Paula Syred and the Fox Family

Cruise Moor is delighted to announce three more independent family run marinas have joined its unique mooring scheme.

Lechlade, Shepperton and Fox Narrowboats are the latest trio of marinas to sign up to the scheme bringing the grand total of participating marinas to Cruise Moor to nine.

Officially launched in 2024 at Boatlife in Birmingham by Aqueduct (Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union), Dunchurch Pools (North Oxford Canal), Droitwich Spa (Droitwich Junction Canal), Overwater (Shropshire Union Canal) and White Mills (River Nene), the scheme which offers boaters one free weeks mooring at each participating marina has been set up to encourage more boaters to get out and about and explore the waterways network. Fenny Marina on the southern arm of the Oxford Canal became the sixth marina to join late last year.

Ian and Jules Lindsay spent four years looking for their own marina before buying 100 berth Lechlade Marina in 2018.  With its large slipway it is a popular launch point for Wilderness, Sea Otters and other trailable boats wanting to cruise the Thames. Ian said, “To join a scheme which actively promotes independent family run marinas is brilliant for us. We all care deeply and value our customers, so by joining Cruise Moor it is another way of showing our customers how much we appreciate them.”

Ian’s sentiments are echoed by Paula Syed who with her sister Tracey and daughter Emily operate their 200 berth marina Fox Narrowboats on the Middle Levels.  Founded by their father in 1980, Paula is a firm advocate of independent and family run businesses. “Everyone should be encouraging all boaters to use the entire waterways network, hopefully Cruise Moor will help do exactly that especially as more marinas sign up. We are very happy to be part of this exciting new initiative and look forward to welcoming boaters to our part of the waterways network.”

The third family run marina to join the scheme is the 400 berth Shepperton Marina located on the River Thames between Shepperton and Sunbury locks.

Marina Manager Lisa Harris added, “We were drawn to join Cruise Moor because of its strong commitment to supporting boaters and independent marinas alike. The initiative not only promotes responsible mooring practices but also provides well-maintained mooring spots.  By partnering with independent marinas, Cruise Moor helps boost independent businesses while making it easier for boaters to explore beautiful waterways. We believe this initiative will greatly benefit the boating community, fostering a sense of connection and sustainability for years to come.”

More About Cruise Moor

Join the Cruise Moor Scheme. Get 1 weeks free mooring. Choose from 9 or more independent marina’s. Learn more

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Every boater that has visited Well Creek on the Middle Level Navigation since it re opened in the 1970’s until the early 2020’s  will have come across Maureen the lock keeper.  She greeted everyone with a cheery smile and gave helpful advice to boaters on where to more, drink, dine and get the shopping.

Maureen passed away peacefully on 18th January 2025 having been poorly for a while in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Kings Lynn.

Her funeral service will be taking place on 17th February 2025 at 1pm at Mintlyn Crematorium.  Family flowers only. Donations to Pedders Way unit Queen Elizabeth hospital in Maureen’s Memory. Ref. U270

Chrissie Birch. Daughter.

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As part of his celebration of this milestone Alan was treated by the company to a flying and track driving day at the Imperial War Museum Duxford.  This included a flight in a Dragon Rapide, a Tank Driving experience and time in the Spitfire simulator as well as a tour of the American Museum, the Battle of Britain Museum, and the Land Warfare Museum.  Later Alan will return to Duxford for a flight in a Tiger Moth.

Tracey Baxter, Finance Director at Fox Narrowboats said “we are delighted to recognise Alan’s long service with the company.  Over his time here he has become a good colleague and friend. The company has seen many changes since Alan joined as we have grown and developed over the years and Alan is always keen to see progression and what we may be doing in the future.”

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Update on navigation licencing for Middle Level Waters

Important Notice.

The Navigation Advisory Committee have reviewed the position in relation to introduction of licences for Middle Level Waters which was due to take effect from 1st April this year. The committee agree that in light of the COVID-19 situation and reflecting on the impact this will have on the boating community, the date when boats will need to be licenced has been set back to 1st September 2020. The licence fee will now also be further discounted so that it will be equivalent to 50% of the Environment Agency (EA) Anglian Waters charges. One other change is that the Middle Level will not be issuing EA visitor licences as agents for the EA this year and hence there will no longer be a 25% cap in place for this.
Recognising that some applicants may find themselves in a financial hardship situation then it will be possible for such a vessel owner to request that arrangements be made to spread the cost of the licence over a four-month period, by making arrangements for direct debit payments as an example.
Applications for licencing for vessels (for the period 1st September 2020 until 31st March 2021) can be made anytime between now and the end of October. Due to current government advice on social contact the application forms are only available via the navigation page of our website www.middlelevel.gov.uk (for powered vessels the application form is already available and for unpowered vessels this will be added shortly). Applications can only be accepted by post or email until further notice, with payments being made by: enclosing a cheque, by card over the phone by arrangement, or by filling in the card payment section of the application form.

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Abby

Abby is our new marina assistant.  Abby joined the company earlier this summer, however she went on leave soon after joining us to take on a volunteer roll as a staff member at the 24th World Scout Jamboree. Back at work now Abby is assisting with the hire fleet customers and working in reception.  We are sure that her experiences at the Jamboree will help her in her role with the company. Say hi to her when you next see her.

