KILSBY’S PROGRESS

A GREAT START
Progress pics on right hand side, text to left

So far, we have raised more than £45,000 for the initial stages of the project, making the following work possible:

• The rescue and safe transport of Kilsby to Tooley’s historic boatyard, Banbury

• Strip and salvage of the wooden superstructure

• Safeguarding KIlsby’s hull on a secure mooring at Tooley’s 

• The critical reinforcing and water tightening of the hull, encapsulating the wooden bottom in a steel ‘slipper’

• Research and documentation of Kilsby’s history

• Managing a team of volunteers working across 15 work days to blast away rust and paint the the 60ft hull, inside and out

• A‘digital presence’ for the project,via website, e-newsletters, blog and other communications

THE NEXT CHAPTER
Text on right hand side, pics on left

We now need to raise a further £100,000 for the next phase of the project. Fundraising began In 2024 [check] This is our To Do list:

Design, build and deck works

• mooring fees

• project management

• communications and engagement 

• design of multi-functional space and accessibility requirement

• restoration works: stern, boatman’s cabin, roof cover

• engine

• accessible lift and toilet 

• stage system 

• equipment, furniture and sound system

Rebuilding the stern

[note: when is this planned? How does it fit into the project programme?]

Kilsby’s stern will be a blend of old and new. The current stern is relatively modern, perhaps 1930s, but now deteriorated beyond repair. This will be rebuilt to the original 1912 aesthetic, but with a modern twist. Modifications below the waterline will allow for an electric engine (assuming research continues to point to this as being the best propulsion solution).

Picture: The original stern of Kilsby’s sister boat Kildare at the Black Country Museum in Dudley. Or video clip

Bottom links

To find out where the money has come from visit our Support page [link]
Read about Kilsby’s history here

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