Interior fit-out is next for Sleaford's new narrowboat

People will soon be able to experience the historic Slea Navigation for themselves on a new narrowboat which itself pays tribute to the town’s history.

For many years Sleaford Navigation Trust has held the aspiration to run a trip boat on the River Slea in Sleaford. The team have seen the success of similar boats elsewhere in providing an enhanced visitor experience and at the same time making the case for further restoration of the waterway in question.

The Trust is delighted that this aspiration for a trip boat is now becoming a reality, with support from North Kesteven District Council utilising the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

With this support, the Trust has been able to commission the build of a new 30-foot steel narrowboat shell by HD Narrowboats near Foston and which has now been lifted into place on the River Slea. The lift took place on Tuesday 13 August, managed carefully by the Sleaford Navigation Trust team.

After considerable deliberation, the narrowboat has been named Benjamin Handley in honour of this historic Sleaford figure and father of Henry Handley who himself is commemorated in the Handley Monument.

The narrowboat will now be fitted out internally by the Sleaford Navigation Trust team together with volunteers, and when fully complete will carry twelve passengers at a time between The Hub and Cogglesford Watermill. It’s hoped the first trips on the narrowboat can take place in spring. For now, the boat will remain moored securely near The Hub while the internal woodwork, lighting and seating are installed from August through to October.