Our Leaning Boat, Python, reached the Norwood Tunnel on Friday 11th June.

She left her current base at Shireoaks Marina and negotiated the 23 locks of the Turnerwood and Thorpe flights to Kiveton Park. Following a refreshment stop, the crew had to fight through thick undergrowth and even thicker weed. Despite getting stuck a few times eventually she arrived safely at the tunnel.

Sean McGinley, the Area Manager of British Waterways, accompanied her on the first part of the journey to ensure that she could negotiate the locks. As you may know, she has previously got stuck in Stret and Shireoaks Middle Locks.

Python was crewed by Arthur Naylor, Maurice Marsden, Richard Allsopp and Trevor Froggatt. The Chair of the Trust, Robin Stonebridge, and Canal Development Manager, Geraint Coles, completed the boat's company. Thanks are also due to Mick Cheshire who accompanied Python in his own boat Phoenix with Pete Ramsell as crew.

Python's next public appearance will be in the build up to our Festival when she will be used as a mobile radio studio by Trax FM on Wednesday 14th July to record their breakfast show for the following day.