281. The old wooden boats that are restoring people (yes, you read that right)

The Wooden Canal Boat Society in Ashton-under-Lyne is a wonderful group of enthusiasts who not only renovate and bring new life to decaying ancient wooden narrowboats but also provide valuable services to the local community. And, curiously, the boats have been restoring the volunteers as well.
The WCBS www.wcbs.org.uk
Also active on Facebook at / 389587549882474
If you have enjoyed the video, a tip can be left via
www.ko-fi.com/davidjohns
or / cruisingthecut
Get your Cruising the Cut mugs, t-shirts and other merch here: cruisingthecut.myspreadshop.c...
Info
Q&A: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/f-a-q/
Filming Gear: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk/gear/
Contact Me
Twitter: / cruisingthecut
Instagram: / cruisingthecut
Facebook: / cruisingthecut
Web: www.CruisingTheCut.co.uk
Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard

[@tugboatsoutham]

I saw this and thought Aaaaargh this is terrible. The boats look a mess, they are a bit of a mess post covid and with me having to take a back seat for medical reasons, hopefully now solved. We need some volunteers to give "Hazel" a serious overhaul in the spring. I'm embarrassed by the trailing line on "Forget me Not"s bow. I didn't noticed that. The water constantly running from "Forget me Not"s side is engine cooling water, not bilgewater. She doesn't leak much, unlike "Queen". The stove in "Hazel" is installed according to Boat Safety Scheme requirements. Anyway, I looked at the comments and they're all really nice, so thank you. Chris.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hello Chris. I am, of course, very disappointed that you dislike the video as I spent considerable time crafting an edit which, I think, portrays the Society and the boats in a very positive light. I apologise for the error about the bilgewater and have used KZbin's editor to chop that small section from the video. I certainly wasn't suggesting the stove was installed improperly, merely that to a casual observer, a fire on a wooden boat seems surprising. As you have noted, the audience response is extremely positive with messages of goodwill and thanks which I hope will result in benefit to your group. Regards, David

[@beth.icanfly3983]

Thank you for the work you do. I saw a lot of beauty and beautiful people.

[@katej3z715]

The boats are beautiful and so are their benefits for volunteers and guests. You are mending both characterful craft and people. I am too far away to help physically but will look at the link. The video content is fabulous, no worries please!

[@IstasPumaNevada]

@@CruisingTheCut I think Chris is not complaining about your visual portrayal of the boats, more that it probably looks a lot worse on camera than it does when you've been working on and around them in person for so long. New perspective giving a fresh look at things and all that.

[@soundbelch1600]

Chris, you and the WCBS rock.

[@TheMusicianTom]

I’ve watched hundreds of your well made relaxing videos David. This was the most important one that I’ve seen. Mental health, social contact, food for the soul. I’m rambling but I hope that people get the gist.

[@t1n4444]

Yes we do. And I'd go do far as to say that they act as "support boats" to give people a purpose in life. Plus of course it's the simple "being" on the boats which counts.

[@danielkarmy4893]

As someone who's been 'medically retired' due to chronic mental illness for some years now - and I would assume in the same age bracket as Aaron here - I can't emphasise enough how valuable it is for people like us to find a sense of purpose again. To get out in the crisp fresh air, immersed in nature's beauty, and to feel we're contributing, working again, that we're productive and useful again. All this Chris and co are not only doing but sharing with anyone in need...what a magnanimous gesture. The boats are a perfect reflection of the people who care for them: step by step, day by day, getting there, well on their way. 😎

[@erhardt1477]

Hello Daniel … Could not agree more sir… 👍 well said …

[@bryanmarlow7578]

I like the comment just googled what the big word means well said sir

[@BrassLock]

@@bryanmarlow7578 Now don't forget to use it several times this week in your conversations, and it will be embedded in your corpus callosum for future use.

