Lea Valley Narrowboat Co. Ltd was formed in 1974 by two canal enthusiasts, Pat and John Milton. The company’s foundations and their home were soon established on the River Lea in Hertfordshire, where they have remained until the present day. Initially, the main business of the company was operating passenger boat trips aboard the ex FMC Josher ‘Holland’ but, over the following years the business expanded to include hire boats, fit outs and repair work, retail sales, boat brokerage and two marinas.

As soon as she was old enough, their eldest daughter Sally, played an active part in the everyday running of the business. Recently, Pat and John have decided to “put their feet up” and streamline the operation to concentrate on running their moorings, with Sally taking control of and expanding the brokerage side under the auspices of “Lea Valley Narrowboat Brokerage”.

Throughout the 30 years that the company has been operating, all of the family have remained canal enthusiasts and now with their new found increase in leisure time Pat and John look forward to spending more time cruising the canals on their own boat “Lygean”.