Latest News - Spring 2025

New workboat "Toad" launched
Severn Trent grant buys a replacement for "Badger"

Melton & Oakham Waterways Society (MOWS) has taken delivery of a new workboat which has been paid for by a grant from the Severn Trent Community Fund.

The boat was launched at the MOWS maintenance compound and will be used in the society’s continuing efforts to maintain the Rivers Eye and Wreake.

MOWS was successful in applying for a grant from the Severn Trent Community Fund which supports local charities and community groups as part of a Ł10 million five-year project. The money is awarded for three elements of community wellbeing: people, places and environment.

The new 4.8 metres long boat has been built by local company JT Fabrications, based in Asfordby Business Park. It will replace the existing workboat Badgerwhich is now 25 years old. Together with a new 6HP outboard engine and other fitments, it is costing Ł9,800 which has all been covered by the Severn Trent grant.

MOWS director for the project, Stuart Lock, said: “The new boat is very similar design to Badger which has seen sterling service but is now showing her age. The steel plates on the hull are getting thin and we did consider replacing them but it was going to cost as much as a new boat.

“The design of the new boat is very similar to Badger,which has proved ideal for working on the rivers, but we have made some enhancements for easier working. The new and bigger engine will also be a great addition.

“We were getting worried about how long Badgerand its very old engine would be able to carry on so we are very grateful to the Severn Trent Community Fund for covering all the costs so we are able to carry on with our year-round work parties, keeping collecting rubbish and generally maintaining Melton’s lovely rivers.”ue Heyes, Community Fund Officer at Severn Trent, said: “We’re genuinely delighted that our panel selected the Melton and Oakham Waterways Society to receive this grant. Their teams of volunteers work tirelessly to conserve the truly beautiful waterways in the area.”

MOWS members are now engaged in painting the inside of the boat and other fitting out jobs before it can begin operations.

Among priority work in recent weeks has been removing fallen trees which have blocked the river so that it will be possible to begin offering trips aboard the group’s purpose-built narrowboat Wreake Voyager.

To find out more about the Severn Trent Community Fund, visit stwater.co.uk and search for Community Fund.