This is literally my life right now. Just been fired for the 2nd time in 2022 and made homeless at the same time.... so we're buying a van and buggering off into the sunset. Lets go

As someone of 72 years I think what you are doing is marvelous. From the 80s young people were encouraged to get mortgages, in a way my generation never was. Getting a mortgage then ties you down to earn money to pay it and the quality of life goes. You have quality of life, are young and this experience will enrich you both and your child. The scenery looks stunning. Good luck with your Cafe and may God bless you. 🙏The orange cake looked wonderful. Happy Christmas 🌲🌲

Beautiful family. You are a great host and she is a great hostess. The bakery is the right idea for income for your family. Everyone will come to your little cafe!

I lived two years on a narrow boat and loved every second of it... Except maybe waking up freezing cold when the coal runs out in the stove, except maybe spiders crawling down on my face, the dust, the mould.... But loved it haha Now I got a campervan!

I have nothing but major respect for any man who with his back is against the wall, he is ready to come out swinging. A man who loves a good challenge and a fight, all for his family. Cheers mate

Anyone who’s ever taken the entrepreneur’s risk can relate to this video. Every day is test of making more than the cost. But to make it work along with a high quality of life adventure is an art form; one very much worth the effort. May your journey continue to prosper.

I have been watching you two from the first show while up here in the interior of Alaska. Reading through the comments I'm amazed how many people don't get it, you are not poor or broke while sitting on two paid for boats and inventory, and have the skills to do a 8 to 5 job in TV or even movies anytime you want, enjoy the time you are having it looks like a wonderful way to spend a few years. God Bless you both and Merry Christmas.

What lovely people who came to support you..Wishing you and your family all the best..!!Keep it up !’

Keep going. I've been 18 years on my boat now. Making/selling my woodcarvings, doing a few jobs for money and yeah I'm skint and it's hard. There's no cavalry coming, just gotta keep going. Good luck to you both. Keep smiling 🙏👍😊

I loved this so much. As a fellow boater who is also struggling right now, I really enjoyed your transparency and honesty. Makes you feel like we're "all in the same boat." Thanks again. ❤️

"Poor but happy" means much, much more than being "rich and not so happy". You guy's are on the right track.

I loved this video! After I was made redundant in 1995. I was offered the opportunity to buy a Transit van and take over a contract with it. The contract gave me a basic but reliable income. I then had to seek out other work to enable me to make profit. Doing small removal jobs and shifting large items I charged (then) £20 per hour. Some weeks I worked many hours but was turning over 5 to 7 hundred pounds a week. Gaining many customers along the way I did this for over 25 years until I had to retire at 68 when my old but reliable van failed it's test. 220,000 miles it did! I love meeting people and helping them even though it could be exhausting at times. Would love to be still doing it! Driven over 500,000 miles!

Fantastic attitudes and inspirational. No whinging that 'the Government' has got to give you some money to supplement your life. No whining that you are having to open on a cold day. No blaming anyone else for the state of your bank balance. Choices + stoicism + love = a happy, if not rich in wealth, life for the three of you. 👏👏👏💙💕👍

Well done for having a go, it seems like people love your offering so the key for me is obviously footfall, and as you can’t go too far in a day it might be worth considering the following. a) which points have most footfall and which days, b) Are there workers who are near canal that you could tap into c) Are there local shops that would buy your cakes eg like mini farmer markets D ) any walking or cycling groups that have planned walks that you could liaise with organiser so they get timely pit stop. E) Any small marinas which do not have cafe services F) could you organise canal walks or events and bring the people to you. I’m sure there are loads of ideas but good luck hope you make a success.

Heart melts seeing the struggle but heart warming to see your smiles & never dying positive attitude.. Well done both of you & the little one.. God Bless you all..

Wow! People sure can be judgmental and mean! I have truly enjoyed following your journey.. and then there was William ❣️ You have great videography and production skills combined with creative ways to keep it honest And fresh. Follow your NB life while you can. I envy your vision and courage! Hoping you are well ! Hope to hear from you, soon. Hugs from Indiana, USA

Well done guys as a retired independent cafe owner I feel your dilemmas, that was really good. The one thing I learnt about running a cafe is that it is totally unpredictable. We never made a fortune but we loved what we did. If there is anyway of helping promote you on my KZfaq channel I definitely would please let me know if there is a way. I've just finished doing a promotional video for an independent narrow boat hire company which was great fun. Take care Alan.

