This week’s episode features the few days we spent with Freddy, Seth and their dad, Marcus. It was a great little break but it coincides with the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign, which highlights the potential demise of the great British canal system.
The weather for this trip was so warm, Brits around the country were sunbathing on beaches! You’d never have guessed the days would get so hot with the two chilly starts we had on board Happidaze. The mist was thick enough that we couldn’t leave our mooring until it had burnt off.
It was a joy to see a thirteen year old and a nine year old get involved in the activities, although the VR headset dad brought along was a minor distraction for Seth! We chat to Freddy about his thoughts on life on a boat and he offers some wise words.
But holidays like this could be a thing of the past if the goverment continues to cut funding of the waterways network. This may sound dramatic but the fact is our waterways need federal support in order to maintain them to a usable standard, and that standard is slipping because of funding. We meet Hazel Owen, national chair of the Association of the Waterways Cruising Club, who was passing through Thorne. She’s helping organise a rally of 100 boats, all traveling through the British waterways to meet up in Little Venice, London, to lobby Parliament.
We would be really grateful if you could take just a moment to sign the Fund Britain’s Waterways petition. It takes just a moment and, at the time of writing, has already received over 50,000 signatures.
Meanwhile, bask in the glory of the great British countryside and waterways aboard Happidaze!
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