The narrowboat, Ben Gorton was named after the Skipper's (Pirate) Scout Master at 1st Bordon Garrison.
The Ben Gorton was built by Avelchurch Narrowboats & was originally named "Pied Wagtail" and was built in 1993 As you can see from the plans below there are 14 berths in 5 cabins, 2 toilets and 2 showers. The galley works well. There is full central heating and constant hot water from the engine & Webasto boiler. Berth configuration to a max of 12 on board at any time (excluding crew max 2).
Ben has just been repainted in Cream & Green.
The boat is set out in 5 cabins, cabin 1 is for the Skipper & extra crew members use, cabin 2 is for Adults, normally 2 or 3 people. Cabin 3 is a 4 berth for children, cabins 4&5 can be portioned off but is better as 1 x 4 berth cabin. The boat will still be a family boat but can be used as a youth boat by utilising “pipe Cots” as & where required, but must not exceed 12 passengers at any time (excluding crew) (no wheelchair access)
The Skipper
Greg Beardsall, also known as Pirate is a Scouter in Rotherfield District & lives in Guildford on the River Wey (not in a boat)
Greg's roles whithin Scouting are:- ADC Scouts, County assessor for narrowboat permits on B2+ class waters, NCBA certified trainer to teach CCC's, BHC's & CCBM's, NSRA Range officer,
Scouts membership No. on Compass - 28644 - Also on Girl Guiding "GO" - No. 21554476
Greg joined the movement in 1962 as a Cub with Josie Gorton (Akela) then progressed to Scouts with Rikki – Ben Gorton (Scout Master) he has been involved within Scouting ever since in numerous roles.
The boat is named after Rikki so Scouts etc can still go on camp with him.
Ben was involved with 1st Bordon Garrison Scouts from 1954 until his unfortunate death.