Thank you for putting a spring in our step.
We’ve been delighted with the support we have received since we held a Spring Celebration at Oxford's ONLY canalside college - not only the financial contributions that will enliven the ambition of the project, but also the pledges from those who want to offer their time, enthusiasm or expertise. Enormous thanks go to the team at Worcester for welcoming us into the amazing Sultan Nazhrin Centre, providing a beautiful setting in which we could gather with you all , share our vision for the Kilsby Boat Project and garner your feedback.
It was a real treat to see some of the volunteers who have already made an impact on KiIsby’s restoration - those who helped tow the boat 26 miles to Banbury in the driving winter rain of 2019, and those in 2021 who emerged from the dry dock at Tooley’s boatyard smothered head to toe in dirt, having successfully blasted the rust from Kilsby’s hull - to give them a glass of wine and some insight into the next steps for the endeavour.
"Many have worked on fragments of the Kilsby project and this Spring Celebration gave a
preview of the potential end transformation which is envisaged."
John, Kilsby volunteer
While the process of restoring and repurposing Kilsby is the body of our efforts at present, we were delighted to have the Three Idle Women performing at the event, demonstrating the unrivalled capacity the arts have to bring heritage to life, allowing us to resonate with stories from the past - the ultimate objectives of the Kilsby project when the boat is fully rebuilt.
It’s pretty exciting to be dovetailing the artistic, heritage and access ambitions for the project. To be exploring exactly how we might use art to animate the heritage of the waterways, at the same time as exploring how we might design the boat to be accessible to a person with visual impairments. To be offered support, guidance and expertise on the installation of an modern electric engine, alongside the support, guidance and expertise on the restoration of the 1912 design aesthetic.
A crankie theatre, making its debut at Worcester college. The kind of story-telling magic we envisage on board Kilsby.
Trustee Steph Pirrie, artist’s impression of Kilsby in the background.
It’s coming together. If you’d like to help it come together a little quicker, and be a part of the Kilsby Story Click here to DONATE
Don’t forget that support doesn’t have to be financial;, we adore contributions of all kinds…. Historical research, social media support, tea making, engineering expertise…. Click HERE to get in touch.
