Promotion!

Mama's At The Marina

Tuesday 11th November | 10:00am – 12:00pm

Tickets: £20 per person

The Waterfront Cafe, Aqueduct Marina, Church Minshull

Join us for our brand-new Mama’s at the Marina – a warm and welcoming monthly meet-up for mums to connect, share, and unwind in a safe, beautiful setting.

Each month features a guest speaker or activity focused on motherhood, wellbeing, and life with little ones.

You’ll enjoy a relaxed morning with: A delicious brunch and coffee from The WaterFront Café

An inspiring guest session A chance to meet other local mums and build your village For our launch event, we’re joined by Rach from Baby Bliss with Rach, who will lead a soothing, supportive session designed to help you and your little one relax and reconnect.

Tickets are £20 per person, including brunch, coffee, and the guest experience.

✨ 10% of all ticket sales will be donated to the Mid Cheshire Hospitals NICU – supporting families of premature and poorly babies. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Save the date and enjoy a relaxed day of shopping, family fun, and community spirit.

BOOK HERE: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1828769682349?aff=oddtdtcreator

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Promotion!

CANAL SIDE MOORINGS AVAILABLE

Set in the heart of Cheshire, Aqueduct Marina is more than just a place to moor, Located on the Shropshire Union Canal, We have easy access to all canal networks and fantastic on site facilities. Whether you’re stopping over for a night, a week, or a few months, our new temporary linear moorings give you the flexibility to enjoy the marina lifestyle without a long-term commitment.

Click the button below for more details

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Aqueduct Marina welcomes new trainees to build future skills

Aqueduct Marina, the family-run independent marina near Nantwich, has welcomed three new trainees to its team this autumn. The new trainees will be trained by Aqueduct’s current supervisors, Jordan Cain (Engineering) & Will Brown (Welding), who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in engineering, welding and business management as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to developing local talent and supporting long-term growth.

Engineering apprentice Dylan Evans comes from a caravan and motorhome repairs background, one that sees a considerable crossover with the work being undertaken at the marina, and with the expansion of Aqueduct Leisure’s facilities and services, his background may well prove useful.

Engineering apprentice Jack Morse comes from the cement fixtures industry, one in which there is little room for error, something that will be of particular importance to boat owners, who will benefit from his existing experience, coupled with the skills he will learn from his colleagues at Aqueduct.

Fabrication apprentice Lucas Sherratt has joined the team from a company where he built furniture for playgrounds. His eye for detail will come in useful as he learns the skills needed in all aspects of the fabrication and repairing of narrowboats.

In addition to the new recruits Phill Koutson, one of Aqueduct’s marina engineers, has recently completed and passed his BMET course.

Ethan Ganderton is currently completing his T-level land-based engineering and welding at Reaseheath College and works at the marina one day per week alongside his studies, and Joseph Parton, son of Aqueduct’s owners Robert and Andrea Parton, is currently working on his degree apprenticeship in Business Management whilst working as a Service Advisor at the marina.

The new appointments form part of Aqueduct’s strategy to strengthen its workforce and meet increasing demand for high-quality boat building, repairs and servicing and in the future, providing similar services for Motorhomes and caravans. The company plans to continue working closely with local education providers to promote careers in engineering and business.

Robert Parton, MD of Aqueduct Marina, said, “The Aqueduct boat yard has a range of skills and there are plenty of young people out there keen to learn the wide range of skills we need in the business. Proven by the large number of quality applicants we had for the new trainee positions.”

Aqueduct Marina wins TYHA Team award

Aqueduct Marina wins TYHA Team award.

Aqueduct Marina has long had an enviable track record in customer service, with all staff members working hard to ensure moorers, boat buyers, and visitors enjoy the best possible experience. All of this hard work was recently recognised by The Yacht Harbour Association – which was established to develop the marina industry – by awarding the Cheshire Marina with the coveted Teams Award.

The award, sponsored by Haven Knox Johnson, was made by Steve Arbour, TYHA chairman, and was presented at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show. The Team Award is made in recognition of Aqueduct Marina staff receiving the most overall mentions by customers and visitors. A berth holder or members of the public can nominate a marina employee for TYHA’s Marina Employee of the Year.

In addition, Ian Wood, AKA ‘Woody’, Aqueduct’s Grounds Keeper, was presented with a certificate of appreciation from TYHA in recognition of his positive customer feedback obtained through the year-long nomination process.

Robert Parton, Aqueduct Marina’s MD, said, “Receiving this award was a complete surprise and will go down as one of the high points of the year. Everybody in the Aqueduct team should be very proud. We are all off to an Indian restaurant to celebrate.”

