For more information about Docklands Canal Boat Trust and MV. Challenge, go to our web site at: www.dcbt.org.uk
MV Challenge is based at Lea Bridge In Lea Valley Park. We provide boat trips, boating holidays and
- MV. Challenge (Lea Bridge Community Boat)
- Hackney, London, Lea Valley Park, United Kingdom
- MV Challenge is based at Lea Bridge In Lea Valley Park. We provide boat trips, boating holidays and event accomodation for community groups, people with disabilities and other charities. Our area of operation includes: The River Lee, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Bow, Stratford and London's Waterways.
Saturday 1 August 2009
Sunday 5 July 2009
It was only a few weeks ago that we were smiling about the boat that hit the Bentley in the River. In fact, an hour after it passed us yesterday heading down the River Lee, I ran over a dumped bicycle by Lea Bridge Weir.
Although there was extensive dredging in that area a few weeks ago, they now seem to have moved nearer the Olympic Stadium.
I think it’s time we threw a grappling hook in by our mooring to get rid of some of the big rubbish whilst the rubbish barges are still moored there.
On a more positive note we have nearly completed fitting new window boards to Challenge. Just a couple of more to do and we can start adding some art to them. We can also paint over the scuff marks I made yesterday!
Although there was extensive dredging in that area a few weeks ago, they now seem to have moved nearer the Olympic Stadium.
I think it’s time we threw a grappling hook in by our mooring to get rid of some of the big rubbish whilst the rubbish barges are still moored there.
On a more positive note we have nearly completed fitting new window boards to Challenge. Just a couple of more to do and we can start adding some art to them. We can also paint over the scuff marks I made yesterday!
Monday 15 June 2009
The State of the River Lee
A few of us were on the boat this Saturday applying the final coats of paint and varnish. I have to say that I was amazed at the state of the river. I’ve never seen so much rubbish floating down it. The poor rowers and canoeists were having a hard time fighting through the bits of furniture, boxes cans and plastic bags. The rubbish can only be the result of wanton fly tipping by unlicensed and unscrupulous people. I hope next time they’re throwing stuff in the river they slip, fall in and get a gob full of something nasty!
Having said that, the river is in good condition and the posing Chinese Fisherman and his/her mate were having a whale of a time. Some of the lads on the boat have seen considerable sized fish by Lea Bridge Weir so they are not going hungry.
Of course the other aspect to the state of the river is the work undertaken by British Waterways – or not as the case may be. On the basis that it is more expensive to keep a boat on the river than it is a car on the road, you would expect to see some form of clean up or better policing.
They say that BW has a £30m deficit as a result of government cut backs. Well on Saturday we saw one example of where to make savings. Now I’m not one to knock the Queen, but in these economic times does the she really need a fly past on her birthdays? Not to mention her carbon footprint. The money saved on aviation fuel could clean several miles of rivers and canals.
Besides, can you imagine the conversation in Buck House? “I say Philip, what’s that terrible noise outside?” “It’s one of those ruddy flypasts for your birthday my dear” “Well could you have a word with somebody and ask them not to make so much noise next year. I can hardly hear the racing results on the telly”
Having said that, the river is in good condition and the posing Chinese Fisherman and his/her mate were having a whale of a time. Some of the lads on the boat have seen considerable sized fish by Lea Bridge Weir so they are not going hungry.
Of course the other aspect to the state of the river is the work undertaken by British Waterways – or not as the case may be. On the basis that it is more expensive to keep a boat on the river than it is a car on the road, you would expect to see some form of clean up or better policing.
They say that BW has a £30m deficit as a result of government cut backs. Well on Saturday we saw one example of where to make savings. Now I’m not one to knock the Queen, but in these economic times does the she really need a fly past on her birthdays? Not to mention her carbon footprint. The money saved on aviation fuel could clean several miles of rivers and canals.
Besides, can you imagine the conversation in Buck House? “I say Philip, what’s that terrible noise outside?” “It’s one of those ruddy flypasts for your birthday my dear” “Well could you have a word with somebody and ask them not to make so much noise next year. I can hardly hear the racing results on the telly”
Friday 5 June 2009
Spotlight on our Volunteers
In this post we look at one of our new volunteers, Neal Crowley.When Neal heard we were recruiting volunteers and trustees to the DCBT he was one of the first people to come forward. As a kid Neal had one of his most memorable holidays on MV Challenge and he was keen to be involved and promote the charity to other disabled individuals and groups.
Working with DCBT would complement the work he was already doing with youth groups and promote boating and the rivers as a pastime and hobby for many disabled people.
Neal's commitment, enthusiasm and dedication volunteering has won him a number of awards, including the South of England 'Clubs for young people organisations' Award in recognition for volunteer time and the 'Jack Petchey Leaders' Award for personal achievement.
Neal has also recently received the prestigious 1,000-hour Millennium Volunteer Award from London Youth and is being nominated for a Nationwide Award for Voluntary Endeavour, too.
