Supporting the Boating Community
The Lancaster Canal Boaters Association is dedicated to supporting boaters by sharing expert advice, welfare resources, and fostering a friendly community united by a passion for canal life.
Our aims are to promote the welfare and wellbeing of boaters who live at least 50% of their time onboard, using the Lancaster Canal and further promote the community to the wider community of the Lancaster area.
Where appropriate, we represent the views of boaters on our canal to the Canal and River Trust and where we can, manage facilities for boaters.
Why now?
More and more people are turning to alternative living accomodation as the cost of living forces people away from the housing market. Over the last few years there has been an influx of new boaters mostly due to the perceived reduced living costs. Often though, this is where problems arise as new boaters are unaware of the challenges of liveaboard life and off grid living. It’s not all like it appears on Narrow Escapes!
The Lancaster Canal is no exception. There has been a rise of abandoned boats, once dwellers realise the unexpected costs of living aboard. A number of boats are often left moored in the same spot for longer than the allowed 14 days duration, due to engine issues, illness or a lack of knowledge about navigation requirements.
This is where we come in. Through education and awareness campaigns we hope to enlighten the community and get us all working together to help this beautiful canal contniue to provide us with a safe, functioning environment where we all can live harmoniously.
Strength in Community
In November 2025 our group was successful in an application to the Lancaster Community Fund. The money recieved from this fund is enough to get us started for the first 6 months and set up infastructure (such as this website) and plan some launch events to help bring the community together. We will continue to raise funds through our fundraising efforts to help improve the services that we can offer.
By joining us, you will help us unite the community and demostrate that there is a need for support services for boaters. By increasing our member base we will be able to apply for more funds to run services, offer fuel support and other services which are vital to sustaining a better way of life on the water.
Be part of change
The LCBA is consulting with various stakeholders about plans that could significantly change the Lancaster Canal for the better.
Be part of policies
As we negociate with other stakeholders, you can have your say about the policies that are put in place to secure the future of the canal.
Be part of the community
At our heart is the community. We aim to run events to help bring the boating community together and for the wider community surrounding the canal to understand the issues that liveaboard boaters face at a local level.
We Believe….
We believe that the Lancaster Canal has the potential to foster a more united community. As new boaters arrive and more established boaters start spending more time living aboard, communities change.
We believe that through education and support our community can help each other through volunteering to help others aboard and make use of support services offered by the LCBA when they are in need.
We believe that we can sustain a community where shared values are important and can support a sense of shared ownership in our canal leading to a better way of life on the water.
Meet the Team at the LCBA
Founded in 2025. Meet some of the founding dedicated volunteers who support and enrich our boating community.
Helen Coates
Acting Chair
Continous cruiser and liveaboard boater with 6 years on the canal. Read more about the role of Chair here.
Julie Lewis
Treasurer
Narrowboat owner and boater of 15 years with a background in accounting and BSS administration. Read more about the role of Treasurer here.
Julie Glaister
Safeguarding & Welfare Officer
Fibreglass Narrowboat owner and continuous cruiser of 19 years with a background in social care. Read more about the role of Safeguarding & Welfare Officer here.
Jackie Clarke
Committee Member
Continuous cruiser and ex fishing industry expert with a passion for spreading the word of the LCBA!
VACANT
Memebership Secretary
This position is currently vacant. If you would like to apply complete the committee member application form. Read more about the role of Membership Secretary here.
Stephen Thomas
Secretary & Fundraising Officer
Boater with a home mooring and three years on the canal. Read more about the role of Secretary & Fundraising Officer here.
Ian Lewis
Boat Specialst
Local Boat Safety Examiner and liveaboard boater of 6 years with 15 years of boating experience. Read more about the role of Boat Specialist here.
PENDING
Head of Comunications & Liason
PENDING
VACANT
Events Manager
This position is currently vacant. If you would like to apply complete the committee member application form. Read more about the role of Events Manager here.
VACANT
Content Creator
This position is currently vacant. If you would like to apply complete the committee member application form. Read more about the role of Events Manager here.
Help support our community group by donating to the LCBA
The LCBA is supported by:
Be part of change
Your membership helps us to increase our membership numbers, which in turn, helps us unlock more funding, show confidence in our cause and demonstrate to policy makers that through unity, we can make a difference.
Support and Guidance for Lancaster Canal Boaters
Hear from our dedicated and founding commitee members who all support the work of the LCBA
“The Lancaster Canal Boaters Association can provide invaluable advice that will make your canal life safer and more enjoyable.”
Ian Lewis
Commitee Member and Boater Safety Examiner
“Our works will help to educate new boaters so they can integrate into the community”
Julie G.
Commitee Member
“Professional support and timely advice will help members navigate the challenges of canal boating effectively.”
Helen Coates
Commitee Member
“The resources and friendly help available here allows us to give back to our wonderful community.”
Jenny
Committe Member