Well done, for being so honest about everything. Good people always deserve support.

Surely if you got to your location a bit earlier, eg Thursday, bake on Friday then sell on Saturday and Sunday , 9-4 you could still have a great life and maybe sell a realistic amount of produce to make a living. There’s a coffee shop on the towpath near us who open every day of the week and make a great living.

Surely with both editors there must a side hustle that you both be doing in the night time. I have worked and lived on board canal boats in the past. Its really cool in the summertime when the sunshine is out but when autumn and winter arrive its a total different story. I hope you every success well done for trying. What I miss is the slowness of everything also how happy-go-lucky life makes you.

That video offers phenomenal motivation, as your real success was that you didn't get into an argument and have a go at each other for your predicament. People with large bank accounts would have had a meltdown if they had been in your situation. You have truly found success! The way you smiled through your situation is really, really impressive. Congratulations!!!!

Hi Guys. Great video doing what you do best; Moving boats around, baking and selling cakes, Coffee and people. Oh and let's not forget fabulous editing that keeps us watching. A real insight. And we can help a little too by watching these videos. I watched the ads and I know that helps a little (don't skip the ads folks 👍) BTW, My bank account has looked like that for years 🙈. And while some couldn't live like that I totally get it. I'm living a similar experience and it's a lot more like living a life rather than existing. Self employment is hard but making videos helps big time. I want to thank you both because our little meet-ups helped me gain 850 subscribers. Which was amazing 👏 👏 👏 I hope to catch up with you in the Spring when I can spend more time out and about. Hope the merch sells, Patreons and supporters are amazing people. It helps me no end and as you said it gives you the confidence to know.. "We'll be fine" Love you guys. Jamie ❤️

These two people are richer than people with millions in the bank. They have such passion for what they do. You cannot buy that! Nothing but respect for these two and I'm grateful for them sharing it with us.

I’ve watched 2 minutes and you’ve already earned my subscription. The Storytelling, the quality is crazy, you guys are so humble and likable. You’re living the Dream.

I love the way you two work so well together and you always GET THINGS DONE!

There is a great deal of love out here for you three. ❤️

What a fantastic idea! And how brave are these two for taking this journey. This is the true meaning of being rich. Cheers!

I love videos like this one. I built my own 'empire' from £50 all those years ago to now being able to slow down and reap the rewards. You two guys, plus toddler, will do the same. I'm sure of that, it's evident in your drive and determination to see it through.

I so admire your attitude to everything that happens. You deserve to do well. 🙂

Hi Vic and Jo and not forgetting dear William, just want to say I so admire you both I hope things continue to be good its so important to be happy and I'm sure you will be ok God bless stay safe look forward to your next blog xx

My life has been a lot about trying projects like you guys did and putting everything I have in it like you guys did. Like you guys, I'm broke too. It's such a relief because now that I tried, I don't live anymore with the stress of asking myself what if.

Hi Vic, Jo and William, I hope you 3 are ok, there’s been nothing from you for over a month now. You said you were broke in your last vlog, I hope you’re managing better and are healthy and safe. I miss you 3, please let us know you’re ok by posting a short vlog. Lots of love. xxxx

I have been a subscriber for a while. I moved onto a narrowboat a year ago. I have watched your content and I viewed every episode from the first. Your content is fabulous and I usually can’t wait for the next one. This latest video had me on the edge of my seat and emotional at times. I am retired and have had to borrow money so understand. I was so pleased the day you opened people came and supported you. As a couple you are an inspiration. As a family you are interesting and so unique. Thank you for making such an honest video. 🥲😀💕

