Extras: At the Linslade Canal Festival we saw some examples of restored working boats, and many signs of the traditional arts and crafts associated with the canal.
I've read that boat owners used to decorate their boats with bright colours, incorporating flowers, fantasy castles and heraldic designs in part to lift the spirits on what would otherwise be the cramped, dark and workman-like environment on a typical working canal boat. Of these two boats featured, one was still in commercial use as late as 1969, after which it fell into decline and eventually sunk at its long term mooring. Rescued and restored, it now tours the canal system reminding us of the many technical features of this historical transport system (and also doubles up as a supply boat at other times).
How wonderful they managed to rescue the boat, I would imagine a lot of hard work went into the restoration. Thank goodness there are people happy to give their time and effort on these important projects