[@Bartlebooth23]

I've had the pleasure of going on a well-being trip on Hazel and Forget me Not. Chris let me sleep in the boatmans cabin on 'Forget Me Not'; I couldn't sleep because I was too excited. There is no one who knows more about wooden boats than Chris Leah; indeed, there are only a handful of people who know as much about the cut as he does. And what does he do with that knowledge and experience? He shares it with people who need something to share, and has built a community where none existed before. Thank you so much for sharing this video.

[@WifeofJim]

That was great, thank you. There are many people who just don’t understand why people volunteer. Why do a job and not get paid for it, they ask. This wonderful video illustrates exactly why people volunteer, it’s because they get a sense of belonging, of being valued. A volunteer is far more valuable than an employee. They are there because they WANT to be, not because they HAVE to be.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Exactly

[@746laurie]

I'm a volunteer involved in the restoration of a narrow gauge railway in Romania where I've lived for nearly 13 years. The attitude to doing hard work such as replacing rotten sleepers or changing broken rails and not getting paid for it is even more difficult to explain to locals and yet we have at least a dozen volunteers turning out every weekend and the numbers are growing. We even have three or four British narrow gauge enthusiasts who fly out to Romania to put in some hard graft twice a year for a week or ten days. We all love to see the joy on people's faces, young and old, when they ride on the seven kilometres route through beautiful scenery with the 2500 metre high mountains in the distance. By next summer we hope to extend the route by another two or three kilometres.

[@CarterQuillenP.E.]

"...there is nothing -absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Cliché, but true.

[@switchedon6530]

Aaaaaaaaahhh normality, a peace of calm and tranquility... Doesn't this channel make your heart smile 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇺🇸

[@robertkirby3158]

In the nicest possible way David, I didn't see this one coming. UK politics are currently absurd and frustrating but this is a video of people whose reality is never in doubt. I suspect the current times magnify the warmth and significance of a superb job.

[@isabellamcmurray6079]

I can honestly say that I had no interest in Wooden boats but I always watch your videos. By the end I was so impressed with it all. All of the volunteers got so much from it and Chris has taught them lots. Much respect to the Society. Thanks for raising awareness. Inspiring.

[@loughkb]

You have done a wonderful service here. Raising awareness of this group and their efforts. Well done sir!

[@donjankura2411]

Videos like this always restore my faith in humanity. Good work Dave.

[@eveb446]

What a delightful story David! These wooden boats are treasures of the canals and the people helping out are treasures to the boats and the Wooden Boat Society. Thank you for sharing.

[@andrewburbury2261]

Awesome!, Thank you for showing the dedication and passion undertaken by the volunteers, as always your Vlogs are a source of inspiration.

[@WhitneyHouston4eva1]

Well done to the volunteers at The Wooden Canal Boat Society for giving the people featured a chance to work and meet others like them.

[@isobelchapman9548]

Wow, you surpassed yourself with this vlog David, how amazing these lovely folk are, let alone the boats they are taking care of. Thank you for sharing.

[@rach250]

As a volunteer at the WCBS shop help is very much appreciated from anyone.

[@okbanlon]

What an absolutely lovely group of people and boats! I loved to hear how this effort is making a difference in people's lives. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@michaelkey3915]

I really wish I lived in the UK and could be involved in something like this. I love this channel and everything to do with narrowboats. I hope to be able to visit often in the coming years and maybe even buy a boat around my retirement to enjoy for at least a few years.

[@MrJames_1]

I think this is where you really excel David, telling stories. What a wonderful group of people. ❤

[@pemman]

Well done to Chris and all the volunteers :) :)

[@rkeith4442]

Wonderful uplifting story, thanks! 🇺🇸😃

[@captainzeppos]

I came here for the boats. I stayed because of these wonderful passionate people.

[@JH-qv3xv]

Always a treat when we take a ride with you down the canals. Thanks

[@for.tax.reasons]

The Hazel looks so lovely and cozy inside I want to go on a little trip in her 😭😭😭

[@hoyavp2236]

I’m going thru terrible depression now. I would love to volunteer on the boats.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Depression is an awful thing; I hope you will manage to pull through. Best wishes.