I'd been wondering about the money. I just couldn't see how it would work out, especially as the cafe wasn't open for so much of the year. I tried not to wonder too hard, especially as I wasn't making any real estimates, just guesses, but when I saw the title of this video, I had to start worrying again, and the sign in the thumbnail confirmed it. So I started watching, Vic came on screen smiling, and I just thought, "He really is irrepressible!" :) It's good to know the cafe boat was never your long-term plan, and doubly so to know you're not being forced to give it up. :) It really is exciting to see you still trying! Oof! £20+ just to get to A&E! This is something I've noticed in canal boat videos in general: If you have to be somewhere other than the boat, it costs. Ooh cake! Hehe but it does look tasty fresh out of the pan, and very attractive all finished next to the mince pies and oranges. I do wish I could come visit the cafe, especially as I sometimes like coming out on cool and gloomy days, but when it gets this cold I have to be careful not to get chilled. It's also too far, sadly. I see Macclesfield is straight west from me, just on the other side of the Peak District, but the furthest my electric bike can go on a single charge is Matlock. I could do it if the road is fairly flat, but the name Peak District is not encouraging! :) Maybe I'll look it up later, and finally get an Instagram account so I know where to actually find you. ;) Yay money! hehehe I'm so glad you turned a profit. :) You two make such lovely videos. Thank you so much for sharing what happens when things aren't too easy.

Just discovered you on KZfaq. Wow! Love what you're doing! You have absolutely the right attitude to life and the courage to try new things. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all. Have faith in your own abilities and you will never be poor. You are a beautiful family and its wonderful you are making this journey together. 🙂👍

Fascinating. Very happy to see a young couple working hard and surviving through their hard work. Sure, it is not much money for the effort put in but here's hoping that things continue well and that you are able to maintain decent income to keep yourselves and your dream going.

That is the kind of video I've been wanting to see from you guys ever since I started watching. Awesome job.

Your videos are some of the best on KZfaq, I’m surprised you don’t get a bigger audience, KZfaq should promote it more, the videos are so good and professional. Please keep making videos in what can appear a black world your audience looks forward to the ray of sunshine you project.

How uplifting! What a great attitude you both have. It just shows what is really important in life. I will be following you and will definitely visit your wonderful cafe in 2023. All the best. You are brilliant and William is delightful!

This was a brilliant watch! I really wish you both the best and I'll be sticking around to keep up with any future videos. Good luck

1:52 'Turning a Cafe into a Narrowboat'. 😍😍🤣🤣

Wonderful vlog, wonderful adventurous spririt, wonderful honest approach, wonderful good humour, I wish all the best for you three.

Just stumbled across this - I loved your video, it invoked some memories for me. My dad was a TV Editor and I remember as a small child being taken into the depths of ATV and into a dark editing room and watching my dad wind/rewind tape/splice and so on....(a long time ago, not digital). Keep living your dream!

Hi Vic, Jo and Young William. It's taken me a while to get up to date with your Vlog, very entertaining as usual. Hope you are all keeping warm and healthy. The weather here in Mesolonghi, Greece has been rather cool, wet and breezy these last few weeks and living on a boat when you have to watch the pennies AND deal with the conditions can be a challenge in many ways (my biggest is condensation during the nights). I wish you all the best with wealth, health and happiness. Watching you grow leaves me with a glow. 🙂

Dear Vic and Joanna, well done so far. The USP you haven't used to your advantage or excitement, is your community and engaging with it. As you travel around there is an army of followers watching where you go and hoping to visit your cafe. IF you wanted you could advertise where/ when you will be open on these videos (+link to insta updates which are not obvious and prob only seen by 5% of your YTviewers) and encourage your cafe community to visit. This would increase sales on those days but commit you to being there. Engage with your prospective cafe community especially in winter months, Best wishes.

Real honesty from real genuine people. Great video

HAPPY NEW YEAR to Jo and Vic and William from Canada. It has been such a joy to follow your story for the past few years. You have a great idea and a strong work ethic. You can make your dream work with some refinements plus 1-2 days a week of online work of some sort when you have an internet connection to get through the Winter. You are a special gift to the internet.

I just love that u guys are so resourceful & flexible. Your daughter is sooo adorable too. I wish u every success in all your endeavors.

Glad I found your channel today. I’m sitting here in the U.S. enjoying your self reliant video, but sad knowing it could no longer happen here. Someone would complain (many probably) and authorities would descend on you with costly permit requirements, health inspections, citations, fines and criminal trespass warrants. (That is if you haven’t been robbed of everything already by a gang of “disadvantaged youth”) Enjoy the freedom and protect it.

You have done amazingly well. Such a lovely young family. Carry on the good work. 👏👏👏

Mountains of respect to you guys. I am humbled and in awe of your tenacity, good humour and sense of fun and I am only half way through watching! B_____ brilliant.

