Docklands Canal Boat Trust
DCBT was formed in 1983 when a group of people who worked in the local communities surrounding the River Thames and Docklands started fundraising to build a wide-beam canal boat to provide holidays for people with disabilities.
Michael Crawford
In January 1985 the Trust commissioned their purpose-built river boat, MV Challenge for a provisional cost of £43,000. The boat was built in Tyne and Wear by apprentices at Hebburn under the auspices of British Ship Builders Training Unit. Present at the Keel laying ceremony was Michael Crawford of Some Mother’s do have ‘em’ fame.
The boat was delivered in May 1985 and launched at Tilbury Docks where it undertook extensive trials and ballast adjustments.
On 6th June 1985 the boat was officially commissioned in the presence of Princess Michael of Kent, many local dignitaries and all the apprentices from Hebburn.
Since then our boat has cruised the waterways of London, Essex and Hertfordshire providing memorable holidays and day trips for a wide range of groups and families with disabilities