The team at the Longholme cafe have really pushed the boat out for their fifth birthday celebrations, with a brand new fleet of dragon-style rowing boats which will officially launch on Saturday (25 June).
The new fleet has been lovingly hand-crafted by Tech 10, a fibreglass specialist team based in Wilstead. The design of the boats is a casting of the original dragon design.
The boats have been in the planning since 2019 but with the previous seasons being disrupted by covid-19 restrictions the project was unavoidably delayed.
Mayor Dave Hodgson officially launched the new fleet by cutting the ribbon and taking the first boat out for a row. He joked that he would have to work on his rowing technique over the summer.
“It’s great to see the boats back and they look fantastic,” he said.
“What a great place to have some exercise and then come and have some great food at The Longholme.”
Thomas Healey, co-owner of The Longholme said: “It was important to us to preserve the history of boat hire in this location, using a style of boat that we believe is iconic to the area, the dragons!
“We’re happy we have managed to achieve this goal both in time for the upcoming Bedford River festival and next summer’s 100 year anniversary of Longholme boating lake.
“We continue to work in partnership with Bedford Borough Council to achieve a quality
experience that’s available to anyone, and that includes working towards maintaining the lake’s water quality when resources allow.”
The new fleet launches this Saturday (25 June) and will be open each weekend from 10am – 5pm. During the school holidays there will be extended opening from 10am – 3pm.
Boats are available on a walk-in basis with prices for up to four people starting at £20.