Abby will tell you about her adventurers which we think look amazing.

‘ I am a regular volunteer leader with a local Scout Group. Every four years the Scout Movement hold an event called The World Scout Jamboree, this year I was lucky enough to have been selected onto the 24th World Scout Jamboree held in West Virginia. I underwent several stages of selection including written applications and selection days before being offered a roll as part of the International Service Team for the UK Contingent. This meant that I would be travelling to West Virginia for two weeks to be a leader for the young people from Scouting and Guiding around the world. Different members of the International Service Team had different job roles for their time at the Jamboree. For example, I was part of the Zip Lining Support team. The World Scout Jamboree is a large event and this year 40,000 people attended from 152 countries.

After volunteering at the Jamboree, the UK Contingent organised a trip for the leaders to travel to Washington DC for two days. Some of us went on a sightseeing tour around DC. However, I went on foot with a few of my friends enjoying and exploring what DC had on offer. On my second day, I got to watch a Baseball game. It was amazing it was everything I expect it to be and more, just the atmosphere was incredible. To end that day, the UK contingent hosted a party to celebrate what we achieved through the last two and a half weeks. Some of the International support team were flying back to the UK the following day, however some of us were travelling to other parts of American.

For me, I was travelling to Boston then to New York. I’ve always wanted to go to New York so I jumped at the chance to go! In Boston we visited Harvard University, The Tea Party Ship Museum and did the Freedom Trail. I really enjoyed Boston but was very excited to go on to my next adventure in New York. When we went to New York we went to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the 9/11 memorial and museum, Times Square, Central Park and the Top of the Rock! It was great, I loved everything I did. On the last night me and my friends went and watched a Broadway show it, it was called ‘Puffs’ it was a lovely way to spend my last night in New York.

Though the thought of being away from home for just over three weeks was a bit terrifying I loved it and would do again tomorrow if I could! The best experience I could ever had done! Got to meet new people and make friends and hopefully I am going to have a chance of seeing them again soon.’

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Staff present cheque to Rob Skoulding

Defibrillators in March are located in the following places

This is the 6th year the company has selected a charity of the year and since the inception has raised a total of over £12,225 for good causes.  In 2019 the company will be supporting  The Ladybird Boat Trust.

The Ladybird Boat Trust  (LBT) was set up in 2013 and is based at Hartford Marina near Huntingdon. The vessel Ladybird is wheelchair accessible and accommodates up to 20 passengers in a large heated cabin complete with kitchen and wheelchair accessible toilet facilities. The open foredeck area enables passengers to enjoy to the full the magnificent scenery and wildlife on the river. The service operates from mid April to early October and is crewed by a Boatmaster and trained crew, all of whom are volunteers who give up their time and skills to run over 100 trips each year. A typical trip is between 10am and 3pm, and is either upstream towards Godmanchester and Brampton, or down to the Hemingfords and St Ives.  Trips are open to groups of the disadvantaged or disabled, young or elderly (and their carers) based within reasonable road travel distance from their base on the Great Ouse near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.  Many groups return year after year and the annual boat trip is a highlight in their year.

Events for 2019 will again included boat trips at the March Town St Georges Fayre.

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We are however extremely excited about the launch of our new boat Rural Fox for the 2019 season.

The base plate was laid on 30th August and the hull is now starting to take shape. With a length of 47 feet or 14.23 metres there will be slightly more room in the galley and shower room than on Urban Fox. There is still a great deal to complete before the hull is water tight and very shortly the main hire fleet will require preparing for winter.  Alan was heard telling Emily that she needed to ensure that all of the new equipment was ready for installation.  We then heard mutterings from her that she had the curtains in hand but couldn’t see now they could be fitted yet! We are however pleased to share the progress of the project to date.  Close inspection of the bow shows the lower shape which has been so successful in our day boat hire. With some changes to the livery and coach works we are looking forward to showing you a new and more contemporary feel.  Rural Fox  will accommodate 2 to 4 people and the innovative design will mean the accommodation can be in 2 doubles or a double and two single beds. All of our 2019 and 2020 holidays are now available for booking and currently there is 15% discounts on Sliver Fox and Platinum Fox and 10% discount on Rural Fox on all bookings

Hey! Are you new here? Subscribe on the right to receive more secrets of the undiscovered Fenland waterways, by email. (We never share or sell email addresses, we’ll only be sending you our local, insider knowledge, two or three times a month.)

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Have you got any questions about narrowboating?

Want to chat to us in person?

Do you love looking at boats?

Then you’ll love the London Boat Show 2018! We will be exhibiting at the Boat Show this January, and we are taking our day boat March Adventurer. When we last exhibited at London it was back in 2000 when the show was still at Earls Court, and we’re looking forward to going again. The stand number is WC001B.

Fox Boats is very much a family business. Charlie Fox’s daughters (Paula Syred and Tracy Baxter) run the company and their husbands both work as boatbuilders. Paula first joined the company in 1986 to restart the hire fleet with just three boats.