[@lindsaybeadle2559]

Me too

[@Plethorality]

@@lindsaybeadle2559 i hope things improve soon.

[@floydbertagnolli944]

Suggestion: call your city hall & connect with your local volunteer bureau 😊

[@BoiledOctopus]

What an awesome and very heart-warming video. Super work as usual, David 😄

[@amandawhite3851]

Beautiful story with beautiful people. Thank you for this!

[@jtrawls1]

As I'm from the States, and have never been to England, but would like to, your vlogs are really interesting to watch. Makes me want to cruise on the canals! Thank you for such excellent videos! I noticed you do a few vlogs with some history of boats and such. Have you thought about doing more history ones about the canals, the buildings along side them, etc? I think it would be quite fascinating. What would really be fun to see are the interiors of some of those historic pubs, canala buidlings, and the towns along the canal.

[@Alan_UK]

Good video about a society that is dedicated to restoring heritage boats and helping to restore people. I couldn't see it on their website but they are a registered charity with the Charities Commission and up-to-date with their returns. I shall be sending them a charity cheque. It's small charities like this with a big local impact that need supporting in these troubled economic times we are in.

[@borderreiver3288]

VERY WELL DONE TO THEM FOR PRESERVING THE BOATS AND GIVING PEOPLE REST AND ME TIME....

[@davidsmith-ih2kk]

I believe him, it's not as simple as it sounds, I took one look at these guys slaving away recrafting pieces of wood and that was very apparent from the begining. The sad thing is there's no canals, well real canals and boats in Western Australia, so there's no new lease of life for me and my broken back, but this video has given me food for thought. But as usual your right, not owning a narrow boat hasn't affected your Cruising the Cut productions although they seem a tad less than when you owned a narrow boat. But what is lacking in quantity is definitely made up in quality. I have to say I ❤️ love your channels and videos and even if I stray for a while I eventually love to come back and see what delights you have for us youtube aficionados. Once again a lovely video well worth watching keep up the good work, I sincerely hope your enjoying life as a landlubber in a fixed abode. Oh yes I simply love that pink tea kettle, it's beautiful, very beautiful indeed, as is the whole 🚢 boat.

[@TheMusicianTom]

I’m thinking about joining a Men’s Shed. I would recommend it to you, and the movement started in Aus.

[@davidsmith-ih2kk]

@@TheMusicianTom Its a good 💡 idea and yes it's very strong in Australia.

[@lauralake7430]

I wish I lived nearby. I am a good painter, and love restoring work. I hope you find volunteers who want to cheer up the paintwork on your lovely ladies

[@beth.icanfly3983]

What a lovely lovely program. Thank you for sharing this with us. I hope the response is great.

[@grahammonk8013]

Wonderful David! I predict this will be one of your most popular videos.

[@mosstd]

i miss the regular vlog videos but love the direction the channel is taking. videos like this are worth waiting for. thank you and keep up the good work

[@tridentmusic5570]

Bloody lovely that. That's a "special breed" -to take on history -and not even consider the time and effort. Bless 'em , They deserve help, even if it's a box of tea bags...Chris, You're Priceless.

[@for.tax.reasons]

It's so cool to see them working together as a team to tow the boats and then get them abreast again, so much coordination and understanding of each other :)

[@myhillslife27]

simply heartwarming David thankyou for NOT filling your videos with advertising as it seems the current trend. I am in love with Queen! hahaha..

[@thoughtsonfitness3249]

David, David, you are saving our lives So glad your keeping your hand in …’Ming Lives’👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@CruisingTheCut]

Hahaha thank you

[@myhillslife27]

Not heard from you in a while David, its a wonderful video and well worth making. This is why I love your channel, nothing sensational or attention seeking, just bloody good videos with great locations, this is so pretty and wonderful people and stories. Thankyou so much for sharing. Jane Southern Australia.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you. I have been putting out regular videos though! KZbin doesn't always alert subscribers, unfortunately

[@myhillslife27]

@@CruisingTheCut aah.. I see or it maybe just be me hankering for your material and its seems a long time. I do come stalking, I MEAN looking for you if I've not see you in a while LOL I have seen the shorter ones. Trust you're well

[@nancyti2354]

“It was a pleasure to be a passenger on a canal boat again.” Yep, that’s the way I felt. Really miss our narrow boat trips with you.

