"France" is based at Norbury Wharf Limited at Norbury Junction and offers a regular Fuel Boat service along the Shropshire Union Canal between Norbury Junction and Goldstone Bridge 55.
Red diesel.
Smokeless fuels, logs, kindling and fire lighters.
Calor Gas.
Elsan products.
Oils and grease.
Chandlery products by order.
France is a classic historic narrow boat which was built by Fellows, Morton and Clayton in Saltley, Birmingham in 1904.
Not only is she a Fuel Boat, but she is also available for towage contracts, carrying projects and filming opportunities.
A brief history
1904 - Built by Fellows, Morton and Clayton at Saltley as a horse boat.
1937 - Converted to a motor boat by Yarwoods at Northwich.
1949 - Entered British Transport Commission upon nationalisation.
1951 - Sold to Thomas Clayton at Oldbury and conveted to liquid cargo boat. Renamed "Adder".
1956 - Sold to Jones & Powell and tanks removed.
1962 - Sold to Leonard Leigh.
1980s - Owned by Mungo Park and leased to Warwickshire Fly as camping boat. Name reverted to "France".
1994 - Sold to Alan Vigar.
2009 - Sold to Steve Harmer.
2010 - Sold to Frank Richies - extensive restoration programme to return France to carrying condition by Roger Farrington and Michael Pinnock. Bolinder 1113 engine installed.
2012 - Repainted in Leonard Leigh colours.
2015 - Sold to Paul James and based at Alvecote Marina.
2024 - Sold to David Ray of Norbury Wharf Limited.
2025 - Repainted in owners livery.
As well as operating as a Fuel Boat, "France" is available for towage, carriage of cargoes and film contracting. For further information, please contact us by using the form at the bottom of this page.
Enquiries
If you would like to enquire about Fuel Boat - France please contact us using the form below: