economy through canals and waterways and is organised by Canal Connections in collaboration with the National Community Boats Association. This event will be of interest to organisations or individuals with … Read more
The social revolution is happening on the water!
As our NCBA conference date approaches it’s a good time for us to reflect on what we’ve achieved in the last year and how we plan to go forward. Here’s a round-up of some of the best of the blog. Social Revolution! Last July we launched ourselves into the world of social media with our … Read more
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