Celebrating 75 years on the waters

batteries/invertors.”

In celebration of the 75th anniversary, Canal Cruising are running some offers and competitions.

The spokesman said: “All holidays taken in 2023 will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win ‘One Weeks Holiday for up to eight people.’

Canal Cruising Co Ltd is celebrating 75 years in business this year with the same family, five generations of Wyatts.

A spokesman said: “We would like to thank customers old and new, as without you we would not be here.

“We have teamed up with a local artist Emma Joustra and have had a commemorative tea towel produced which will be gifted to all holiday customers this year as a thank you.”

The spokesman continued: “Over the last few months, we’ve been updating and researching our boat manual, during which we discovered an early boat manual from 1948.

“Comparing the two manuals, it is astonishing how many changes we’ve seen throughout the 75 years of hiring. Toilets are no longer a bucket with a toilet seat on top and emptied with a trench shovel (loving called a bucket and chuck it). There were no sanitary stations in those days so a hole in the hedge row had to be dug before the bucket got too full. Now we have electric or dump through type toilets with a flush going into holding tanks.

“Water cans were used for collecting and storing water and you had to boil the water for washing and cleaning, no showers on board. Unlike modern hire boats of today with water tanks lasting about two to three days, hot and cold water on tap, and often with one or two shower cubicles on each boat.

“Gone also are the days of “O- So-Cool” coolers made of plaster of Paris boxes with an aluminium insert, on which you had to pour water every day, to keep food chilled.

“Oil Lamps for lighting or the newer boats build in the early 50’s a single 12v light. Modern boats now have electricity to run the electric 230V fridges with freezers, radios, TV’s/DVD’s, charging points for mobile phones all generated by a system of alternators and

“We are also running the following competitions: Grownups competition to win ‘A Short Break For Four People.’ Why not share your adventures with us. We would love to see a canalboat holiday photograph that tells a tale.

“Children’s Competition to win ‘A Commemorative Jigsaw Puzzle.’ Write a story about their canal boating adventure or draw a picture.

“Please send your entries to mail@canalcruising.co.uk.”

They added: “Winners will be notified in November 2023. One weeks holiday and short break to be taken during 2024.

“Happy Cruising from all the team.”