Full steam ahead for mere boat

A Victorian-style steamboat being built in Shropshire will soon take to the waters of one of the area's top tourist attractions.

Lady Katherine will soon be taking passengers on a majestic tour around Ellesmere's 100-acre mere in the heart of the county's own Lake District.

The nine-tonne, 35ft-long boat is the brainchild of Gavin Lewery who, for the past five months, has been building it at a workshop in Wem.

He had the idea to build and operate a steamboat on The Mere when he and his family first arrived in the area six years ago.He said: "I felt the Mere at Ellesmere had a certain Victorian feel about it and I had a vision of this Victorian-style steamboat sailing on the lake."

Mr Lewery explained that the Lady Katherine is named after the first wife of Peregrine Cust, the 6th Baron Brownlow who gave the lake and adjoining Cremorne Gardens to the town in 1953.

The boat's engine is an accurate reproduction of a 19th century design.

However it will be driven by a modern, clean, bio-fuelled boiler which has been exclusively designed for the vessel.

The boat will be powered by a 20-horsepower steam engine.

Mr Lewery has been granted a licence to operate Lady Katherine as well as rowing boats and a special boat for disabled people on the Mere.

He hopes the steamboat will be ready for launch next month.

Lady Katherine's steam power will mean up to 12 passengers can enjoy an almost silent cruise around the lake with its abundant bird life including the famous heronry on Moscow Island.

Mr Lewery said passengers would have a wonderful view of the area and its landmarks and hoped the new boat would draw people in and bolster the town's economy.

Much of the design and building of Lady Katherine's hull was carried out by professional boat builder, Malcolm Webster, and Mr Lewery said his friend had been a great help and inspiration.

Other friends and family have also given both practical and financial backing and a generous grant was received from Advantage West Midlands towards the project.

For further details people are invited to view Shropshire steamboat.co.uk on the internet.

By Oliver Cartwright