A volunteer-run community boat operating on the River Great Ouse has celebrated welcoming its 70,000th passenger.
Pat from Leagrave received a bottle of fizz from purser Theresa and boatmaster Ian while on board a group charter cruise last week.
River milestone
Since launching at Priory Marina on 5 July 2013, the John Bunyan Community Boat has given thousands of Bedfordians and visitors the opportunity to experience the town from the water.
Volunteers operate the vessel, running trips between Kempston in the west and Great Barford in the east.
It can carry up to 50 passengers and offers public trips, special events and charter bookings for local organisations, youth groups and celebrations.
Season finale
The milestone marks the conclusion of the 2026 cruising season, which finishes on 31 October 2026 with a Halloween charter cruise supporting the Mayor’s Charity.
The boat will return to the water in spring 2027, with charter cruise bookings opening before the end of this year and general ticket sales starting early next year.
Passengers can choose from a wide range of trips, including Afternoon Tea cruises to the Kingfisher Hotel, Cream Tea trips, Fish and Chip suppers and music cruises featuring Jazz, Motown, Seventies disco and Irish music.
Budget-friendly trips run on Thursday and Sunday afternoons, alongside premium options such as the Anchor Lunch cruise to Great Barford.
Waterway park
The Bedford & Milton Keynes Waterway Trust owns and operates the vessel alongside its sister boat, Electra.
Established in 1995, the registered charity works to create a new 16-mile Waterway Park connecting the Grand Union Canal in Milton Keynes to the River Great Ouse in Bedford.
Running trip boats raises vital funds and awareness for the trust, demonstrating the value that waterway parks bring to the local community.
