Web Editor

SAVED: ‘At risk’ Aqueduct

by

Web Editor

–

December 31, 2024

AN AT-RISK aqueduct has been saved from falling into disrepair after Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal and River Trust in Wales, stepped in. The Grade-II Listed Aberbechan Aqueduct on the Montgomery Canal has had extensive repairs which should ensure its survival for the next 200 years. The aqueduct carries the canal over Bechan Brook, a tributary…
Continue reading »
BROADS AUTHORITY: 5.9% fee increase

by

Web Editor

–

December 30, 2024

THOUSANDS of boat owners and Norfolk Broads waterway businesses will pay an extra 5.9% in navigation fees this coming year. The Broads Authority agreed the rise but has set a budget which will mean cuts in its own services. It has contacted the Environment Minister Steve Reed for help, saying its current model of funding…
Continue reading »
CLIMATE CHANGE: £85m bill

by

Web Editor

–

December 28, 2024

THE Canal & River Trust spent £85m in the last financial year on waterway maintenance and repairs, emergency works following floods and storms, and upgrades to reservoirs. In its annual Boater Report, the charity revealed it spent a total of £208.6m in 2023/24 out of income of £237.3m. That included £49m on maintenance and repair…
Continue reading »
WATERWAYS IMPORTANCE AWARENESS: MPs form group

by

Web Editor

–

December 27, 2024

THE importance of the nation’s waterways could move higher up the political agenda thanks to the formation of a new cross-party group of MPs in Westminster. The Waterways All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) hosted its inaugural meeting in parliament recently, chaired by Labour MP for Sefton Central Bill Esterson. The Inland Waterways Association hopes the 21-strong…
Continue reading »
DREDGING: Completed by canal charity

by

Web Editor

–

December 24, 2024

BOATERS on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal should find navigation easier thanks to the completion of a six-week dredging programme by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal and River Trust in Wales. The work saw in the region of 300 tonnes of sediment removed from four different locations along the canal. It is part of a comprehensive…
Continue reading »
NO MYSTERY: The new face of the Avon Navigation Trust

by

Web Editor

–

December 23, 2024

CHART star and actress Toyah Willcox is the new patron of Avon Navigation Trust, with part of her role to try to bring young people to the waterways. The Worcestershire-based star, who has shone on stage, screen, in the pop charts and more recently on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has taken time out to sprinkle…
Continue reading »
AQUEDUCT to be Christmas film and toy star

by

Web Editor

–

December 21, 2024

THE world-famous Poncysyllte Aqueduct will make its big screen debut in the new Wallace and Gromit movie this Christmas – and with your help it could also be a new Lego set. The new film, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl from Aardman Animations, is set to appear on BBC on Christmas Day and then…
Continue reading »
WATERWAYS: Cash needed or closure risked

by

Web Editor

–

December 20, 2024

A PRESSURE group has called on the Government to give more cash to maintain the UK’s waterways – warning a lack of funds may force some rivers and canals to close. Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), which represents a wide range of river and canal businesses and users but not Canal & River Trust, a charity…
Continue reading »
VOTED: UK’s best marina

by

Web Editor

–

December 19, 2024

A CHESHIRE marina is the best in the UK – according to members of The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA). Overwater Marina, near Audlem and next to the Shropshire Union Canal, was crowned TYHA Inland Marina of the Year 2024 at the Southampton International Boat Show (see more on the boat show on page 43). The…
Continue reading »
POEM & ARTWORK inspired by canal

by

Web Editor

–

December 18, 2024

Lucy Wood investigates… THE Canal & River Trust charity and The Poetry Society have announced details of a new collaborative arts project inspired by the historic Sheffield & Tinsley Canal. Canal Works is a crowd-sourced poem by acclaimed poet Warda Yassin, and it has inspired a striking new installation by Sheffield-based artist Grace Visions, which…
Continue reading »
CRUISE IT or lose it?

by

Web Editor

–

December 17, 2024

BOATERS are being urged to get cruising to the farthest parts of the UK waterway network as part of a challenge to keep waterways open. The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Silver Propeller Challenge aims to get cruisers out to some of the least-visited places on the canal and river network. The IWA believes by visiting…
Continue reading »
CANAL NETWORK: Education for kids

by

Web Editor

–

December 16, 2024

A NEW website aims to educate children and adults alike about the UK’s waterways. The Explorers programme provides a range of free material for primary school-aged children, parents and teachers. Funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery, it will encourage children to connect with nature and enjoy the physical and mental well-being benefits of outdoor learning,…
Continue reading »
GREY HAIR: Too much on the canal?

by

Web Editor

–

December 14, 2024

Phil Pickin poses a question that many groups associated with the waterways grapple with… what to do to overcome an ageing membership. DURING the IWA’s recent AGM in Leicester, the issue of membership came up. This was not unexpected, and the subject wasn’t discussed simply out of a desire to increase the number of IWA…
Continue reading »
FESTIVE SPIRIT: Safe Anchor Trust

by

Web Editor

–

December 13, 2024

Sally Clifford meets the family helping to bring the festive spirit to the Safe Anchor Trust. CHRISTMAS comes but once a year and the McGurty family are among those helping to spread the festive cheer. In the warm and cosy confines of the cafe at Shepley Bridge Marina in Mirfield, West Yorkshire – home to…
Continue reading »