Reflections on life on the water

The MV Till used to carry cocoa beans from Hull to the chocolate factories in York

When Ken Ainsworth left the forces in the 1980s he decided that he didn't want a mortgage and opted instead to buy an historic barge, moored in the centre of York. He's now decided it is time to sell up and move on.

The MV Till is a Lincoln class barge built in 1904 that used to carry cocoa beans from Hull to the chocolate factories of Rowntree's and Terry's in York.

In 1980 the barge stopped plying its trade as a working vessel and was bought privately. Ken acquired it four years later and moved in with his partner, Maggie.

In the quarter of a century since then, the couple have lived on board, improving the living quarters along the way with the installation of no fewer than three different kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems!

The barge is permanently moored near Clementhorpe on the River Ouse in the centre of York, at the only freehold private land mooring in the city.

Ken and Maggie have enjoyed their time on board the MV Till but feel they are now ready to become 'landlubbers'. They plan to move closer to their daughter who lives in Haxby.

The views from the mooring spot are beautiful. Ken says it is particularly lovely in the evening with the light on the river and the trees reflected in the water:

"I think we'll miss it a great deal but we've had 25 good years and it's now time to move on."

The barge is being sold at auction in York and could realise as much as £250,000.