I cannot believe how lovely you guys are. This came up from Google sharing a news article about your boat business. You are the most charming and delightful couple and are not only building a business but sharing happiness, it just vibrates of you and you can see it in the faces of the customers you serve. I wish you the best and can't wait to follow your journey. Should you head down to London I will be sure to buy some of that delicious cake. One thing I would like to add is, more information on making cakes..you mentioned getting the thickness right which I've always had an issue with, would love to see that step of the process. Perhaps you can also sell some of your recipes. So much potential! Love and blessings to you all ❤️💜

I so admire what you both are doing, and I'm happy so many people turned up to the cafe on such short notice. It certainly speaks to your great personalities and the kinds of people drawn to your channel. I'm not sure if you already do this or not and I don't know how much extra income this might draw, but would there be a way through your shop for fans of yours from abroad (or who maybe can't attend the cafe but would like to support you when you're in/near town) to purchase a drink and/or a slice of cake to be given away when you run the cafe - a pay-it-forward kind of thing - maybe for someone who might not otherwise be able to purchase your goods or for whomever's day you'd simply like to brighten? I've heard of places where they have a board of sticky notes with what can be purchased written on it (a drink, a piece of cake or both) and then if someone grabs one and presents it to you, they get whatever is on the sticky note, no questions asked. Anyway, it's just a thought!

What a project you two have taken on. If I see you on the canals, I will be an eager customer. I will eat cake all day.

Great stuff guys watching from New Zealand, really admire your endeavours. Good luck, Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2023.

This video comes to me at the right moment! I am broke chasing my dream! I left my job 3 years ago to start my own studio for product video and photogra[hy... I have been working at least 12 hours a day 6-7 days a week... and I still strugle to pay the bills. But I am happy what I do.

Respect to you two, it can be enlightening to lay yourself bare like you have....you will continue to thrive

As always, you manage to turn a crisis into a drama, or a video, and very entertaining it was too 🙂 Well done guys.

You guys are amazing so happy you had a good day with the cafe, hopefully you have more to come.

A wonderful video depicting a loving family whilst taking the viewer from the brink of despair through happy times and a bright outlook. Chapeau et bon courage á vous. I do hope the two of you are the same off-camera because you are a shining example to many, myself included, of how to behave and cope with adversity. You've taught a near-60-years old man a valuable lesson. My sun shines brightly today, thank you. Nadelek Lowen ha Bledhyn Nowyth da! (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...in Cornish). Oll an gwella (All the best)

So much respect for u guys. William will watch these back someday and be so so proud of you both 🥰❤🥰💙🍰🍰🍰🎂🎂🎂

You two have your priorities right. I doubt you will ever regret the choices you have made and the life you are leading. Sweet William is a lucky boy to spend so much time with both his parents. Wishing you well XXX

So heart warming guys! If you can smash it in the bleak mid winter then I’m sure Holly will be a winner ❤️

Good luck to you both. Your little one is an absolute sweetie. What an amazing way to grow up. A new view every morning! ❤️

Mate nothing to be emebarrassed about you both are living your dream!

We were walking on a charity event yesterday (10th Dec) around Macclesfield and saw Holly moored up. It was a surprise - we live in Long Eaton and we have seen you guys many times, but to travel 70 miles and see you was great. Can I recommend you visit Sutton Hall whilst you are there. It's a 10 minute walk. Its a beautiful historic pub. Best wishes Mel and Lyns

I applaud you, this is brilliant. I turn 55 next year and looking at taking all my pension pots and buying a canal narrowboat to live on, so much closer to nature and away from the stresses of daily life and the pressure it can bring. All the very best.

As I watching- I’m ashamed to admit (sorry) - I started to think what a lovely couple- but no kids. And I have a concern about the fact that so many people are not having kids. And then l in saw tie baby. Bless you. We need babies and babies need parents like you. Bless you both.

Really enjoy watching your videos. You are already wealthier than you realize. Success isn't always about numbers. Keep pushing. You got this.

Personally I think you have a wonderful way of life, the time spent together as a family cannot be underestimated, I would stick with it, enjoy your life together, that’s what’s important. Hope to see you on the K&A sometime x

So delightful. Well done! And such a good looking and cheerful family. Loved the humour and the scenery too. Thanks so much.

