NB Capricorn, under tow by Pete and NB Kinver
Read MoreThe river and canal community -
uniting to help British Forces Veterans
get off the streets and in to floating homes
About Us
In July 2021, a member of the abandoned boats group, Andy Flint, came up with an idea. And the idea struck a chord in the community on the cut and rivers.
Andy put a post on Facebook, proposing river and canal users, boat owners and businesses use our combined knowledge and skills to restore a boat and give it to a homeless ex service person.
The response in the other groups was phenomenal, and in just days, through others willing and generosity, we had a locked secured yard to work on the boat and a company willing to transport the boat to and from any part of the country for free.
In less than a week we had been donated out 1st narrowboat and work will start on her soon.
The charity, The Veterans Support Association have now thrown their weight behind us, so we can work in partnership with them to place the finished boats in the right place.
We have enough people power to get it restored but would love all the help we could get.
If you would like to get involved but won't be able to be "hands on" - if you are able, a donation towards any licensing, insurance and so on, for boats we restore, would be much appreciated. You'll find a link to donate at the foot of the Home page and on the bar at the top.
Do get in touch if you can help - either on the email link above, via our Facebook page messenger, or by What'sApp.
NB Daisy is home!
NB Daisy is home!
Pete Ballinger and NB Kinver have completed their journey to bring NB Daisy home to Sawley Cut Wharf
A plastic fender round Kinver's prop slowed him down but didn't stop him, our Pete's not a man to be beaten! Only a day later than intended, the two boats arrived.
We couldn't have done it with out the help of a number of you - huge thanks for aiding Pete on the journey goes to: Glyn and Owen, Zoe, Tushka and FVA founder - Andy.
There are lots of pictures on the FVA Facebook page - but here are just a few.
Now the work begins to make her ready for the next chapter of her life - as a home for a Veteran.
Pete Ballinger and NB Kinver have completed their journey to bring NB Daisy home to Sawley Cut Wharf
A plastic fender round Kinver's prop slowed him down but didn't stop him, our Pete's not a man to be beaten! Only a day later than intended, the two boats arrived.
We couldn't have done it with out the help of a number of you - huge thanks for aiding Pete on the journey goes to: Glyn and Owen, Zoe, Tushka and FVA founder - Andy.
There are lots of pictures on the FVA Facebook page - but here are just a few.
Now the work begins to make her ready for the next chapter of her life - as a home for a Veteran.
The Boats
We have our 4th boat - and she's a whopper! NB Daisy is now at Sawley Cut Wharf for work to begin on her.
Read MoreOur 1st boat began her journey on 23rd August 2021, and has arrived at Redhill Marina. See inside for a walk through video of what she is currently like.
Read MoreLess than a week from launch and we were donated our 1st boat! All praise to Fran and her mum for this marvellous donation. Its a 40 foot narrowboat with a cruiser stern steel bottom wood top . Who's up for a project !
Read Morehoodies & wrist bands
Donations
We'd like to thank...
Ship Shape Stove Services
Huge thanks to the amazing, generous folk at Ship Shape Stoves. They have donated 2 stoves to us, which they will referbish and fit in the boats. It's going to make a huge difference to the comfort and safety of our vets on board. Support these wonderful people if you can. www.shipshape1.co.uk
Simba Matresses
For the generous donation of 4 single mattresses, for NB Daisy
Christina
Who's given us a fabulous, hand made gift
Glyn & Barbara - for their huge donation!
The donators of our 4th boat - Daisy
SuperStar Speakers Events Ltd
Who donated the profits of an evening to us...
The donator of "Second Chance" - our 3rd boat
Nottingham Panthers Hockey Team
A Remembrance weekend game brings a big donation
The donator of our 2nd boat
The donators of our 1st boat
Fran and her mum
For giving us their late husband and dad's 40 ft narrowboat. We can't thank you enough.
Ballinger Towage & Steerage Services
Redhill Marina, Nottingham
These brilliant folks have given us space to work on our 1st boat.
Other vital donations
News Features
Towpath Talk - we were proud to be featured in the January 2022 edition:
https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=d192940e-f732-42bc-a9d9-6fbce501da9a"
![]()
Our feature on ITV Central:
We are proud to be working in association with the Veteran Support Association. Registered charity reg no 1190025 in England & Wales .
Find out more about their work by following the link: http://www.veteranssupportassociation.co.uk/
The Association's John Joyce spoke about linking with on ITV Central News
https://business.facebook.com/ForcesVetsAfloat/videos/292011462468537/"
Waterways World -"
