Details for Lancaster Canal Boat Club Return to Clubs List

Club Profile

The Lancaster Canal Boat Club was founded in 1955 following a Whitsun Boat Rally where it was decided to call a meeting of "boat owners and friends and others interested in the Lancaster Canal in general". During the 1950s large parts of the canal network were being abandoned. The main objective of the club was the preservation of the Lancaster Canal, and the club adopted the slogan "Collective Security" in recognition that a club had far more power than any number of individuals. Commercial carrying on the Lancaster Canal finished in 1947 and while the canal between Preston and Tewitfield remained a "cruising waterway", the Northern section (or 'Northern Reaches' as they have come to be known) was classed as a "remainder" waterway (obsolete) following an Act of Parliament in 1955. The final blow to the northern section came in the 1960s, when despite much opposition from LCBC and the recently formed Lancaster Canal Trust, the canal was culverted in six places for the building of the M6. Today, the aim of our club is to encourage continued use of the Lancaster Canal for private (and commercial) navigation, to promote social activities and to co-operate with bodies having similar aims. We encourage full use of the canal from Preston to Tewitfield. We hold events throughout the year from BBQs, walks, and treasure hunts to evening suppers with music and entertainment. Early in the year we have a formal Dinner dance which is always well attended. Members from other clubs are very welcome to join us subject to availability. We pride ourselves on being a family club. We have a growing presence on social media platforms with around 1000 followers across facebook. LCBC does not have a clubhouse or moorings but we are always happy to give advice and assistance to visiting boaters from AWCC member clubs.