20th April 2014
About a year ago, we were involved in a plan by Staveley Hall Garden Centre to beautify the roundabout by Staveley Town Basin. They had a boat, pictured above, which they wanted to be done up to go on the roundabout.
The boat was taken to Barrow Hill Roundhouse, where Trust members David Hart, Robert Nunn and Keith Moore stripped it down and repainted and revarnished it.
A few days ago we learned that the plans for the roundabout were scrapped and that we could have the boat, now without an engine. Kevin and Jayne from SHGC delivered it to Hollingwood Hub.
We decided that it should go next to the ramp up to the car park.
On Saturday 19th April, we hired a mini-digger.
With brute force (plus a bit of help from the mini-digger) we shoved the boat over the bank.
(Photo by Lucy Tye)
Finally the boat was in place with a path put round it. There is still lots to do. It needs touching up. It has to be planted up. It will be named Joan Amelia. The first chain-link fence panel will be removed and replaced by post and rail.
End of the day and Nona’s staff join for a group photo.
We need help. This is what is carved on the stern. We think that this means that it was an MoD boat.
Can you help us to trace it? If so, please email publicity@chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk .
We are hugely grateful to Jayne and Kevin at Staveley Hall Garden Centre for giving us this super boat.
Update – 4th May. The new fencing is up and there are a few plants and seeds in the boat.