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Upcycled copper items on sale whilst family are moored in Banbury
05/10/2021
“Having a trade that I can do from the stern deck of the boat means that we can travel the UK’s canals and rivers to our heart’s content”
A father who decided life was too short to not make the most of it has sailed into Banbury with his family aboard the 60ft narrowboat from where they now live and work. For the next couple of weeks whilst he’s moored here Rich MacKenzie will be selling the upcycled copper creations he makes along the way.
Rich runs by Bike & Boat and lives on the narrowboat with his wife Jackie, 11-year-old son Bobby, 5-year-old daughter Fleur and their cat and rescue puppy.
The 41-year-old will be setting up his workshop from his 60ft narrowboat moored on the canal in Banbury for the next fortnight.
He said: “We’ve already had a great welcome in Banbury – and I am looking forwards to set up my workshop to make some pieces, and hopefully sell a few whilst we’re here.
“Banbury was a place that we wanted to stop off as we cruised from Oxford to Llangollen and then further north before returning to Oxford for Winter. It really does feel like a second home for us.”
Rich’s love of creating started when he lost his father in 2020. He said: “When dad passed away it just hit me like a ton of bricks just how short life was. Having a trade that I can do from the stern deck of the boat means that we can travel the UK’s canals and rivers to our heart’s content.
“I make each item of copper jewellery to order so that it’s just right and fits the customer perfectly. This also is great as living on a canal boat we don’t have a great deal of room to keep a stock of made up pieces. I usually use copper gifted to me from local plumbers we find on our travels to make my pieces.”
By Bike & Boat will be open on the canal in Banbury this week and next from 10 am each weekday.
After their stop in Banbury the family will be heading south towards Oxford.
Mr MacKenzie added: “We’ve just come from Chester via Birmingham, Warwick and Leamington Spa and are so happy to have finally arrived in Banbury – the views on our cruise in were stunning and breathtaking.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam