Gone is the former diesel engine from ‘CS2’, having been replaced with an environmentally-friendly method of propulsion, battery power via an electric motor.

 

However, the refit necessitated the installation of a charging point at Portland Basin, which was not possible where CS2 was moored.

 

Requiring a charging point closer to the museum, East Manchester Community Boat Project asked Sanctuary Housing for permission to install a charging point at the wharf entrance to the museum.

 

The only stumbling block however was that Tameside Canal Boat Trust’s passenger narrowboat Stillwaters was currently moored where the new charging point needed to go, so East Manchester Community Boat Project asked it they could swap moorings, which, after careful consideration TCBT Trustees agreed to.

Articles and photos published courtesy of the Tameside Reporter 11th May 2023

BRILLIANT SUPPORT: Big turnout for the ‘Big Help Out’ on Monday and  the official launch of EMCBP’s passenger narrowboat, Community Spirit 2.

 

Monday 8th May 2023 marked a ‘royal’ launch celebration for the refitted East Manchester Community Boat Project passenger narrowboat - Community Spirit 2. As reported last week ‘CS2’ now has a new environmentally friendly electric motor, replacing its former diesel engine. It also has new moorings at Ashton’s Portland Basin to link up with its charging point, facilitated by Tameside Canal Boat Trust, who swapped moorings with their own narrowboat, Stillwaters. Monday marked the ‘Big Help Out’ in celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III, with EMCBP appealing for volunteers to come along and find out more about its work. Dignitaries, including the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Diane Hawkins and Civic Mayor of Tameside Cllr Mike Glover, were also invited to a well-attended event to hear about the refitted CS2, its service and the wider work of the EMCBP before officially cutting a ribbon to ‘launch’ the narrowboat. The new state-of-the-art narrowboat continues to help those who may be disabled or disadvantaged, by providing a free day out on the canal. Based at Portland Basin, you can find out more about the work of East Manchester Community Boat Project on their website https://www.emcbp.org.uk/