The boatyard history

The land beside the canal used to be commonland for the use of local people. Long ago it was purchased by British Waterways and wasn’t used for any specific purpose for quite a while. Eventually they started renting it to be used as a boatyard. In 2001, after a bitter legal dispute with residents of Slacks Avenue, it stopped functioning as a boatyard and fell into a state of neglect and disrepair. It was not being maintained or used for any purpose and what would become of it was uncertain.

Ruby Chambers was one of the residents in Slacks Avenue. With the support of local residents , she began negotiations with BWB to repair the damage to Slacks Avenue caused by passage of lorries and to sell the boatyard. To protect the land from further commercial use or property development she decided to take action and so, in 2003, British Waterways sold her the land.

As a former ATS wireless operator [ WW11] teacher, college lecturer, youth club leader and governor on Outward Bound, she had devoted her life to helping young people, particularly those who had little or no opportunities in life. Ruby was heavily involved in the community of Atherstone, serving as Mayor in 2010 and she dreamt of transforming the boatyard into a space for young people to use, enjoy the great outdoors and experience the natural world. She loved the canal and took pride in being captain of her own ‘ship’. Sadly Ruby passed away in 2012, leaving the boatyard to her daughter Jacky.

Four years later, Rubys Yard Community Interest Company was born, a long term lease agreement signed and the Board of Directors took on the challenge of getting planning permission and raising funds to transform this derelict and polluted industrial site into a green community space for outdoor recreation which people , especially young people,  could enjoy

Despite many challenges with planning permission, covenants and coronavirus, from 2021 the site will be ready for use. We welcome anyone and everyone to this beautiful space and look forward to making it a place for all the community to enjoy.