A POTTERY IN STOKE is appealing for volunteers to help maintain an heritage working narrowboat.
Middleport Pottery is looking for people who can give a few days of their time to help keep Dane in working order, Janet Friend reports.
Built in 1946
The boat was built in 1946 to transport goods but is now used as a trip boat taking pottery visitors on trips on the Trent & Mersey Canal to Etruria and through Harecastle Tunnel.
This year it had the distinction of being one of National Historic Ships UK's Flagships of the Year, with Louise Bartley, the pottery's marketing and communications manager, explaining:
Important role
"Dane plays a hugely significant role by highlighting to visitors the important role working narrowboats played to factories".
"As a charity-run visitor attraction we are always looking for volunteers to help keep the history of the potteries alive.
This time we are looking for a bit of specialist help to keep Dane on the move for many more years to come."
The boat was created by the Mersey Weaver & Ship Canal Carrying Company, just north of Middleport Pottery on the Trent & Mersey and was restored by the Narrowboat Heritage Foundation.