Overwater 15th Anniversary

Anniversary CakeOverwater Staff

Overwater 15th Anniversary

Fifteen years ago, in the heart of the South Cheshire countryside, Overwater Marina opened its gates for the first time, transforming a patch of farmland into a bustling haven for boaters, caravanners, and canal enthusiasts alike. Built with a vision of blending functionality with beauty, the marina has grown steadily over the years—its berths filling with a loyal community of boaters, its services expanding, and its reputation becoming firmly anchored in the inland waterway’s world.

The marina team takes great pride in being named TYHA Inland Marina of the Year in 2024 and in holding the distinction of being the first inland marina awarded 5 Gold Anchors through the prestigious TYHA Gold Anchors scheme. Their commitment to exceptional customer service underpins these achievements.

On Saturday 26th July, these achievements—and the people who made it happen—were celebrated in style as Overwater Marina marked its 15th birthday with a party that was every bit as warm and welcoming as the marina itself.

Guests were greeted with a complimentary glass of prosecco; to raise a sparkling toast to the past 15 years of hard work and happy memories, and then the festivities unfolded against a backdrop of live music from Hipster – a talented local band whose upbeat classics had everyone up and dancing.

A free sizzling hog roast, provided by local company Pig ‘N’ Hell, draw an eager queue of moorers, staff and visitors and the bar was run by the team of the Audlem Arts and Music Festival – with profits going towards the annual Audlem Music Festival which takes place over the late May bank Holiday in the village.

The evening’s sweetest moment came when two of the marina’s longest standing moorers, Malcolm & Gillian Davies, took centre stage to cut the birthday cake, a fitting symbol of the friendships and memories forged here over the years. As the applause rang out, it was clear that Overwater Marina is more than a mooring—it’s a family.

On the Sunday, Overwater said thank you to its Audlem Lass and Wheelyboat Service’s volunteers by hosting a volunteer’s picnic. Both charities, rely completely on volunteers, to offer the much-loved trips on the beautiful Shropshire Union Canal – demonstrating the marina’s commitment to making the waterways open to all. The café—always a favourite with locals—was bustling, serving up delicious treats and hot drinks alongside its famous friendly service

Fifteen years on, with its thriving services, welcoming café, and its location on the beautiful Shropshire Union Canal, Overwater Marina continues to be a jewel in Audlem’s crown. And if this celebration is anything to go by, its next fifteen years promise to be just as bright.