Jo Bell: Boater: A Life on England's Waterways

Sunday 16 November, 5:30pm, QUAD DE1 3AS

This event will be filmed and made available as a digital recording after the Festival. Available for purchase here.

Step aboard Boater, a mesmerising voyage along the tranquil waterways of England, written by former UK Canal Laureate, Jo Bell.

'It's not a lifestyle. It's a life'

For over twenty years, Jo Bell, archaeologist and poet, has travelled the waterways of England (and sometimes Wales) meeting extraordinary people in an extraordinary environment. It’s a journey that's taught her about human nature, including her own; about rope and Brasso and bravery; about ducks and locks, and above all, about the necessity for a constant supply of biscuits.

In this smart, funny memoir she describes an alternative nation within a nation, a place of different maps and deep history, and home to people who live and work in a world quite separate from the land a few feet away on the banks.

Always at home, always on the move, Jo's peaceful life is interrupted when a turbulent relationship takes her on a year-long odyssey through tranquil waters and on to the treacherous Bristol Channel. Join her as she navigates shallow waters and deep trouble, and welcomes readers onboard a remarkable voyage through the past, present and future of our remarkable canals and the communities they support.

Jo will be in conversation with Andrew Flack, former Vice Chair of Derby Book Festival.

When you get to QUAD's website to book your ticket/s, you need to log in/set up an account.  When you click 'Book Tickets' it takes you to another page and you MUST click on the time (even though there is only one time for most of our events) in order to get to the seating plan page.