Canal boat in Camden: Tarporley featured in Canal Boat Magazine

Tarporley has been featured in Canal Boat Magazine’s “Club Champions”. This November 2025 spotlight celebrates the people powering Britain’s waterways. So, if you want a canal boat in Camden with real community impact, start here. Below is a full transcription of the magazine feature, shared verbatim.

Canal Boat CLUB CHAMPIONS

In this monthly feature we will shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of Britain’s canals and rivers. From volunteer groups to local trusts, discover the people who preserve, protect and bring life to our waterways…

TARPORLEY, CAMDEN’S COMMUNITY NARROWBOAT

Q1: Give us a quick intro to your group and its mission.

Tarporley isn’t just a narrowboat; she’s a floating piece of Camden’s history. We are a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, with our traditional narrowboat at the heart, and a mission to do big things to support the local community.

Our aim is to boost mental wellbeing through the calm and charm of canal life. The Tarporley team offers educational canal cruises, social events and training opportunities for people across Camden and beyond, with a particular focus on those who might be isolated or struggling.

Q2: What challenges do you face in maintaining or improving your local waterways?

One of the primary challenges is the condition of the infrastructure along the Regent’s Canal, which is maintained by the Canal & River Trust. This year, there has been an increased number of stoppages - including lock and tunnel closures - which have disrupted planned routes and, in some cases, led to cancelled trips.

While the team fully recognises the efforts the trust is making, the frequency of these issues points to a need for greater investment in canal maintenance. Preventative work is essential to ensure that the waterway remains reliable and accessible for community use. As a volunteer-led organisation, Tarporley’s team regularly contributes to wider conversations and advocacy efforts that highlight the importance of preserving and investing in the UK’s canal infrastructure. It’s so important that locals and government organisations alike understand the historic and social significance of Britain’s waterways!

Q3: What has been your most rewarding project or achievement in recent times?

Our most recent, rewarding project this year was taking Year 4 students from One Degree Academy, a North London Primary school, on overnight trips up the River Lea.

In partnership with Angel Community Canal Boat Trust, the team took a group of nine-year-olds on an overnight trip up the River Lea. Complete with lock navigation, team challenges, marshmallows and fireside chats, this was an opportunity to build memories, teamwork, and real-life skills they’ll carry for years to come.

Q4: How can the community get involved or support your work?

Community involvement is vital to the future of Tarporley. As a volunteer-run organisation, the project depends entirely on individuals who are willing to give their time and skills. There is no minimum expectation for volunteers – every moment of time spent with us helps our cause.

Volunteering offers the opportunity to contribute to something meaningful while learning practical skills and engaging in Camden’s heritage. Roles are flexible and open to people with a range of interests and availability. Benefits include the opportunity to go out on the boats; learning the ropes of how to operate the boat and locks and working towards skipper or crew licenses; connect with the community; be part of an amazing organisation dedicated to bringing Camden closer to its canals.

To find out more about our various volunteer opportunities: visit www.tarporley-camdencanals.org/copy-of-volunteer-form

Q5: What’s your vision for the future of your local canal or river?

Our vision for the future is to make Tarporley a haven for people of all ages and backgrounds, a place where like-minded people can meet and share their problems and let them go as they cruise down the Canal.

We want to increase the use of the waterways for schools and youth groups so they in turn want to get involved and preserve this heritage for the next generations. Long-term, the goal is to ensure that Tarporley continues to serve as Camden’s community narrowboat - a visible, working symbol of the Borough’s connection to its waterways. By fostering greater awareness and encouraging more people to get involved, the team hopes to help secure the canal’s future for generations to come.

How can you get involved and support our canal boat in Camden?

This feature is a big moment for Tarporley and the wider canal community. It also shows what a canal boat in Camden can do, when locals show up. If you feel inspired, share the piece and spread the word. Then, visit Tarporley online and get involved in a way that suits you. Thank you again to Canal Boat Magazine for featuring us!