Description
Join poet and former Canal Laureate Jo Bell as she discusses her memoir Boater – a smart, funny, and deeply personal account of life on England’s inland waterways.
For over twenty years, Jo has travelled the canals, meeting extraordinary people and navigating a world shaped by history, community, and quiet adventure. In Boater, she explores the joys and challenges of life afloat, from biscuit-fuelled mornings to navigating heartbreak and the treacherous Bristol Channel.
This is a celebration of an alternative nation on water – rich in character, charm, and resilience – and a rare glimpse into a life lived always at home, always on the move.
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About the Author

Jo Bell
Jo Bell is a poet and writer based in Macclesfield. Formerly a professional archaeologist, she is the author of two poetry collections and co-author of How To Be A Poet, has been frequently featured on BBC radio, and was director of National Poetry Day in the UK.
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