Name chosen for new boat

The new boat that will be plying the local canal from Easter onwards will be called Audlem Lass.

A host of names sent in by Audlem Online readers were discussed yesterday afternoon. We have to admit that Audlem Lass was an amalgam of a number of suggestions. As the prize on offer was a ride on the maiden voyage, it was decided to make that trip free although, of course, donations to charity will be accepted – all profits from the service are going to the RNLI.

Amongst the names discussed were:
Union Tripper
Meldua
Beets – Walking
The Conveyor
The Dingytas
An old Kiwi name we can't publish!
Thomas Telford
Thomasina Telford
Queen Camilla
Audlem Princess
Shroppie Princess
Canal Queen
Queen of Audlem
Audlem Venturer
Audlem Adventurer
Aldelyme
Marina Flyer
Summer Morn (or Maughan)
Moby Duck
Aquamarina
Aquarius
The Pride of Alderlyme
Tass
Up and Over
Waterways
Shroppie Lass
Tass Telford
Lady of Mercia
Aetheflæd (who was, we were assured, the Lady of Mercia)

Many thanks to all who participated. A number of factors were taken into account:

• The name needed to be relatively short as the budget is tight in these straightened times and it would save on paint!
• It was decided Audlem should be included in the name.
• Thirdly, it had to be pronounceable – which knocked Aetheflæd out of the running despite its historical resonance.
• Fourthly, that most of the names suggested in the pub around 11.00pm were disqualified!
• Fifthly, the coxswain's decision was final as he has to sit in the boat much of the time.

The maiden voyage is now being planned for Good Friday 22nd April at a time to be announced.

There will then be a scheduled service at weekends until the end of October with bookings for trips during the week. There will be pick up points at Lock 15, at the Overwater Marina, and at Hack Green for the Secret Bunker. There will also be trips up the locks to Audlem and to Nantwich.

The boat has had additional side thwarts seating fitted so that twelve passengers can be carried. Hoops and weather proofing canvas covers are about to be fitted and all safety equipment is being purchased.

More on this new venture with Audlem Lass as the project is progressed.

This project is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in Rural Areas.

---

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.