What you guys are doing is FANTASTIC. I'd certainly support your boat cafe if I saw you on the canal. All the very very best to you as a family

I have seen some channels with a donation button. I've contributed to them on occasion. You guys have a very nice, down to earth, wholesome, normal people, family channel showing a side of life most will never experience. Thanks.

I only found your channel a few months back. What feels special about you and the channel is your humour, creativity, warmth, naturalness and integrity. I feel like folk care about you and your endeavours and that's actually rare on social media, in a genuine sense anyway. Completely understand the message you were putting across and I felt moved watching. I'd become quite cynical about KZfaq channels, those starting out with rosy-cheeked enthusiasm, to gradually be drawn down the road of formulaic, manipulative, agenda-led output. You continually keep it real and so imaginative and you have the spirit of abundance which is about so much more than money, ultimately. Lovely stuff 🌟

Don't pay any attention to the nay-sayers. They are the miserable people who do nothing at all with their lives. You are living a LIFE. Happy New Year and a Healthy 2023

I have just stumbled across your video’s….absolutely brilliant! The content, the humour and your editing make for a great watch, thank you 🇫🇷 Lori 😊

A great honest insight into the realities of running your business. Full of admiration for having a go, come what may. Nothing worse than wondering what if?

Massive respect to you for working through it cheerfully. Hope you continue to manage xx

And don't forget that you two are giving some joy to people, and that is really important don't you think ? I think you are both adorable, and of course your little boy, just keep doing what makes you happy, and everything will always work out, I am 75yrs old this November and I know these things, lol

After getting my boat I moored up for the winter in Kidsgrove just by the Harecastle tunnel. I actually didn’t know there were winter lock closures! I was 51 , a female travelling on my own…. In the spring I set off up the Macclesfield canal . I was practicing watercolours… and oh wow… I have a painting of those warehouses just opposite your moorings. I just love following your progress, as though I have been there before. And so many years on the canal, so many bridges and locks later, you are bringing back so many memories. Do let me know when you venture onto the Llangollen Canal, we traded with our craft boats on there for a few years. Now retired but still living the dream. 💖❤️💛💙💚💜Roz and Phil xxx

You are such an amazing family and have become very fond of you all. You’re in my prayers that this will pass. God bless you all

Awesome video !!!!!! Thank y'all so very much for all that y'all do and show !!! I don't know how y'all do it , but each and every video is uniquely different , interesting , engaging and it almost feels like we're all along for the ride ,,,, sometimes as a guest , sometimes as crew but always an adventure !!!!

I watched a couple of non-consecutive episodes: the loss of the phone; attacked by local vandal; narrowboat goes sideways and then "we're broke." Such an inspiring display of the 'onward and upward' attitude in each VLOG convinced me to subscribe and I have just finished watching the entire series from start to finish. I sense 2023 will be a brilliant success for you and look forward to William's increasing role in video narration. Happy Christmas from the Rideau Canal in Canada 🎄

As someone with the perspective of living stateside my entire life, it does seem really easy to romanticise narrowboats and the nomadic lifestyle. I really appreciate your honesty in that situation and, genuinely wish you the best. Maybe even a little engagement on your video will help with adsense and helping you grow in what little way that I can. Stay warm as winter settles in and of course, wishing you the safest of travels and just enough success to keep that good fire burning.

Thank heavens you're still able to carry on with your dream. When I first read the title of your vid and started watching Vic in Holly, I almost shed a tear because I thought you were going to tell us you were having to give everything up!! I understand where you're coming from re the cash flow but, it seems you may have turned things around. I love watching your videos and am truly happy you're able to carry on. I look forward to your ''next installment'' and wish you all continued success.

Keep grinding man! Very real situations for a lot of us at the minute, we'll all get there. With poisitive lights such as yourself giving people the hope and motivation they need i have no doubt the future is bright for everyone.

Five minutes in..and a new subscriber. You guys are incredible - love your motivation and positivity. Good luck with everything and hello from Australia.

