(updated May 2005)

I would like to take this opportunity to let you know a little about myself,  and why I have created this WebSite. My name is Steve Goodsell, age 50, I am currently employed by the HSBC as an Employee Benefits Manager, and I live in Deal, I have been  married to Shirley since May 18th 2002.  

I became a canal enthusiast within 10 minutes of starting my first hire boat holiday on board a 70ft boat called Western Constellation hired from a now defunct boat yard just north of Stratford on Avon. This is a Picture of me then (Anyone who knows me will tell you that the hair is now gray and is mostly round my chin.) Click on picture to see me now

I have a wide range of interests, which presently include  photography, computing, dogs (latterly standard poodles, but my main love is Labs) my family and the countryside especially as it is seen from my main passion (or some would say obsession) The Canal Network of Great Britain and Ireland. My dislikes are decorating and smokers in restaurants.

I plan to combine most if not all my interests when I retire by purchasing a narrowboat hopefully built to my design, and living aboard for most if not all the year, while I cruise the system at leisure. Presently I cruise for as many weeks as I can aboard "Osprey" a boat I have been a part owner of since July 1991. She was purchased from OwnerShips who we still employ to organize all aspects of her everyday running and  both regular and annual maintenance.

I decided to create this Site in order to "spread the word" about my passions in life, and also to give me a reason to learn a new skill - that of website programming. You will see that at least initially, the bulk of this site is devoted to Canals as it is my main interest. I would like to think that your surfing my site will lead to some degree of feedback. I would be delighted to hear from you personally either on the Visitors Page Or via  E.Mail