Mum and daughter set up barge shop at Whaley Basin
A canal boat moored at Whaley Bridge is a new creative craft shop run by a mum and daughter.
Three generations can be seen on the new Odeil Grace boat at Whaley Basin.
The shop sells cards, arts and crafts as well as textile and wooden gifts and children’s toys.
It was purchased by Jane Cooke who, with a degree in designing, has spent ten months modernising and updating the boat.
Her daughter Imogen Woolstentoft recently had her own daughter Odeila Grace and did not want to return to the traditional work place after her maternity leave was over.
Imogen, 27, said: “Odelia Grace is our everyday inspiration that brings joy and laughter to everyone that meets her.
“We are both so creative and we had this idea that we could work but we could be our own bosses and decide the hours that suit us.”
Jane was previously a teacher and took early retirement but is using her skills to make gifts and ornaments.
The boat also sells bobbles and soaps as well as vintage children toys.
Speaking about the gifts they produce, Impogen said a highlight for her was the personalised children’s names.
““They are beautiful, personalised hand painted wooden name signs that are all lovingly made aboard the boat, and we have also just introduced the matching keepsake boxes.
“We have had such wonderful feedback on these over the past couple of weeks and we are excited to hopefully make many more.”
Imogen said: “The rules around a boat being a business are quite complex but it means we can’t be moored in the same place for too long.
“We have had a great reception from people in Whaley as we are something a bit different and unique.”
The duo plan to stay in Whaley for several weeks before travelling up to Marple and then journeying the Peak Forest and doing markets in the winter.
Imogen said: “As this is also mum’s home and the home mooring for the boat is Whaley Bridge, our shop can still operate through click and collect or local deliveries.”