Photo: Aqueduct Marina’s Director Phil Langley, Sarah Rayner, Office Manager and MD Robert Parton pictured at the Southampton International Boat Show with their award certificate.

Step Towards Sustainability with HVO Transition

As part of our commitment to becoming a more sustainable marina, we are proud to announce that all our onsite plant equipment, tractors, cars, and forklifts have been transitioned to run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This significant change underscores our dedication to reducing CO2 emissions and creating a greener and cleaner marina for all our customers to enjoy.

This announcement coincides with World Environment Day, a fitting occasion to highlight our continuous efforts in promoting sustainability. In 2022, Aqueduct Marina became the first inland marina to receive the TYHA Clean Marina accreditation. Building on that achievement, our switch to HVO fuels represents another milestone in our journey towards a more sustainable marina.

HVO is a renewable diesel alternative derived from vegetable oils and animal fats through a hydrotreatment process. Unlike conventional diesel, HVO burns cleaner and produces significantly lower levels of greenhouse gases and particulate matter. This not only helps in combating climate change but also contributes to improving air quality, benefiting both the environment and the health of our marina.

The advantages of HVO are:

Furthermore, we are excited to extend this green initiative to our boating community. Aqueduct Marina has been offering white HVO to our boating customers for the past couple of years, and we are now pleased to offer Red HVO. This provides our customers with the opportunity to make environmentally conscious choices at a price closer to traditional diesel.

At Aqueduct Marina, our commitment to sustainability is not just a statement or a day, but increasingly is becoming a core building block that shapes our operations and services. We are by no means perfect, and we have many more improvements to make, but by embracing HVO, we hope to continue to lead by example and start to shoulder our environmental responsibility.

We invite all our customers, partners, and stakeholders to join us in celebrating this positive change and to explore the benefits of HVO for a greener future.

 

Happy World Environment Day!

Cruise Moor Scheme

Marinas join forces to launch new visitor mooring scheme

Five independent family run marinas are joining forces in 2024 to offer inland waterway boaters the opportunity to enjoy a new discounted visitor mooring scheme – Cruise Moor.

The Cruise Moor scheme sees Aqueduct Marina, Droitwich Spa Marina, Dunchurch Pools Marina, Overwater Marina and White Mills Marina collaborate to provide moorers with the unique opportunity of staying on each of the marinas on a visitor mooring for a week free of charge.

It is hoped the new initiative will not only encourage more boaters to explore the UKs waterways network but enable them to enjoy the facilities and personal service offered by the ‘fabulous five’ independent marinas.

Boaters can find out how to qualify for a Cruise Moor card from one of the participating marinas and then plan their cruising season in the knowledge that they can enjoy a compliemtary week at all included marinas.

Spokesperson for Cruise Moor, Robert Parton of Aqueduct Marina said: “All of the five marinas involved in Cruise Moor share the same aspirations of encouraging boaters to get out and about and explore the miles and miles of the beautiful waterways network.  As family-run marinas we work incredibly hard to be the best in the business and go the extra mile to provide excellent customer service. It is a terrific scheme and a wonderful opportunity for us all to showcase our marinas to each other’s moorers, we are all looking forward to watch it develop over the coming months.”

Credit: Debbie Skinner, White Mills Marina

Aqueduct Marina Tour – Come with us to take a tour around our award-winning narrowboat marina

WATCH NOW: BEHIND THE SCENES OF AQUEDUCT MARINA!

Let us show you around our wonderful narrowboat marina and show you how we can help you and your narrowboat.

We are here to help you find a new home for your narrowboat in the best location on the inland waterways map!

We are located on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal giving you the perfect base to cruise to the likes of the Cheshire Ring, Four Counties Ring, Llangollen Canal, Chester or The Anderton Boat Lift.

Our Chief Operation Officer, Phil, is here to show you and talk through all of our marina facilities and services – we are a narrowboat marina that can cover almost everything!

If you are looking for a new base for your narrowboat in a fantastic new cruising location for the up and coming season, please get in touch on 01270 525040

5 Gold Anchor Marina – What does it really mean?

As proud holders of a 5 Gold Anchor Marina accreditation, we’re thrilled to share the “ins and out” of what this prestigious distinction means for you, our cherished customers.

Picture it as the narrowboat equivalent of a gold-starred luxury resort—your gateway to an exceptional narrow boating experience.

So, let us explain exactly what our 5 Gold Anchor status means and show you what makes our marina a shining beacon in the waterways.

