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Helping to Restore and Preserve the Past |
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Helping to Restore and Preserve the Past |
| 2008 - A very special year! Raymond was built at Braunston in 1958 in a shed which stood beside the Wharf Arm. Her Golden Jubilee was celebrated at the Historic Narrowboat Rally at Braunston on 28/29 June. |
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The Friends of Raymond was formed in October 1996 to recover and restore Raymond, the last wooden working boat. By 2002 this was completed and then in 2003 Nutfield (which used to tow Raymond) came on the market and we managed to buy her. The story in brief .
. Nutfield was a great acquisition but we had to spend a lot of money on her (some borrowed) and we are actively money-raising for the next stage of her restoration as well as to keep Raymond in tip-top condition. If you think what we are trying to do is worthwhile, why not join us – it costs just £10 per year. Members' Meeting Can you help on the
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A Working Party on 12/13th April did a host of odd jobs to make make sure the boats were ready and smart for the start of the new season but it needs a constant effort to keep them smart. Nutfield has had major repairs to the bottom under the cabin and engine room but another £30K will needed to be spent in the next few years.   The cabin-side of Raymond completed. This is the livery used by Raymond in the late 1960s while being towed by Nutfield. It was felt appropriate to change from the original Barlow livery (below) so now, when seen together, the two boats will match just as they used to do.  It has been said that, "if you have a boat, you always have a job". We have two boats and so lots of jobs. |
these days?
Nutfield towed Raymond for the last time carrying coal to the Kearley & Tonge jam factory at Southall in 1970.  Since then there have been a number of re-enactments and, since their restoration, either Raymond or Nutfield (or both) have taken part. The picture above shows Nutfield leaving Braunston at the start of the very successful 2006 re-enactment -- almost exactly 36 years to the day after the final Jam Run proper.  Raymond and Nutfield together in their new (matching) livery.
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