Running from 10am until 10pm, the day was specifically designed for boaters and took place on the site grounds located off the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal near Nantwich

The day offered the opportunity for owners to look at the marina’s new controlled painting environments, re-vamped chandlery and extensive engineering operations.

A selection of new and used boats were also offered for sale with new boat builders Knights Narrowboats and Aintree Boast also in attendance.

On land, professional staff, surveyors and suppliers were on hand to answer all boating questions from buying a boat through essential maintenance, mooring, painting and much more…

Canal societies and trade stands were also in attendance including Promarine Finance, GJW Direct, Canal and Rivert Trust, British Marine, Seddon Plants, Wurth Comsumables, Cover and Canvas, Shropshire Union Canal Society, SUMBA and the Small Task Team Volunteers. Other experts on site included Boat Surveyor Peter Tindall, Boat Safety Examiner Russ Smith and Keith Meadowcroft from Volt Master.

Boating was also made beautiful with a showcase of Aqueduct Marina’s most recent painting projects with all workshops open and three of the marinas prestigious narrowboats Another Fluke, Cheshire Star and Emen’s Friend on display. Live sign-writing demonstrations were also completed by Robin Wagg.

Commenting on the day Robert Parton, Marina Managing Director, said, ‘Having organised a successful Family Fun Day for the past 7 years the change of focus has enabled us to bring together a community of boaters giving existing customers the opportunity to catch up and new visitors the chance to get to know us. We are delighted with the response from the day and would like to thank all those who came. We would also like to say a special thank you to exhibitors, staff and boat owners.

Restoration work on the Canal & River Trust boats was available to view, with special workboats showcasing welding processes and boat fabrication.  The day rolled into the evening with a hog roast for moorers and live music performed by Alex Green. There was also a raffle with all funds going towards Kidney Research UK, the marina’s chosen charity for 2018.”

Clive Carter from GJW Direct commented, “I managed to provide 15 insurance quotations during the day and I am very hopeful that we will be able to turn the vast majority of these in to policies.  Several other people took away details and I also spoke to quite a few current GJW customers whose boats are moored in the marina.  I was busy all day with a good flow of people, but it was a very relaxed atmosphere and I was able to talk at length with everyone that attended my stand.”

Aqueduct Marina will be hosting the event again next year.