Mexborough and Swinton Times November 12  1937

Paddling their own Canoe
Mexborough Students turn Boat Builders

“She floats like a bird” were the words of a proud Mexborough “boat builder” as he described his craft to me. The “vessel” is not so large as the “Queen Mary” nor inevitable that the namesake of our greatest sea heroine should follow the same bent, and just as Grace Darling, a century ago, was ploughing through turbulent waves so Mr. Oswald Darling is now pursuing a similar course, though in more peaceful waters

The students began the work during the long vacation, and on October 1st the vessel was launched on the canal, near Station Road. All three have spent a considerable time on ‘the construction, although Mr. Darling is “captain” as he has financed the venture.

The canoe, is of red deal, covered with canvas. It is steered by a rudder propelled by two paddles and holds two, persons. A

The appearance of this neat little craft, made more conspicuous by its colour scheme – green and silver – occasioned a good deal of interest among canal-side spectators, and I think I may safely say considerable envy among the younger generation, though wiser veterans might shake their heads.

The enterprising crew paddle their canoe between Mexborough and Doncaster and at every lock, a portage has to be made, the canoe being brought on land and carried. Although permission to use the canal had been secured, lock-keepers would hardly relish performing for the canoeists’ exclusive benefit.

A suggestion that the boat might be used for pleasure cruises was scorned by the “captain” and the “bos’un”. Soon, however, if there are many more enterprising boatbuilders about, our prosaic canal may be transformed into a miniature Cam or Thames.

The “captain” sets off on a voyage with his sister as “crew.”