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Friends of Tooley’s Boatyard

This is a unique opportunity to be at the heart of the British canal network by becoming a ‘Friend of Tooley`s Boatyard’. Running and developing such a well known, historic, working boatyard takes time, effort, passion and of course, money!

Here at Tooley’s we’re not just resting on the achievements of the past. We’re determined to take this precious, working forge and boat building business into a bright and sustainable future. That’s where people like you – lovers of the waterways and traditional boat building and development come in. As a ‘Friend of Tooley`s Boatyard’ you’ll be making a statement. You’ll be at the centre of assuring this jewel in the waterways crown continues to thrive and grow.

There’s so much we need to do and so much that needs to be done, but there’s a challenging future ahead that needs funds and support. Your contribution will ensure our continued, traditional existence and add your name to our hall of fame. You’ll receive our ‘Friend’s of Tooley’s’ pack and be entered in our yearly draw to win our outstanding ‘Industrial Revolution’ package at the yard.

We know money’s tight, and that you have a choice, but if you love the heritage of our canals and rivers, your support will ensure our traditions, passion and determination for a bright future will continue. Your money will help us to develop various projects.

Here are just a few of the projects that we are working on:

  • A free working museum and events on Saturdays. This will provide access to restricted areas of the boatyard and train volunteers. Funding will bring it all to life with – Blacksmith demos, Belt Shop demos, Stationary Engines, and Carpenters Shop. We’ll also be able to provide guided tours, boat trips and courses.
  • We have an ambitious plan to build new, electric wooden boats making them available to youth groups and charities.
  • We are looking to set the standard for Modern Apprenticeships for boatyard qualifications, keeping centuries of working practice relevant and alive.
  • A canal memories project which will record audio and video of people who have spent large parts of their lives living and working on the canal. The recordings will then be catalogued and archived for future record.

Please click the link below to make your contribution by Credit Card or PayPal.

Thank you.