A gentleman living in America spends time on the internet learning about English canal boats and the canal waterway system; it's of great interest to him, as it’s something that doesn’t exist in the USA.

He was extremely keen to have the opportunity to travel in an English narrowboat and was excited to find out that this had been arranged with local charity, The Baldwin Trust, during a visit to Leicestershire.

The team at the Baldwin Trust wanted to make this a very special day for the gentleman and his family to remember, so during the trip the Baldwin crew talked about all the places of interest enroute.

After boarding ‘Dandelion”, the cruise departed Barrow upon Soar from the site of the old Flour Mill, a building recorded in the Domesday Book.  After passing under the 1860 bridge, the group went on towards Mountsorrel, home of the huge granite quarry.

Sileby was the next stop for a picnic lunch, then onwards towards Cossington.

Just before reaching Cossington lock, Dandelion was turned at Rothley Brook; the team explained how this brook meanders through the grounds of the Rothley Court Hotel, this being a place of huge historical importance, as it was once owned by the famous Knights Templar.

Rothley Court was also the regular meeting place for William Wilberforce and Thomas Babington whilst they drafted their anti- slavery bill, which led to the abolition of the slave trade.

All this local history (and more) was soaked up by the passengers, who left the boat delighted with their unique English experience.

There is certainly a lot to see when you cruise with the Baldwin Trust!