Audlem Lass being fitted out

Audlem Lass, the 12-passenger boat that will ply the canal north of Audlem from next month, is undergoing its final fit-out before going into service.

The boat has had its seating fitted in the past month and the weather proofing is near finished. A tailor-made canvas cover, with side protection, is being made at present nearby and will be fitted shortly. The boat name is about to be added to the hull.

Audlem Lass will start in service on April 22nd, Good Friday, and provide a scheduled service at weekends and additional trips by reservation. Full details of fares and times will be published shortly. All profits will be donated to the RNLI, the lifeboats charity.

Audlem Lass will be operated by Rod Cottrell and a team of volunteer coxswains, some of whom are on their RYA Inland Helmsman's course at present.

There will be services between Audlem at Lock 15 and Overwater Marina and onward trips to Hack Green, for the Secret Bunker, and to Nantwich. Season tickets and carnets of tickets will be available for regular users, such as those with boats at the marina.

The boat hull has been purchased by Rod Cottrell and the fit-out is being funded by the Vitality fund via Visit Chester & Cheshire with further matched funding by the Overwater Marina. Vitality is funded by the EU and Defra.

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