Working boats get glorious makeover

After being restored to their former glory, two historic working boats are now being used to teach future generations about the Black Country's canal heritage.

They are diesel powered-Atlas and butty boat Malus.

The two boats, which are docked at Hawne Basin in Halesowen, formed part of the British Waterways's Heritage Working Boats Project', supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project which dates back to 1999 began with a fleet of 10 boats which were sensitively restored using photographic evidence and actual accounts.

Atlas was built by London boat builders Harland and Wolff in 1935 as part of the Grand Union Canal Carrying Boat Company's order of a new fleet.

She was built with an elm bottom and mild steel sides and was known as a Little Woolwich boat powered by a National Diesel engine.

Malus, built by W.J.Yarwoods and Son of Northwich, does not have an engine.

It worked for the company carrying goods and materials between Birmingham and London on a long haul basis. Both have been identified as meriting inclusion in the National Register of Historic Vessels of the United Kingdom.

Atlas and Malus will be on display at Coombeswood Canal Trust's annual open weekend at Hawne Basin in May.

Chairman Richard Woodward said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to combine the facilities of CCT at Hawne Basin, with the knowledge and expertise contained within the membership of the BCNS.

"While this is not the first time our organisations have worked together it is our largest joint project to date and we too look forward to working more closely with the heritage working boat volunteers.

"We really are thrilled that we've had the opportunity to secure the future of these vessels on the West Midland Waterways."

Chairman of BCNS, Graham Whorton, said: "Both the BCNS and CCT are honoured to be able to care for Atlas and Malus.

"I would like to pay tribute to the work of the heritage working boat volunteers who have maintained and operated the boats with great skill and dedication."