Forging ahead
Narrowboat Kilsby's revival is afoot!
Read on for a short summary of a huge amount of work.
Photo: David Kemp
Kilsby has a new bottom!
What has happened? David Kemp and his team in Stourbridge are bringing Kilsby back to her former glory. So far, this has included:
Removing the existing steel bottom, using cutting discs - and hammers when necessary!
Removing the elm bottom (this was sitting on top of the steel).
Installing a new steel bottom (can be called a baseplate).
Installing a steel keelson (You can see this running along the middle of the boat in the picture).
Removing the rusty and deteriorated stern (back end).
We will be coordinating day trips up to David Kemp's boatyard for anyone interested in seeing the restoration progress up close. CLICK HERE to add your name to the list of people who want to visit the boatyard this year (Work is expected to finish in January 2027).
Or tell us in person at the wonderful Jericho Street Fair on Canal Street, Saturday 6th June: 12-4:30pm. We shall be there - come and chat.
And finally, an invitation...
Kilsby volunteers are organising an event at MakeSpace on Thursday 11th June, from 7:00pm. It would be lovely to see you there.
Come and share your experiences and stories of rivers and canals - and then we'll collectively start making poems, songs or stories inspired by the events that people have described.
Give or take inspiration (hopefully both), and enjoy a warm creative evening with nice people who want to chat about towpaths, narrowboats, and life on and beside the water.
There is no need to book, but please arrive by 7:15 to avoid disrupting the session.
Hot drinks and biscuits provided.
Give us a shout at kilsbypm@jlht.org if you have any questions or accessibility needs.
Thank you to long-time Kilsby volunteer Jack Pritchard for getting this creative community get together off the ground!
Until then, enjoy the rest of the merry month of May, and thank you as ever for your support and interest,
The Kilsby Boat Project Team
