Just after 9 a.m. on 10th July 2002 the hull arrived at Weltonfield by lorry, and I was there waiting to record it.

Weltonfield Narrowboats are at Welton Hythe on the A5 about one mile south of the Watford Gap (M1) service area.

The crane arrived at the same time as the boat.

The lorry reversed to the water's edge ready for lifting straps to be attached.

Lifting off the lorry provided a moment of anxiety. Were the straps in the right position to balance the boat? Were the straps strong enough? Would the weight of the boat topple the crane?

But these guys were professionals. The crane driver told me the weight was only 11.1 tons - no problem!

Finally my boat was floating in the water! It didn't roll over and it didn't sink!

Just one of the great reviews of this little book:

"I read this book time and time again to my sons and we never tired of it. It is beautifully illustrated and very funny. There are plenty of opportunities for the children to voice their opinions as to "who sank the boat", and after the first read the children love being part of the conspiracy and knowing the identity of the culprit. The book gives you the opportunity to raise lots of side issues with the children, such as the idea that it is sometimes the little things in life that tip the balance."