Name Diana

DIANA was built in 1961 as DREDGER 3 for British Waterways. The original design is called a Dinkum dredger and the design predates the class RY39 which is the MKII model. It has 4 spud legs to support the dredger when it is in use. The spud legs are hydraulically operated and operate vertically downwards via a linkage system. This keeps the hydraulic cylinders out of the water. At the front is mounted a JCB 3C backhoe unit and a control cab. Hanging from the backhoe is a hydraulic grab.

A separate cabin for welfare and storage is provided behind the cab. The engine space is behind the cabin in a separate space under the deck. The propulsion is an air-cooled Lister HR2 diesel driving through a hydraulic pump to a hydraulic motor and conventional stern tube and prop shaft with a three bladed propeller. Additional hydraulic power is supplied to the backhoe and the 4 spud legs. Further aft there is a large open hold for storing items.

She was used by British Waterways and their successor Canal & River Trust until 2022, when she was purchased by the Buckingham Canal Society after her previous owners disposed of her. She was then renamed DIANA at the request of the Society’s benefactor. She is now used in the restoration and general maintenance of the Buckingham Canal, doing spot dredging and bank protection, and recently starred on BBC Countryfile.