Popular boat trips are cleaner and quieter thanks to a generous grant for an electric engine.
THE Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust runs two boats, The Mary Archard and Damselfly, which raise much-needed funds for the charity by carrying hundreds of passengers at special events every year. These include the Melksham Food and River Festival, Chippenham Folk Festival and Pewsham Locks Open Days.
Now the trips are even more enjoyable after the Naturesave Trust provided a £1950 grant to purchase a new electric outboard engine.
The lightweight motor and battery are easier and cheaper to operate than a petrol engine and create less noise and disturbance to wildlife.
Trust spokesperson Martin Palmer said: “We are delighted to receive such generous support, which is making a huge difference to people’s enjoyment of our waterways.
“Silent running means skippers and crew can talk to passengers about the restoration campaign and answer their questions without having to contend with a noisy engine. It also means we are more likely to see local wildlife, which encourages people to engage with nature.
“Running costs are lower – and it’s much better for the environment too.”
Visitors enjoyed the new experience at the charity’s Pewsham Locks Open Day on October 11, which included boat rides, a pop-up café, and tours of the restoration projects; visit www.wbct.org.uk/mcc-events to keep updated on events and to learn more about the volunteer roles available.
The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal, near Melksham, to the Thames & Severn Canal, near Cricklade and the River Thames at Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
The Naturesave Trust is funded by the activities of Naturesave Insurance, the UK’s leading ethical insurance provider for individuals, businesses, charities, and community groups.