Neal really enjoys volunteering and feels that he has benefited from these experiences in a lot of different ways, including feeling more confident, gaining skills in working well with people and developing an amazing network of friends both professionally and socially. Neal hopes to train further in power boating, maybe to help him in his future career and says, "I would encourage other people to get involved (in volunteering) as I am sure they would find it as rewarding as I do."
Since joining DCBT Neal has been busy promoting the charity to other organisations and his wide range of contacts. He is currently working on a welcome pack and an inventory of stock on the boat.
Working with DCBT would complement the work he was already doing with youth groups and promote boating and the rivers as a pastime and hobby for many disabled people.
Neal's commitment, enthusiasm and dedication volunteering has won him a number of awards, including the South of England 'Clubs for young people organisations' Award in recognition for volunteer time and the 'Jack Petchey Leaders' Award for personal achievement.
Neal has also recently received the prestigious 1,000-hour Millennium Volunteer Award from London Youth and is being nominated for a Nationwide Award for Voluntary Endeavour, too.
Neal really enjoys volunteering and feels that he has benefited from these experiences in a lot of different ways, including feeling more confident, gaining skills in working well with people and developing an amazing network of friends both professionally and socially. Neal hopes to train further in power boating, maybe to help him in his future career and says, "I would encourage other people to get involved (in volunteering) as I am sure they would find it as rewarding as I do."
Since joining DCBT Neal has been busy promoting the charity to other organisations and his wide range of contacts. He is currently working on a welcome pack and an inventory of stock on the boat.
Keeping MV. Challenge on the Water
This is Challenge’s Silver Anniversary year. There can be no doubt the 25 years on the River Lee has faded the original shine. However, some of the crew have religiously painted the boat each year and ensured the bottom has been sand blasted and blacked bi-annually.
The boat was recently dry docked over in Charlton for blacking. Once it had been blasted the hull was inspected and it is remarkably good condition. A week later with a new bottom it sailed through its Boat Safety Scheme inspection.
In addition our new volunteer diesel and hydraulic mechanic (David) has serviced the engine and lift and everything is running as sweet as a nut. All the lifejackets and extinguishers have been serviced and we are ready to go.
Our plumber/chippie is also cutting new window boards as the old ones are past their best before date.
Now we start the process of fundraising for a total refit and re-spray. There will be some stormy seas ahead!
The boat was recently dry docked over in Charlton for blacking. Once it had been blasted the hull was inspected and it is remarkably good condition. A week later with a new bottom it sailed through its Boat Safety Scheme inspection.
In addition our new volunteer diesel and hydraulic mechanic (David) has serviced the engine and lift and everything is running as sweet as a nut. All the lifejackets and extinguishers have been serviced and we are ready to go.
Our plumber/chippie is also cutting new window boards as the old ones are past their best before date.
Now we start the process of fundraising for a total refit and re-spray. There will be some stormy seas ahead!
About MV. Challenge
Docklands Canal Boat Trust (DCBT)
DCBT was formed in 1984 when they commissioned their purpose built river boat, MV Challenge. The boat was built in a British ship yard in the North East of England. Present at the Keel laying ceremony was Michael Crawford of Some Mother’s do have ‘em’ fame.
Following its launch at Tilbury and its river trials, the boat was officially commissioned in the presence of Princess Michael of Kent.
Since then our boat has cruised the waterways of London, Essex and Hertfordshire providing memorable holidays for a wide range of groups and families with disabilities.
Where we operate from
MV. Challenge is moored opposite the Princess of Wales public house on Lea Bridge Road, Hackney, E5 9RB. This is a great place for starting or ending boat trips as there is a convenient car park with good access to the boarding quay for wheelchairs and disabled passengers. Oh, and don’t forget the pub, they sell excellent food and award winning beers!
About our Vessel
Challenge is a purpose designed 70’ broad beam boat with facilities for disabled people and their carers. This includes:
DCBT was formed in 1984 when they commissioned their purpose built river boat, MV Challenge. The boat was built in a British ship yard in the North East of England. Present at the Keel laying ceremony was Michael Crawford of Some Mother’s do have ‘em’ fame.
Following its launch at Tilbury and its river trials, the boat was officially commissioned in the presence of Princess Michael of Kent.
Since then our boat has cruised the waterways of London, Essex and Hertfordshire providing memorable holidays for a wide range of groups and families with disabilities.
Where we operate from
MV. Challenge is moored opposite the Princess of Wales public house on Lea Bridge Road, Hackney, E5 9RB. This is a great place for starting or ending boat trips as there is a convenient car park with good access to the boarding quay for wheelchairs and disabled passengers. Oh, and don’t forget the pub, they sell excellent food and award winning beers!
About our Vessel
Challenge is a purpose designed 70’ broad beam boat with facilities for disabled people and their carers. This includes:
- Ramp from quay to boat
- Hydraulic lift for wheelchairs
- Disabled Toilet
- Disabled Toilet and Shower
- Crew Toilet & Shower
- Fully fitted kitchen
- 10 bunks
- Skippers cabin
- Central heating
- Day room
- 240v electricity
- Full safety gear including lifejacket & rings
- Fully trained and experienced skippers and crew
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