About the Club
History
The Club was formed at the 1966 Inland Waterways Association (IWA) National Rally of Boats at Marple, and is one of the oldest inland waterway boat clubs. Originally called the Narrow Boat Owners Club (NBOC), in 1989 it added Historic to its official name. In 2012 the name changed again, to Historic Narrow Boat Club. The HNBC is a national boat club, dedicated to preserving the working heritage of our canal system, from the boats themselves to details of the waterways on which they travel.
Logo
The shape of the Club's logo is an adaptation of the little drop of water on which we all depend. Water supply, depth and navigability have always been fundamental issues throughout the Club's existence.
Navigation
Traditional cargo-carrying narrow boats are the largest craft designed for the narrow canal network and are often the first to pinpoint navigation problems relating to draft or beam. As an active pressure group for navigational and heritage interests, the Club draws attention to these issues so that maintenance can be carried out before the situation worsens to the detriment of all - boaters, anglers or other users. Where a working boat can go, any smaller boat can go and an angler may fish!
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Events The Club organises its own events which are generally free to enter, and boaters and non-boaters are welcomed.
The Club often holds its rallies in conjunction with other organisations to benefit from greater attendances and a greater potential for interest and membership. The other organisations benefit from a group of historically interesting craft which can enhance their event. |
Newsletter
The HNBC publishes an award-winning quarterly newsletter to keep its members informed of its activities as well as of other important waterway matters, and includes items of particular benefit to those interested in historic craft and the history of canal carrying.
More information and selected articles will be found in our newsletter section.
Awards
The Club presents the Keay and Hemelryk Awards - nominally on an annual basis - to persons or bodies, not necessarily members nor the craft owners, who have made distinctive progress in the restoration of an historic craft.
The Club also assists in the judging of entries for the Alfred Ritchie Trophy, presented annually for the best turned out working boat at the IWA national rally.