Meet Paddington!
If you travel the waterways or walk the canal towpaths of Britain, you may meet Paddington Bear. He can be seen sitting in the prow of his very own vessel, a 25-year-old, 60-foot narrowboat in royal blue and red colours that bears (not meant to be a pun!) his name of Paddington. He is very much admired by the children who discover him moored at Aston Marina, Staffordshire.
Paddington finds sailing on a narrowboat a very sociable and relaxing way to travel around the country – and he is never seasick! He usually takes a month’s holiday every year and also spends weekends with his partners, co-owners of the boat since 2016, and their family and friends.
A year ago, he took 17 days to sail a clockwise route via Autherley Junction, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Worcester, Stourport on the Severn and back home, sailing by day and mooring by night. He always enjoys an evening meal in a pub if it is canalside. Paddington said that cruising through central Birmingham and mooring near Gas Street Basin close to the Symphony Hall was special.
This year he and his friends took the boat north to the Llangollen Canal, cruising along the iron clad Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and parts of Cheshire.
He met many interesting people along the way – live-aboard boaters, holiday cruisers and others busy on working boats. One of the most interesting was a working blacksmith towing an unpowered butty boat at over 71 feet 6 inches, which only just fitted into the locks.
Among these interesting people were the Waterways Chaplains, who are always ready to help boaters negotiate locks or lend a sympathetic ear to their problems and concerns, giving advice and help where they can. They also talk to folk walking the towpath or fishing in the canals. Paddington says that sometimes it is a great relief to unburden yourself by chatting to a friendly chaplain. And visiting the lovely old churches along the way is always a pleasant and peaceful experience.
As for next year – he’ll be off again and says that the waterways of Britain offer miles of natural beauty for everyone to enjoy. Perhaps he’ll sail by you along some peaceful stretch. If so, do shout, “Hello, Paddington!” as you pass. You can be sure he will raise his hat and wish you well. He is such a well brought up little bear!