Loved this vlog and not just because you are an awesome family. As a fellow creator I really appreciated the cinematography , music and editing effort that went into it. Just the simple 5 second shot from the road up to the boats going across the viaduct to a lot of planning and effort , as did a ton of the shots in the vlog. What you do inspires others not just to take risks and try different things in life but also makes us all better creators learning from your masterclass . ❤

I admire you both so much. I get in a right panic if I don't have 2 months of money saved up. I don't know how you deal with the anxiety being close to the edge causes. I've been a bit depressed because I haven't been watching lately and it worries me that you guys will suffer financially. My pop died and mom is sick and that was taking all my time, but it still bothered me because I worry about you three even though we will never meet. Anyway, enjoyed the video, and good luck!

OK, so I've just watched the whole catalogue of your vlogs over the last week or so. I've watched many other canal vloggers over the last 5 years or so, but never in one 'hit'!! These are superb, well produced, fun & interesting. We're syndicate narrow boaters moored near Stone and I believed we passed Jo heading north in Holly at the end of September below Weston. Keep up the good work and it's a pleasure to see a young couple ( now family) living a dream, successfully on the network. Hope to see you around for some of that coffee and walnut cake.

You guys are AMAZING! Keep up the good work and stay happy.

That was great. It's so good to see folks working at living their dream. I hope that you can carry on in the same way. Good luck.

Great video, first time I've seen your enterprise. Living a life is so much better than chasing money. I hope you continue to enjoy your adventures and share them, it's so refreshing in today's jaded world.

Please put a donation button on your page. Overseas people would like to buy you a coffee...we can't come buy a slice of this gorgeous Orange cake or Mincepies. Great storytelling.

I’m impressed by what you’re both doing and the commitment and honesty that accompanies what you are achieving…..

Love your down to earth approach to life plus your honesty! Always fun too seeing some old photos of you both at your TV editing job. It is obvious you excel in editing and also as "gifted entrepreneurs !" Your negotiating attempt was funny! William adds a special touch to your videos. I believe he has inherited both of your cute quirky smiles and laughs! Yes he is adorable! So happy to see that Holly is continuing to succeed! Thank you for sharing your life's experiences with us!

Hi. Initially I was impressed by what you've both managed to achieve, and despite spending so much money on a coffee machine, my opinion hasn't changed. In fact, if anything, I'm even more impressed by your dedication and commitment to living this life, especially with the added responsibility of your young son. I really admire you both for what you've achieved so far, and the Cafe boat is a potential £20000 annual business, even if you only open for 3 days a week. One important point to mention however, is that if you're running the Cafe boat as a business, even if it's Part-Time to begin with, is that you can claim back all the essential items to run your business from HMRC in your first annual tax return of launching. You only have 6 years to claim, and for every year you defer claiming, the total reduces by 10% each year. This information was given to me by an ex-HMRC officer who I met about 6 years ago at a local Chamber of Commerce 'Start your own business' presentation, and this knowledge is so unknown amongst small business owners, that almost no-one ever uses it, as it's considered an insider secret. The business expenses that you can claim for only apply to essential items that your business couldn't function without, if any of them were removed, and even after 6 years, I have no reason to believe that this 'insider tip' won't still apply. The claim can only be made once, and must be made within the first 6 years of trading, otherwise you forfeit it. ( You both must have paid out quite a lot in taxes in your previous jobs, so it would be a blessing to be able to recover some of your boat costs. ) You'll need to register the business at Companies House first, but the first year's accounts can be deferred for the first 18 months, so you won't need to supply the financial profit/loss/expenses details to HMRC if you apply in the first year of trading. You need a minimum of 3 named staff to register at Companies House, which must include a Secretary, a Treasurer and a Director, but one of those can be a 'silent' partner. They only need to be contactable in the rare event of verification, which Companies House almost never do. Anyway, it's up to you whether you decide it's worth claiming it or not, which could be anything from a few thousand pounds, up to and including the full cost of the Cafe boat. Just something to consider. For HMRC, you'll need copies of receipts, invoices or other proofs of costs, for them to be considered. I wish you both every success on your new life journey, and when you pass through Stoke-on-Trent again, I'd love the opportunity to sample some of your unique Cafe food. P.S. - Please consider having an emergency fund for any unexpected expenses. It will reduce the stress from any situation. All the best !

Stumbled upon this video this morning.thank you for a great watch and also for the inspiration. Keep up the good work!

Nothing in the world like motivation sparked by hard times.😬 Good luck to you and your beautiful family.

Mary feels uplifted by your positive outlook. Especially at a time when the news is so full of gloom and doom. We look forward very much to your next video.