John Bunyan, Bedford’s Community Boat has this summer had its best season ever and has now carried over 22,000 passengers since it first started operating in July 2013.

The boat which was launched by the Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust to raise awareness and funds for the proposed new Waterway Park which will link the Great Ouse near Kempston Mill, Bedford to the Grand Union Canal at Campbell Park, Milton Keynes is run by volunteers and provides river cruises along the Great Ouse in Bedford from April to the end of October.

Commercial Director, Graham Mabbutt attributes the success of the boat to the attractive cruises it operates at very reasonable prices which include public cruises on Sundays, Thursdays and  Saturdays with Afternoon Tea , Fish & Chip Suppers,  a monthly live Jazz Group as well as the boat being available for private hire for groups, parties, wedding cruises, business events and school cruises amongst others.

Christina Rowe of BedfordBID which has sponsored and supported the boat said: “The John Bunyan boat has been a tremendous tourism boost to the town centre,  under under Graham’s guidance the team have worked so well with other Bedford organisation.” 

Seen here receiving a bottle of bubbly and some flowers is passenger Susan Beaumont who travelled on a Thursday Public Cruise from Sovereigns Quay with BoatMaster (captain) Bill Boddington.

For further details contact: Graham Mabbutt, Commercial Director (Volunteer)

Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Enterprises Ltd (BMKWEL)

e-mail: graham.mabbutt@johnbunyanboat.org  Phone: 01234 712660 or 07774 606862.