The Gold Anchor Standard:

The 5 Gold Anchor accreditation is more than just a shiny emblem; it’s a mark of excellence in the marine world and we are proud to say we have held this accreditation for X years.

Awarded by The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), this standard is a testament to our commitment to providing first-class facilities and services.

The evaluation process is meticulous, covering six key areas that ensure our marina is a safe, enjoyable, and reliable haven for all boaters.

Berths and Facilities:

Our marina undergoes rigorous assessment to guarantee that berths are well-maintained and equipped with the necessary facilities. From secure mooring options to pristine washrooms, we’ve got you covered.

Customer Services:

Friendly and efficient customer service is at the heart of what we do. The 5 Gold Anchor Standard evaluates our team’s responsiveness, knowledge, and willingness to go the extra mile for our customers.

Quality of Services:

From fuel stations to boat repairs, every service is inspected to ensure it meets or exceeds industry standards. Your narrowboat is definitely in capable hands when it comes to our certified offerings.

Environmental Responsibility:

We take pride in our commitment to the environment. The audit process ensures that our marina adheres to environmentally sustainable practices, minimizing our ecological footprint in the beautiful waterways we call home.

Operational Management:

Efficient operations are vital for a smooth cruising experience. The 5 Gold Anchor Standard evaluates our management practices, ensuring that everything, from safety protocols to emergency procedures, is the best that it can possibly be.

Community Engagement:

A marina is not just a collection of boats; it’s a community. We actively engage with our boating community to foster a sense of camaraderie and support, making your marina experience not only enjoyable but also enriching.

Your Ticket to Premium Boating:

Now that we’ve unravelled the criteria, you might wonder, “What’s in it for me?”. Here’s why our 5 Gold Anchor accreditation matters for you:

Peace of Mind:

Rest easy knowing that your narrowboat is moored in a marina that has passed stringent assessments. Your safety and the security of your boat are our top priorities.

Outstanding Facilities:

Enjoy our fantastic facilities, from secure berths to well-maintained amenities. We’ve invested in creating an environment that enhances your boating experience.

Exceptional Customer Service:

Our team is dedicated to making your stay memorable. Whether you need assistance or simply want a friendly chat about the latest boating adventures, we’re here for you.

Environmentally Responsible Boating:

By choosing a 5 Gold Anchor Marina, you’re aligning yourself with a community that values and actively contributes to preserving the natural beauty of our waterways.

Community Connection:

Join a community of like-minded boaters who share your passion. From organized events to impromptu waterside gatherings, you’ll find a sense of belonging that goes beyond the water.

In conclusion, our 5 Gold Anchor accreditation is not just a title; it’s a promise.

A promise of excellence, dedication, and a commitment to providing you with an unparalleled narrow boating experience.

So, cruise to us with confidence, knowing that you’ve chosen a marina that has earned its stripes in the world of inland waterways luxury. Welcome aboard, and let the journey begin!

Aqueduct Marina Newsletter – October 2023

We are excited to share our October Video Newsletter with you!

You may have seen our previous video newsletter, where we introduced you to some of our staff and showed you around our marina.

You can watch our latest video now on our YouTube channel by clicking the link below.

Thank you for being part of our marina community and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions for the future.

If there is anything in particular you would like to see featured in our newsletter, please email marketing@aqueductmarina.co.uk

Click on the link below to view our October 2023 Newsletter.

Aqueduct Marina invests in improved dust extraction equipment

For many businesses, the thought of an inspection by the Health and Safety Executive would provoke a measure of fear and trepidation; however, for the management of Cheshire-based Aqueduct Marina, it turned out to be a positive experience.

For some time, Robert Parton, MD of Aqueduct Marina, and his management team had been looking at investing in improved extraction for the grit blasting bay, as with the demand for their grit blasting services increasing, it was logical to invest in improving the equipment being used. So, despite the Health and Safety inspection finding the facilities complied with their PPE requirements, which meant the person doing the blasting was protected, there was an environmental concern about the dust leaking out during the operation. As a result, the company brought forward the investment to reduce the possibility of abrasive dust escaping when the bay was in use.

They called on the services of Hodge Clemco, a company that specialises in the manufacture and supply of abrasive blasting and surface treatment equipment. Hodge Clemco installed a reverse pulse dust collector system that creates a negative pressure within the blast booth and, by removing the airborne dust, allows the operator to maintain visibility within the booth. It also minimises any dust escaping from the blast booth, with the dust being contained in the dust extractor bins to allow safe disposal.

