June 2009, Issue 45

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BW 2020 launch attracts cross-party support

No lesser place than the Terrace Pavilion of the House of Commons was chosen as the venue for the official launch of British Waterways ‘blueprint’ for the future, unveiled on 18 May. But will ‘2020’ succeed in attracting the interest of the general public? Keith Langston reports from Westminster.

Support from ‘vested interest’ user groups alone will not be sufficient to carry the navigation authority forward at the speed required to achieve self-sufficiency within the next 10 years. People need to be persuaded that the inland waterways are theirs to use and cherish...
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New lock is ‘jewel in the crown’

WORLD Environment Day on 5 June saw the first flotilla of boats travel through Three Mills Lock – the first new lock to be built in London in more than 20 years.

The state-of-the-art lock at Prescott Channel, Bromley-by-Bow, opens up the Bow Back Rivers, a network of waterways in and around the Olympic Park. Construction work on the project, which comprises twin water control gates, a 62m x 8m tidal lock, footbridge, lock control building, fish pass and fixed weir, has taken two years to complete.

It will provide access to the area for 350-tonne barges, taking hundreds of lorry journeys away...
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Editorial - Sarah Palmer

Shaping the future

IT’S such a British thing for the weather to make the headlines, but it did at this year’s Crick Boat Show for all the right reasons, the sun shone and helped to dispel the gloomy clouds of recession. I enjoyed my first chance to get out and meet some restoration groups and boaters and I hope to meet many more over the next few months.
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Heritage hike – A walk along the Llangollen Canal

Highlights from Phillippa Greenwood and Martine O’Callaghan’s towpath walk from Cornwall to Scotland

It's only a short day's walk but take your toothbrush – you will want to stay. A handful of water miles between Llangollen and Trevor Basin packs enough excitement to fill a holiday.

Start in historic Llangollen and take a deep breath while you fit in Horseshoe Falls (created by Thomas Telford to provide water for the canal)...
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Stourbridge Canal reopens after remedial work

The Stourbridge Canal reopened last month following a four-week stoppage to allow remedial work to be carried out after what British Waterways described as ‘an error’ in reinstating the canal after it had breached last September, writes Bob Clarke.

After the initial £650,000 repairs to the breach – which drained almost three miles of canal between Stourbridge town...
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Editors Comment >>

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Letters

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What's on

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Events

Coming up...

19-21 June
Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival. Visit http://midfest.org.uk/mfab/ for more information.

20-21 June
Gardner Engine Rally. Top of Parkhead Locks, Dudley Canal. For further details and entry form visit www.gardnerengineforum.co.uk

27-28 June
BCNS Rally to be held at Titford Pumphouse. Entry forms from Barrie Johnson, 0121 422 4373, or the BCNS website at www.bcn-society.co.uk. Talks start at 7.30pm at Titford Pumphouse, Engine Street, Oldbury B69 4NL, and all are welcome.

Braunston Historic Boat Rally – All profits to canal and local causes. To enter your boat or take a stall contact Libby Hart on 01788 891373 or visit www.braunstonmarina.co.uk 

27 June
Stainforth Waterside Festival - Book your visiting craft details by emailing Stutheboat@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 0798 998 7136.

Many more events online >>

Headline News

New gas safety scheme
Thursday 18th of June 2009
Timetable set for new Scottish canal
Thursday 18th of June 2009
Nationwide survey
Thursday 18th of June 2009
Super Safety day helps boaters
Thursday 18th of June 2009
Wey and Arun Canal hedgelayer first class
Thursday 21st of May 2009
More news...

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Issue 45
June
2009
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