If you’re into canal boating on the English waterways you probably already own a Nicholson’s canal guide for your local cruising area. You may even own some maintenance classics such as The 12 Volt Bible (Miner K Brotherton) or Narrowboats: Care and Maintenance (Nick Billingham). But when it comes to literary talk at your local waterside pub, why not go one step further than the bookshelf and impress other boaters with these nuggets of literary trivia from around the Cut?

1) What book inspired the restoration of the canal system?

Many believe the revival of interest in the English waterways was partly started by Tom Rolt when his book Narrow Boat was published in 1944. Rolt was subsequently a founder member of the Inland Waterways Association and his story recounts the boat journey he took with his wife around the declining canal system, describing the lives of the working boatmen and the beauty of the English countryside. This is a must-read for any canal heritage enthusiast and anyone with a nostalgic fondness for the simplicity of bygone times.

2) Who is the canal laureate?

In 2012 the Canal and River Trust joined with the Poetry Society to announce the appointment of the first ever 'Canal Laureate'. Live-aboard poet Jo Bell encourages people to see their local waterways in a new light using community workshops, performances and blogs. Find out more about events and projects related to canal and river poetry at www.waterlines.org.uk

3) When is a book shop not a book shop?

When it’s The Book Barge - a roving book shop steered by author and book lover Sarah Henshaw. Her 60’ cruiser stern narrowboat has cruised most of the English and Welsh waterways since 2009 and hosts regular workshops and a book club. Currently moored near Burton Upon Trent the bookshop is open by appointment only during winter, but you can keep up with her news at http://thebookbarge.co.uk

4) When is a boat not a boat?

When it’s a school library! A recent news story related to books and boats is that a Staffordshire school is planning to store books on a narrowboat. Until recently books were stored in corridors outside classrooms, but Chancel Primary School in Rugeley took delivery of a 40ft narrowboat in January to use as a library. Check out this BBC news video - the kids are really excited!

5) Cruising with kids: Can it be done?

Damien and Siobhan Horner say, yes! This husband and wife team have written a travelogue and memoir about leaving their careers and lives ashore in England, to travel the French canals with their two children, both younger than three. Read the Boatshed book review.

With these five conversation starters around books and canals you now know more than the average canal boater when it comes to navigating the literary world. Also on this theme, you may be surprised to learn that Amazon search technology now powers Boatshed.com! Check out What do Amazon Know About Finding Boats?

Peggy Melmoth

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