[@dwpharester8714]

I worked as an engineer for six years on a wooden 72' power scow (two 671 diesels) that was built by the Army Corps of Engineers for the Nushagak River in Alaska. We tendered salmon on Puget Sound. That was the life, so I understand the lure. Many tense and pleasurable moments, which seemed to go from one to the other in the flash of the eye. The stories I could tell. Great times and a great education!

[@for.tax.reasons]

He bought a boat for A HUNDRED POUNDS and then got another one for TWENTY FIVE?? Wild days

[@zapfanzapfan]

A boat is a hole in the water you pour money into, a wooden boat doubly so... impressive efforts!

[@jboquiren1]

Humans are compassionate beings. Give someone something to care about, like a wooden narrowboat, and both the boat and the human benefit :)

[@patriciamclellan5086]

Another excellent adventure with lovely people who have a positive messege for all of us.

[@amfwelsh]

What a truly wonderful charity you can see how much it means to them all.

[@michaelball7440]

Refurbishing that narrow boat reminded me of my father's axe. I've replaced the handle three times and the axe head twice, but I love my dad's old axe.

[@namesake-mx9nl]

What a wondeful project , with wonderful people .

[@everestyeti]

Totally agree 👍

[@brookingsbeachcomber]

Love the Boatyard Life, Big Thumbs up to the Volunteers

[@sianwarwick633]

Fantastic profile of a very worthy organization who, all deserve the good care and attention they receive.

[@MACMoneU2]

What a delightful group of characters. Thank you so much for sharing their stories. You keep finding all the other parts of the canal that are also part of their charm.

[@dmcarpenter2470]

David, what a splendid story, wonderfully told. As a 25+ year volunteer, in a WWII Museum ship, I well understand what one of the volunteers said about how you feel, when you step aboard. If I may suggest, an episode about the actual restoration work would be of interest. Thank you.

[@fk319fk]

This is definitely one of the top 10 videos you have done. At first, I thought it was #2, but then I realized there have been a few others that stand out.

[@fradoche]

Narrowboats that gives back dignity to the people that are making sure these old ships stays afloat. Touching indeed !!

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Truly, one of your very best documentaries David. I was surprised that you came to the very same conclusion I had, the boats were restoring people's lives, as much as the people were restoring the boats lives. What an amazing collection of individuals finding new purpose in their lives, pouring into the heritage of what makes England so special. Thanks so much for this one.

[@umbumplorry]

An absolutely heart warming video. Well done David.

[@janetcreasman6441]

Thanks David f another great video. Safe haven for people And boats! Wonderful.

[@Solstice4MNM]

A truly wonderful presentation! It's heartwarming to hear of the lives salvaged by the wooden canal boats!

[@trep53]

As if narrow boating wasn’t unique enough I now see a pocket of activity that shows how extraordinary narrow boating can be. As a wooden boat enthusiast I see beauty in the lines and fine shapes of these narrow boats that is a function of the wood construction. Chris and his team can be quite proud of their fleet. Also, thanks to David for showing me this wonderful group.

[@peterhobson3583]

Beautiful people. Thanks David for introducing us to them.

[@horstszibulski19]

What a great community, helping the boats as well as the people themselves! If I would be in your area, I gladly would offer some help... Thanks David for that nice video, you really took us with you and the crew on that trip! 👍👍👍

[@mickd6942]

Absolutely wonderful, what a great bunch of people

[@BrassLock]

David, your approach to making this video is truly Inspirational. You focused on the therapeutic aspect; that participation in purposeful activity results in positive self awareness. Your mini interviews scattered throughout the video were very uplifting. Thank you for showing the benefits of Occupational Therapy from a Narrowboat perspective.

