St Clare

St Clare was the first boat acquired by Baldwin Trust in 1987. It was paid for with monies obtained from many fund-raising events which was added to the original donation that established the Trust in 1981.

It was built by trainees on Merseyside to a specification agreed by the original trustees. In particular it is equipped with a hydraulic lift at the rear of the boat to enable wheelchair and disabled access. It has a fully equipped galley for the use of passengers when making and serving drinks and meals.

The St. Clare is 70ft long and of standard 7ft.beam. It is now powered by a new Beta Marine 50hp engine. This was fitted by volunteers early in 2008. Internal modifications have been made in 2010 to provide a more accessible disabled toilet, the shower has been removed.

There is hot and cold running water in the galley and in the wash basin in the toilet area. The galley is fully equipped, including an oven with grill, 4 'rings' and a large refrigerator.

St. Clare carries up to 12 seated passengers in the forward section of the boat. These seats can be arranged to be 6 sleeping berths, each having an upper and a lower locker and individual bed light. There is gangway lighting throughout the boat and a radio/cassette deck has stereo loudspeakers to the crew and passenger areas. At the front of the boat is a small area, behind the prow, where 5/6 passengers may sit out. The boat is centrally heated from a diesel boiler; the insulation around the boat ensures that the passengers will not feel cold as they watch the passing scenery through large picture windows.

St Clare is moored and operated from Raynsway Marina at Thurmaston, Leicester, LE4 8AS

Dandelion

Dandelion was obtained by the Trust in late 2002. It was offered to us by Leicester City Council together with narrow boat Charlotte. Both boats had previously been used for community purposes but had fallen into disuse and then been badly vandalised and/or sunk or suffered other water damage. The basis of the acquisition was that the Trust would, if possible, restore the boats and return them to community uses.

Throughout 2003 volunteers worked on Dandelion to repair the engine and to refit the boat internally. In particular the front saloon was extended and a disabled access toilet provided. The fully equipped galley was moved further aft. Dandelion was returned to service in 2003 and has been in full operation since 2004.

A lot of improvements have been made duirng the winter of 2010/11, a new engine fitted, new floor laid in the main saloon and improvemnets made to the crew quarters and storage facilities.

Dandelion is operated from the Pillings Lock Marina in Quorn. Located at Flesh Hovel Lane in Quorn, LE12 8FE.