Our Story
Your Canal Boat began as “Bards on Boats,” a for-profit venture with the aim of bringing music and theatre to London’s canals. At the time, we were struck by how rare these performances were outside a few privately owned and heavily developed hotspots like King’s Cross, Camden Lock, and Hackney Wick. We imagined a broader map of cultural activity — one that included the quieter, overlooked stretches of waterway.
Three years later, we understood why those gaps existed. Beyond those high-profile hubs, activity was choked by the overlapping jurisdictions of London’s borough councils and the Canal & River Trust. This meant duplicated paperwork, slow approvals, and a built-in conflict of interest: the Canal & River Trust’s charter tasks them with both promoting educational and economic activity and regulating the efforts of others. It creates a challenging environment where few businesses survive, especially in underserved neighbourhoods — West London being a prime example.
That’s why we re-formed as a Community Interest Company. This shift allows us to work with foundations and funders who share our goals, and to channel resources into bringing high-quality performances, workshops, and community events to the very stretches of canal that have been left behind. Our mission now is not only to activate these spaces, but to empower local communities to imagine, design, and run their own projects — supported by the experience, partnerships, and persistence we’ve built along the way.
Your Canal Boat – Directors
Your Canal Boat’s directors bring together over 50 years of leadership in canal boat operations, experience in community-based arts, and a strong track record in inclusive programmes that promote health, well-being, and community-led change.
Eric Ellman
Director of Strategy and Partnerships
For more than 30 years, Eric has transformed overlooked spaces into platforms for culture and community — from the Rio Grande to London’s canals. Before founding Your Canal Boat CIC, he served as Communications Director at the Yale Climate & Energy Institute, building international collaborations and innovative projects that connected climate science with the public. Today, with Molly Anna as a floating classroom, stage, and public square, Eric continues this lifelong work by partnering with artists, educators, and community groups to deliver inclusive programs that strengthen wellbeing, expand access to the arts, and create lasting civic impact along the waterways.
Nigel Gilderson
Director of Health and Wellbeing
Nigel is a former school teacher and certified yoga and meditation instructor. As a long-time Director of Joy of Sound, which brings music to people with profound mobility issues, he expertly integrates music, movement, and accessibility in group settings. Nigel has helped schools, community centres, and resident associations to make mindful practices more inclusive. And conducts much of his practice aboard Bibo, a 58-foot, 12-foot-wide barge.
David Wright
Director of Governance & Safety
As Former Director and long-time Trustee (10 years+) of the National Community Boats Association, David has had a hand in bringing the benefits of boating to thousands of people. He is a trainer of trainers, having authored the training manual used by 100 community boat associations across the UK. Beginning with the Royal Navy, David has over 50 years experience on British waterways. He is our Chief Safety Officer and go to person for governance issues.
