LAST month a canal boating charity finally managed to celebrate its 40th anniversary after delays and disruption due to the pandemic.

Like many charities across the country, Braunston-based LNBP Community Boating endured a challenging two years.

This September marked the 40th anniversary of LNBP Community Boating. The charity began as the Lewisham Narrowboat Project, which evolved into the London Narrowboat Project as it expanded but now is called LNBP Community Boating at Braunston to stop confusion about its location. During the past 40 years the project moved from London to Braunston, Northamptonshire.

The charity gives groups of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to experience canal boating for weekends and midweek short breaks on their two purpose-built canal boats, Lancelot and Guinevere. Youth groups, clubs, uniformed organisations and associations, as well as groups working with special needs and people from disadvantaged backgrounds have all enjoyed trips on the boats.

The organisation was founded in 1981 by a group of teachers, youth workers and canal enthusiasts who recognised the benefit of introducing children and young people - particularly from the inner cities, to the enjoyment of canals and inland waterways.

The two canal boats, Guinevere and Lancelot, are based on the Grand Union Canal at Braunston.

To celebrate the anniversary a small party was held on 16th September 2021 at The Ferry Inn at Alveston near Stratford-upon-Avon. The venue is owned by Martin Tolley, an LNBP project skipper. Approximately 60 members and friends enjoyed an afternoon and evening reminiscing about old times stretching back to those very early days and renewing friendships.

LNBP Co-Vice-Chairman Chris Woodward said: “It was a lovely occasion in a great setting and thanks must be given to all those involved.

“After events of the last two years we were thankful to get together again to see faces currently involved, as well as many old friends whom we haven’t seen for so long”.

At the event, Geoff Walker of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Freemasons of Warwickshire presented LNBP Co-Vice-Chairman Alan Cobbold with a donation.

Mr Cobbold said: “We are sincerely grateful to Mr Walker and all at the Freemasons of Warwickshire for this wonderful donation. Their support will provide opportunities for those less fortunate than ourselves to experience the delights and benefits that being on our canals can provide.”

For more information about LNBP Community Boating, visit their website at www.lnbp.co.uk, or find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.