[@stephengardiner9867]

As one who follows several narrowboat vloggers, I found this vlog particularly interesting. Almost the reverse of most vlogs as it was not about modern-ish "residential" narrowboats touring historic canals but a grittier view of the old working boats themselves, battered, a bit scruffy and weatherworn, constantly in need of some repair and still on the go. It was also interesting to see how the un-powered "Butty" was handled (and its much larger and different rudder set-up). These would once have been as common as bricks but nearly extinct now.

[@x--.]

How absolutely lovely. What a great find and a delightful look at this community and their fine work. Wish them all the best.

[@WillN2Go1]

What a terrific group of people. I can think of anything more difficult than a wooden boat (I've built two wooden strip kayaks and one skin on (wood)frame baidarka.) But these folks saving themselves by saving these boats is wonderful. Sunk rescue, sunk rescue..... that's life. We are all sunk in the end, it's how many times we get raised up, patched, plugged, replanked, head out again that counts. Let's me see if I can figure out where to chip in.....

[@ronfeldman4386]

I understand how this is therapy for everyone, No matter if you have an issue or not. Since I discovered your cruising the Cut show on Amazon prime I find myself watching more episodes, I feel a calmness inside me as I watch. Each episode. There is something about the English canal system that is just so relaxing

[@jeffebdy]

Amazing volunteers, beautiful boats and another great vlog. You're really knocking these vlogs out of the ball park!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you like them!

[@randyw2539]

You have a knack for finding stories that make viewers feel better about the world around us. Another wonderful vlog! The society is doing good work all around, both for the lives of those involved and the boats they're rescuing. Thank you for highlighting them, I hope this gives them an influx of new volunteers and supporters.

[@StudioMagnetique]

This is fantastic. ADHD and had a fair share of mental issues over the years. I now live on a boat and have found that over the last year it has done me wonders. Great to see addicts being trusted to work instead of being judged too. It’s just an illness. Well done to all involved.

[@minb1217]

What a wonderful charity. Those boats are so well worth preserving aren’t they. And the, what can only be called mental health trips, are wonderful.

[@claireseyeviewonredbubble]

What a lovely video! Apparently calico is hot tar, dried horse dung, horse hair, and some also say tallow as well ( candle.) Mixed and heated until bubbling before applying it to the hull, stuffing it into all the crevices.

[@ThorpRJ]

Hosmucanta! Hos muck and tar.

[@claireseyeviewonredbubble]

@@ThorpRJ Now someone somewhere will probably name their child that!😄

[@nicktyley1361]

David, one of your best videos to date. Good to see real people in the real world, I will try to help if I can.

[@Simon_Nonymous]

A wonderful video David. You do a lot of good things in a very subtle way, and have put your skills and time to a most worthy use. Thank you for opening our eyes to this project.

[@brunorosa2227]

If you're feeling as though the world is a bit heavy going, or maybe you have restricted your access to other people out of simply habit, or perhaps illness has overtaken your life being part of a team or part of a community is always the self restoration you need. Join a local sports team, your local cricket team, or bowls club, a running team or rounders might be your thing, even if you're very old you can go on country walks with various clubs, but one things that's for sure be part of something instead of festering, you'll never regret it. Lovely video with a perfect message.

[@hymek7017]

Thank you David for bringing this amazing charity to our attention. Chris @Wooden Canal Boat Society thank you for the work that is being done here.

[@geordieceltic2]

Great to see that you are continuing with the videos after selling your boat. This documentary style is really enjoyable. The volunteers are a great bunch of people, my daughter and family have stayed on one of these boats and unexpectedly got a free ride when it came up, during conversation, that she worked for the NHS. Thank you for sharing.

[@daveduffy1755]

Good story Dave it's amazing away from the middle class entitlement of the the boutique boats these strugglers manage to keep these old boats afloat Let's hope there are people out there who will step up to help save these boats from danalside doom as is obvious on a lot of waterways

[@TheMusicianTom]

There’s nothing wrong with being able to afford a boutique boat as long as you stay grounded and humble, not snooty.

