 Episode 1 - Alan is on a quest to find his restoration project for the
television series Narrow Boat. He meets Jem Bates at Bates Boatyard, in Tring and Keith Ball at
Industry Narrowboats, Stretton, near Telford, in order to seek advice about choosing a restoration project and more
importantly, find a narrow boat.
Episode 2 - Restoration work begins on nb Dover, a 1937 Large Woolwich
Town Class motorboat. Presenter, Alan Herd has a go at shotblasting, ready for its first coat of primer. Nb Dover
is transported to its new home, and the design plans are revealed.
Episode 3 - The wooden window frames are built, and fitted with a modern remote locking system.
The gunwales are fitted. Alan finds out a potted history of the Dover’s life, and visits Whitney Sawmills,
near Hereford, to find out about air-dried oak – the wood that is used for the window frames.
 Episode 4 - The restoration of the Dover takes pace, as the sub floor frame is built, and the
boat is ballasted. The wooden window frames are glazed and the inside of the hull is insulated. Alan takes a trip
to Midland Chandlers in Penkridge, Staffordshire to see what you can buy for your narrow boat.
Episode 5 - The first fix plumbing is installed, and the floor is insulated. The walls and the
floors are finally fitted into place. Alan talks to Peter Middleton from EmpirBUS about a sophisticated electrical
system for ‘Dover’.
Episode 6 - ‘Dover’ is converted into the ultimate floating holiday home as the kitchen
is built, featuring a curvaceous galley unit with modern cabinets. Alan discusses lighting options. A water purification
unit is installed on the narrow boat.
 Episode 7 - Alan talks to boat builder Keith Ball about the new back cabin. Irene Reeves and
Barbara Ripley from the Friends of Raymond & Nutfield, share their experience of their massive restoration projects.
Alan chooses the diesel oven and the sanitation for narrow boat Dover.
Episode 8 - ‘Dover’ is treated to a rub down, as preparations are put in for painting.
The seating for the foredeck area is built, much to Alan and Lester’s enjoyment. The bathroom and bedroom is
building up. Alan receives a special delivery – a brand new Russell Newbery engine and a pair of diesel tanks.
This is the first engine Dover has had for nearly 50 years.
Episode 9 - The pressure is on as Alan Herd and his team are up against a tight deadline for
launching, as the final fittings are going in to Dover. ‘Dover’ gets a new propeller and a specially
designed canvas for the front cabin. The Grand Union Canal Carrying Company narrow boat is signwritten. Alan takes
a look at the rear cabin of The Gifford, up at Ellesmere Port. Finally, the transporter arrives to take ‘Dover’ back
to the canal – but
will it go smoothly?
 Episode 10 - ‘Dover’ is craned on to the lowloader and launched in the canal. Final
work is completed ready for ‘Dover’s
maiden voyage to the IWA National Festival and Boat Show, at Preston Brook, Cheshire – what will the public
think of her?
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