#289

NOW SOLD

NB Dane Elm and Chrome Rollerball Pen

(25% of which will be donated to The Narrowboat Heritage Foundation for the continued upkeep of NB Dane)

EUROPEAN ELM - Ulmus procera

European Elm has is a light to medium brown, sometimes with a hint of red. With an oil finish, it can turn a beautiful golden brown colour. Unless, of course, it's been kept at the bottom of a canal for an awfully long time.

Narrowboat Dane was built by the Mersey Weaver and Ship Canal Carrying Company and used as part of their fleet. She was built in November 1946 and first registered on January the first 1947. Ade from A P Boatbuilding is currently restoring her on behalf of The Narrowboat Heritage Foundation, the work being done is rebottomed with new chine planks, kelson, stem post and soon to receive two new bow planks, gunwales, decks, new back cabin and engine room. The pens that I will be making from Dane are all from a heavy lump of Elm bottom plate.

Having left our fellow traders after a great weekend at Burton On Trent floating market we made our way to Alrewas. Its not a long cruise, only about four hours but there are not too many mooring options if you decide to shorten your trip. Not far after the delights of Branston water park the A38 dual carriageway hugs the side of the canal for several miles until you lock up to the river Trent for a short hop up to the Alrewas visitor moorings. 

I would have loved to spend some more time looking around the village or even returning to the National Arboretum a few miles away, but I had pens to turn. I'd spent a few evenings getting ready cutting, drilling, gluing and trimming the pen blanks ready for turning so I was already ahead of the game.

#289 was turned just above the river lock on the edge of the village of Alrewas on Thursday 28th May 2015. To make the most of the good weather I decided to leave assembling the pen barrels onto the furnishings for a day or so as I can do that part of the process inside the boat.