W
Muddy Waters ʻcomes aliveʼ at Upper Heyford e all have desires to relive
something childish. Whether
it’s playing a much-loved game, watching children’s cartoons or simply re-reading a childhood novel. One of my favourites was ‘Wind in the Willows’ where ‘messing about on the river’ was the order of the day. We were lucky enough recently to
do more ‘messing about’ as guests of David dare at Heyford Marina, where a partnership has been formed between Dan Clacher and his ‘Muddy Waters team’. For those of you familiar with Four
Shires, Dan and ‘Muddy Waters’ first appeared in the March 2011 issue. Clacher’s books are centred
around canal boat ‘Muddy Waters’ and his mates including: ‘Jolly’ ‘Dizzy Spells’, ‘Old Badger’ and Ol’ One Eye. In a new
venture Dan has teamed up with Heyford Wharf to create a ‘real life Muddy Waters’ and ‘Jolly’ day boat. The ‘Muddy Waters’ boat is a 69ft long boat for children as well as their parents designed for daytrips and holidays. The boat has been designed to give families an unforgettable holiday experience. Complete with a spacious play den for children filled with childproof furniture, television and the entire Muddy Waters series, parents are given every opportunity to relax while their children are occupied. Not only is the play den child friendly, but there is also a camera installed on board to keep an eye on the offspring. The boat also includes a spacious kitchen, living area, two double beds, four bunks, two WCs as well as a bath and shower. While the ‘Muddy Waters’ boat is designed for longer trips, another boat has been transformed into the ‘Jolly Boatman’, designed for day trips as well as children’s parties. Although its facilities aren’t quite as extravagant as ‘Muddy Waters’, the concept of a ride in one of the best- loved characters is sure to excite the children. With the help of ‘Muddy Waters’
Pictures and story by Vicky Crossley
illustrator, Stephen Preedy, the highly talented stories and artwork for the mischievous narrowboats has come to life as a fantastic physical experience for all the family. None of this would have happened
• Pictured from top to bottom: Dan Clacher and David Dare of Oxfordshire Narrowboats; the spacious interior - and Dan pictured with illustrator Stephen Preedy christening ʻMuddy Watersʼ with a bottle of Hook Norton Flagship beer!
30 August 2011
however had it not been for Dan’s adoring family. Dan remembered, “I must admit to the whole concept being brought about by my eldest grandson, Alexei. On one of our regular canal walks he pointed out to me that one of the narrowboats looked sad. On taking a moment to get down to his eye level, I could immediately see what he meant. It might sound a bit daft, but the boats genuinely seem to have their own faces with a very human variety of expressions.” Clacher took to writing after he began telling his stories, around six years ago, and he decided he would start writing them down. His creations are all inspired by different waterways and canals around Britain. All his books begin set on the Oxford Canal, which he says has a beautiful landscape and is the reason for the opening sequences set there. “The waterways are precious and
children should be encouraged to protect them,” said Dan. For further Muddy news and
information please visit - www.
muddywaters.org.uk
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