[@Debba521]

What a great video publicizing a great cause! Thanks so much for sharing. I hope they get the help they need to carry on with those lovely old boats. If I lived there in the UK, I'd love to show up with a brush and some paint! 😁

[@Margaret_J]

Well how absolutely brilliant! Wonderful boats & wonderful people So positive and such rewarding work all round Fascinating to watch and learn Thank you

[@malthuswasright]

Great video - would have been great to be able to give it more than one "like"! And kudos to Chris and the volunteers - great work.

[@frankquevedo3453]

Fantastic video/vlog. Though I miss your regular series. These new ones are pure Magic! Thanks.

[@diedampfbrasse98]

what a nice charity, good job making a video about it! ... pretty awesome that these things still float and some are even in use ... elsewhere such boats would be in a museum, or gone for decades already. I have the greatest respect for those involved and wish them all the best. We have a few similar charities taking care of people and old machines/houses like that here in Germany, but I honestly cant think of one which took on such a challenge.

[@katcankan7129]

Wow that was a positive video. I am sure they will get some interest. Thank you 💜

[@DJBoise]

I love all the canal stories you are doing.

[@keithweybury5212]

Fantastic vlog and good luck to the Society for the future.

[@andreamundt]

What a heartwarming video! Lovely people. Thank you, David! = )

[@nannag5801]

Great video! Great group of people! I hope they get more volunteers and other help as needed.🙏🙏💗

[@chatchaweewong1071]

Most underrated channel in the world 🏆Thanks Dave!

[@marclawyer2789]

A worthwhile endeavour, that adds value to a community should be supported by that community... hopefully the county council is able to lend expertise (if not a little money) to help fundraising...I say this as a long time volunteer at a local theatre...money is not the only reward in life, but unfortunately society has forgotten how to count what is truly valuable... quality of life. Thanks for this reminder 👍

[@xtovnl2082]

David, Once again a very talented video repôrt. thanks a lot for your great work ! I didn't comment much nor often, probably because I do not want to monopolize your precious time, but I really love your channel and watched absolutely every vid of it. I understand you are a proud and tough englishman and probably it is not your first priority, but having learned through you to like (love?) your narrowboat community, I would be very much interested to watch a video from you inquiring about the difficulties the community is facing with the present energy/monetary crisis. Living on the canals is also about energy and I am sure other people are wandering how your community is coping with the present difficulties. Greetz, Xtov.

[@CruisingTheCut]

There's not much to say except that everything is getting more expensive; diesel, coal, gas etc ☹️

[@johnb4183]

Another excellent documentary / story Dave , well done !

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks!

[@emmellj7133]

I hope this vlog recruited/ will recruit some new volunteers! You did a great job telling about these enthusiasts and the feel good -result 😊🤗

[@darinfoat8410]

What a marvelous story. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@Rogar0]

What a lovely storey and wonderful people too David! Thank you for taking us along! Brilliant!

[@ilox11]

Thank You, David, and thank you Chis of the @Wooden Canal Boat Society. What wonderful boats and what wonderful work the WCBS does to put the boats back into use and put people back into a better frame of mind. So important are both of these. Chris, the boats don't look shabby, honestly, they don't look like that to me. They look like boats that have had a hard life and worked for so much of it. They look so very much better than being burnt or sunken or just left to rot in a backwater somewhere. What you and your Society is doing is so very valuable and it is thanks to videos like David's that you are able to reach a much wider audience than you may have expected. I'm in Australia but I will certainly let my UK friends know about your project and how they can provide support for your society. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to keep these wonderful wooden boats going so our next generation can learn about their role in the Industrial Revolution.

[@surbitonflyer]

Brilliant video, brilliant quality filming thanks so much

[@takizakura123]

And narration, puts the bbc to shame.

[@petemoring67]

Excellent video ....... Well done 'Young Dave' 👏👏🤠

[@SondraTreasuretheMissus]

What a great bunch of people, and a great cause! I wish I was nearby to participate. :)