Liam Davis, Sales and Marketing Manager for Hodge Clemco, said, “Following our initial visit and conversations, we returned to the site with one of our design engineers to carry out a full site survey, which enabled Hodge Clemco to provide a full design layout drawing of the proposed 14,000cfm reverse pulse dust collector system for the approval of Aqueduct Marina. The dust extraction system supplied and installed by Hodge Clemco comprises of the latest fully programmable gamma pulse auto reverse pulse system with differential pressure recognition. It has an auto-clean sequence whilst in operation and an additional cleaning cycle on shutdown, ensuring maximum dust release is achieved from the ultra-efficient nano fibre filters resulting in a prolonged filter life.”

The result of this work is that Aqueduct staff have reported a marked improvement in visibility whilst working within the bay.

The installation of the new extraction equipment saw a £60k investment being made to this side of Aqueduct’s business. Robert Parton said, “During the H&S visit, the escaping dust issue was flagged as a potential local authority environmental issue. With the system now installed and in regular use, we have seen a noticeable improvement in conditions both inside and outside the workshop. It is an expensive piece of equipment, but in a world where good staff are hard to find, and lung health is a real focus of the HSE, this is resulting in a healthier, safer working environment for our staff.”

Festive Opening Hours 2023

Date

Office Cafe

Saturday 23rd Dec

08:00AM – 17:00PM 9:30AM – 16.30PM

Sunday 24th Dec

09:00AM – 12:00PM

09:30AM – 11:30AM

Monday 25th Dec

CLOSED CLOSED
Tuesday 26th Dec CLOSED

CLOSED

Wednesday 27th Dec 09:00AM – 16:00PM

09:30AM – 15:30PM

Thursday 28th Dec

09:00AM – 16:00PM

09:30AM – 15:30PM

Friday 29th Dec

09:00AM – 16:00PM

09:30AM – 15:30PM

Saturday 30th Dec

09:00AM – 16:00PM

09:30AM – 15:30PM

Sunday 31st Dec

09:00AM – 12:00PM

09:30AM – 11:30AM

Monday 1st Jan

CLOSED

CLOSED

Tuesday 2nd Jan 08:00AM – 17:00PM

09:30AM – 16:30PM

Aqueduct Marina Newsletter – August 2023

We are delighted to share with you, our brand-new video newsletter!

Our newsletter is here to provide you with all the latest information at the marina and give you a glimpse of life behind the scenes here, get to know our staff, and have a giggle along the way!

If there is anything in particular you would like to see featured in our newsletter, please email marketing@aqueductmarina.co.uk

Click on the link below to view our August 2023 Newsletter.

Aqueduct Marina’s Boating Event hailed a success!

Visitors, exhibitors and organisers agreed that despite the somewhat blustery conditions, this year’s Aqueduct Marina Boating Event was a great success. The aim was to provide an event that was a ‘boat show for boaters’, and as a result, around 500 visitors took the opportunity to visit the marina, speak to staff and visit 19 trade stands.

In addition, over 200 people attended the evening’s entertainment, much of which was provided by Elvis tribute Paul Larcombe and singer Josh Whittall.

Both exhibitors and marina staff commented on the levels of interest shown by visitors, the majority of whom were genuinely interested in discussing their boats and their boating experiences.

Robert Parton, Aqueduct Marina’s MD, said, “I am very grateful to the exhibitors who supported us and had a stand at the show, some of whom stayed until late and enjoyed the lively Elvis night as well. Also, well done, Hannah (Aqueduct Marketing), who successfully managed to target the right people and get boaters and aspiring boaters here. I spent most of the day by our brokerage boats and had plenty of excellent conversations with existing and soon-to-be boat owners.”

Kevin Peart, MD of Aegina added, ”It was good to meet you and your team, we enjoyed the day and had many interesting conversations about solving water supply and making safe drinking water for the canal boat community. We will be back next year”.

Anyone interested in visiting or exhibiting at next year’s event should keep an eye on the Aqueduct Marina website and social media channels where the next Boating Event, expected to take place in July, will be publicised. Visit www.aqueductmarina.co.uk

Narrowboat Chloe – Re-Paint

Narrowboat Chloe was the latest boat to come out of our painting workshop after having a full re-paint completed here at Aqueduct Marina.

This was the first full re-paint completed by our new head painter, Paul and it is easy to say that he has done a fantastic job. A huge well done to Paul, we can’t wait to see the next one.

You can see Chloe’s transformation on the below images.

Narowboat Nell is currently in our workshop and being painted by Paul as we speak, we will of course share the transformation with you once it is completed.

For all your narrowboat maintenance enquiries, from full re-paints to blackings and anything in between, do not hesitate to get in touch with us! Call 01270 525040 or email info@aqueductmarina.co.uk to get a quote.