Mr Kelman, who name is derived from 'keel man,' is a boat builder and a good one at that! This trade has been in his family for centuries. His small and compact cottage, which itself is built from timber, can be found standing beside a canal. Our boat builder still works in the traditional way and many of the tools of his trade were handed down to him by his father.
   Constructing timber boats by hand call for a lot of skill. After thirty years, Mr Kelman is able to measure by hand and shape a hull by eye instead of with instruments. Once the keel has been lain, to which hand-shaped ribs are attached, the hull's timber planks can be applied. To soften the timbers to make them more pliable, they are placed in a steam chamber. From here they can be attached to the hull and firmly pegged into place. Of course, it is not as simple as it sounds and Mr Kelman is a perfectionist. What does he do with his spare time? He takes his own boat out on the canal of course!