At the Boat Show you can meet Paula herself on the stand, and Emily and Gerald will also be there for part of the time. We will be sharing information about our holidays, daytrips, mooring and marina services: Don’t be afraid to come and ask us about all things boaty!

The first London Boat Show was held at Olympia, before moving to the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in 1957. At Earls Court boats could be viewed afloat, in the venue’s pool.  The London Boat Show moved to ExCeL in 2004. It’s a lot of fun for anyone remotely interested in boats and boating.

This year’s world-famous show has been re-defined and re-imagined to make it better than ever. Visitors can climb aboard classic boats and modern yachts, browse the latest marine technology, and mingle with some sailing legends. There will be a variety of on water experiences and exclusive deals, with lots of retailers offering all things nautical. In fact there are over 300 exhibitors expected this year.

Lock and Waterside Pub

The UK is proud to have more canals than Venice, and offers stunning scenery to holiday makers on Britain’s waterways. Climb aboard a narrowboat at the show and imagine your next inland waterways cruise. Complete with a representation of a working lock, you can enjoy a drink at the lock-side pub while the children play in the garden.

So, whether you’re a seasoned boater, or want to experience something new on a fun day out, the London Boat Show has something for everyone. We would love to see you there. The show takes place from 10th to 14th January 2018. It was traditionally ten days long, but from 2018 will be five days long.

A standard day ticket is £20 but there are various concessions for children, families, groups, students and disabled visitors. ExCeL London is at Royal Victoria Dock, E16 1XL. (The best way to get there is using the Docklands Light Railway.)

If you enjoyed this article about the London Boat Show, subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar; look for ‘Follow Blog’. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just interesting articles about boats and waterways!)

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Did you miss these seven surprising stories on our blog this summer? Did you read ‘Four Things You Don’t Expect on a Narrowboat Holiday’, or how two intrepid narrowboats overcome algae and other obstacles on the Old Bedford River? Starting from spring, here’s a roundup of the surprisingly true adventures we had during this year’s cruising season.

1) In April we welcomed Lee to the team, as our new marina operative. His work includes supplying diesel and pump-outs, mooring maintenance, site maintenance, boat presentation and boat bottom blacking. He is now starting his British Marine marina operative course: Staff Spotlight – Lee

2) In May we featured one of our more unusual cruises which offers four things that you don’t normally see on the English canals, including the world famous sluice that held back the sea from drowning most of Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. 4 Things You Don’t Expect on a Narrowboat Holiday

3) The boatbuilding and maintenance team were delighted to receive these kind words from Mike and Malena about the work undertaken on their boat over recent times. They also sent us ‘before’ and ‘after’ pics of their boat: Customer Testimonial of the Month June

4) During National Picnic Week in June, we offered three simple steps to the perfect waterside picnic. How to Use Your Canal Boat Holiday to Plan the Perfect Picnic

To get more surprising ideas of how to really enjoy narrowboating in the Fens subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar – look for ‘Follow Blog’. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just interesting articles about boats and waterways!)

5) In July, two boats Olive Emily (built by Fox Narrowboats and moored at Fox’s marina) and the cruiser Marie II, successfully navigated the Old Bedford River from the tidal River Ouse at Salters Lode to the current head of navigation at Welches Dam lock. Non tidal access to the Old Bedford ended 11 years ago when the Environment Agency piled the entrance to Welches Dam lock, so it was wonderful to be able to cruise this ancient and attractive waterway once more. Waterways Campaigner and mooring customer John Revell tells the full story: Intrepid Narrowboats Overcome Algae and Other Obstacles…

6) On 19th July River Nene locals, Jan Pickles Price and her husband Haydn, launched a free online canal guide that’s based on Google Maps. The response was fantastic; they received over 100 registrations for the site on the first day: New Website Takes Canal Navigation into the Digital Age.

7) Over the summer we welcomed many families to Fox Narrowboats for holidays, short breaks and day boat hire, dragging the children away from their TVs and tablets, and into the great outdoors: Canal Boats: The Antidote to School Holiday Boredom

However, the summer is definitely over now and the poles and planks have been removed from our hire boats. We’ve started our winter maintenance jobs, and bookings are already coming in for the 2018 season so there’s plenty for us to be getting on with. If you’re curious to know how we ‘winterise’ a narrowboat check out our 3 basic steps to help you protect your narrowboat or canal boat from the cold.

If you want to join us for an awesome day out, or a week on the waterways next summer check availability here: Book Narrowboat Hire Online.

The post 7 Things That Made Narrowboating this Summer so Awesome appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Lee

hire boat moorings

Lee is our new marina operative. He started working for the company in April, you may have met him if you have visited the marina in the last few weeks for diesel or a pumpout.  Other duties Lee has undertaken since he arrived have included maintenance of the hire boat moorings and we hope that you will agree how smart they now look.  Lee’s other regular work includes day boat and hire boat preparation, bottom blacking and site maintenance.  Since joining the company Lee has also gained his Level 1 Health and Safety in the workplace award and is looking forward to starting his British Marine marina operative course in the autumn.

Say hello to him next time you are visiting your boat!

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