Jones Boatyard

26/05/2026

A beautiful bit of new life at the boatyard this weekend, our proud swan mum has hatched 7 gorgeous little cygnets on Saturday. Absolutely adorable watching them explore the water for the very first time. Huge thanks to Rob for the amazing photos capturing the special moment.

26/05/2026

Seven cygnets a swimming...and one proud mother!
All eggs hatched on Saturday, lots of prime hatching pics to follow from Rob, thanks Bec for this one.

19/05/2026

GOBA and Fund Britains Waterways are planning a campaign cruise in July to coincide with the Bedford River Festival. The aim is to draw attention to the real threat to our waterways due to the underfunding by central government/DEFRA.

All are welcome to take part for either the whole cruise or just part. If you wish to join us for the whole campaign please register your interest at: [email protected] so that we can plan for the number of boats participating. We have reserved a limited number of moorings within the Festival Area itself for those participating in the whole cruise on a first come first serve basis (please note the limited headroom in Bedford)

We can also supply fliers and banners to anyone wanting to help spread the word

Aims:

To draw attention to the lack of central Govt/DEFRA funding to maintain all waterways in a safe and navigable condition
Highlight specific navigation and flood risk issues on the River Gt Ouse due to failing infrastructure
Seek support from MP’s, Mayors, Councillors associated with the Gt Ouse waterways
Plan: (subject to fine tuning based on number of participants)

Assemble between Earith and St Ives weekend of 11th/12th July. Leave 13th July

An organized cruise of supporters from Earith (Brownshill Lock) to Bedford
All types of watercraft welcome
Participants can choose to do the whole cruise or just a part
Stop to meet and greet supporters/dignitaries and highlight local issues. (St Ives, Huntingdon, St Neots, Bedford)
Arrive at Bedford 17th July to coincide with River Festival
Limited numbers of boats to proceed through Town Lock (Subject to height restrictions) Apply early to be moored within the festival itself.
Others to moor at recognized moorings downstream
Participants return in their own time
Publicity:

Media Attention
FBW/GOBA banners on boats
Social Media & Leaflets
Engage with public on route and at Bedford Festival
Where to find more Information and how to register:

Send an email to [email protected] for registration forms or enquiries

18/05/2026

🚤 HONDA MARINE PACKAGE OFFERS NOW AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST 🚤

Looking for the perfect inflatable boat & outboard setup?
We’ve got fantastic offers across the Honda Marine & HonWave range — from ultra-lightweight portable packages to more powerful adventure-ready setups.

✔ Honda reliability
✔ HonWave durability
✔ Lightweight & portable
✔ Built for unforgettable days on the water

👉 Swipe through to see our latest offers.

📍 Available now at Jones Boatyard

14/05/2026

Two families of ducklings hatched this past week, the regulars from the flowerpot on the balcony, and another surprise nest tucked away in the hanging basket under the stairs. We’re still waiting on the swans nesting by the slipway, but the marina is certainly feeling full of life at the moment. Thanks Becky for the pics.

06/05/2026

In case you’re not already a member, or aren’t familiar with it, GOBA is a voluntary organisation founded in 1958 (by my grandfather Laurie, among others). It represents over 3,000 boaters across the River Great Ouse, Cam, Lark, Little Ouse, Wissey, and other East Anglian waterways.
Members benefit from access to a wide network of exclusive 48-hour mooring sites, as well as a high-quality magazine and regular newsletters. More broadly, GOBA plays an important role in advocating for the interests of boaters.
Membership is astonishingly good value at just £28 per year, well worth joining to support the organisation and everything it does.

Welcome The Great Ouse Boating Association (GOBA) represents boaters on the rivers Great Ouse, Cam, Lark, Little Ouse, Wissey and associated East Anglian waterways of England. Established in 1958 we now have approximately 1500 members. Swan & Cygnets, Huntingdon. Photo by Peter Swinson of Lizzy B. W...

06/05/2026

In case you haven’t already seen it, there’s a fantastic article about our resident photographer, Rob Adamson, beautifully written by Nigel Morris of Betty Hope, who is soon to take on the role of GOBA Chair. Congratulations to the Great Ouse Boating Association; he’ll no doubt make an excellent chairman.

I’d also like to recognise the incredible work done behind the scenes by outgoing chair Mary Pryor. She has been a tireless advocate for boaters, especially during some very challenging times for the navigation.

29/01/2026

Tony Lain was one of the true great characters of the river, a member of the old guard alongside the likes of Laurie Jones, Harry Lincoln, Brian Carter, Fred Carrington and Bill Purvis, to name but a few. It is with great sadness that we heard of his passing earlier this month, marking the end of a truly remarkable era.

The river was in Tony’s blood. Over his incredible 90 years, it’s doubtful that anyone owned as many different boats or loved the river life quite as deeply as he did. He will be remembered with enormous affection by all who knew him.

We send our sincerest condolences and warmest wishes to Julia, to Tony’s family, and to everyone at Bedford Boat Club.

TONY LAIN - 1935 – 2026
The funeral will take place on Monday 16th February at 12 noon
Huntingdon Crematorium, Sapley Road, PE28 2NX

Those attending are invited to wear their favourite clothes.

Following the service, you are very welcome to join us for light refreshments at:
The Brunel Suite, Slepe Hall Hotel, St Ives PE27 5RB

Donations in Tony’s memory may be made to RNLI or Royal Papworth Hospital Charity, and can be given online at:
anthonylain.muchloved.com

27/01/2026

I’ve been sent a photograph that clearly illustrates the vital role Brownshill Staunch plays in clearing floodwater. In the foreground you can see Holywell, along with the vast flood plain that stretches back as far as St Ives. Moving downstream, the water can be seen sharply funnelling as the riverbanks rise, narrowing to the point where Brownshill Staunch sits (highlighted by the orange circle).

At present, with two of the three gates out of action, there is a 13-foot gap. Thankfully due to your help and our MP, the Environment Agency has recently announced funding to repair the failed gates later this year. I wanted to share this image so you can see why this issue has prompted such strong feeling locally. A picture really does tell a thousand words.

With thanks to James Anderson for sharing the photograph.

21/01/2026

Love the waterways?
Become a Lock Volunteer at Houghton, St Ives or Godmanchester.
No experience needed – just enthusiasm, a smile and a practical approach.
Meet new people, enjoy the outdoors and help boaters.
Give it a go – you will love it!
👉 Sign up: https://www.visitanglianwaterways.org/volunteer
📧 [email protected]
📞 01353 865037/ 07483 990211