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Duck collector is not quackers

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November 4, 2023

Words & photos: Les Heath WHEN Pete Gammond and his late partner Jeanette began collecting rubber ducks for their narrowboat Andromeda, her justification for their unusual hobby was: “The important thing is it makes people smile.” That was around 18 years ago and although Jeanette died three years ago Pete has ensured her legacy lives…
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New community barge gets royal sail of approval

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November 3, 2023

WALKERS on the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal towpath were astonished recently to see HRH, The Princess Royal, steering a 57ft-long barge into Sheffield city centre. Princess Anne had flown in by helicopter to view the work of the Ethel Trust, an award-winning charity, providing day and residential waterways experiences for disadvantaged groups in South Yorkshire.…
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Canal boss volunteers for a day!

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November 1, 2023

CHIEF executive of the Canal & River Trust Richard Parry swapped his day job for volunteering when he joined the crew of Chesterfield Canal Trust work boat Python. The 94-year-old ex-British Waterways narrowboat is used for clean-ups along the canal, partially sponsored by CRT. It is crewed by volunteers and is usually out working for…
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A Spooktacular success at Mercia Marina

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October 30, 2023

Spirits of the spooky kind were present at Mercia Marina for a weekend of witchcraft as many visitors headed to the Derbyshire destination marina to see Halloween displays and enter a ghoulish Halloween costume competition. Performers dressed as Wednesday Adams, Jack Skellington, Harry Potter, Zombie Bell, and Deadpool hit the Boardwalk to shop and scare.…
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Nominations invited to join Canal & River Trust’s Council of Members

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October 28, 2023

The Canal & River Trust charity is inviting people to put themselves forward for election to sit on its Council. Those elected will serve a term of four years on the Council, which is responsible for the appointment of the charity’s trustees, provides guidance and perspective from different stakeholders, and acts as a sounding board…
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First aid for all the family

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October 26, 2023

WHETHER you’re taking a boating holiday with the family or just a day out with the kids, it’s always handy to have a first aid kit in your bag for those little mishaps. Dragon’s Den viewers may remember Mini First Aid securing an investment from Sara Davies. The brand is best known for delivering award-winning…
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Clearwater Boats trial new all-electric Wilderness Beaver on River Trent

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October 25, 2023

I MET Laurie Lavender of Clearwater Boats at Farndon Marina where he was trialling the all-electric, 23ft long Wilderness Beaver, writes Alison Alderton. Now fabricated in Bilsthorpe, Nottinghamshire, the latest Beaver is assembled from three constituent parts: the roof, body and modified hull, now increased to 10mm thick glass fibre, to cope with the ‘rough…
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Storm Babet canal damage: counting the cost of climate change

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October 23, 2023

The Canal & River Trust, the national canal charity, is working across its 2,000 miles of historic canals and navigable rivers to respond to the damage left by Storm Babet. Hundreds of trees have been blown down, and the canal network has suffered structural damage, including towpaths washed away, a landslide on the Worcester &…
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Vandals deface new canalside mural

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October 21, 2023

A STRIKING new large-scale art mural along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Leeds has been defaced in a thoughtless act of vandalism – less than 24 hours before it was due to be celebrated at a public unveiling. But Canal & River Trust, who secured funding for the 25-foot artwork, is determined that the local and wider…
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Noble Marine Insurance provides support during cost of living crisis

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October 21, 2023

THE cost of living crisis has swept across the UK and impacted most monthly and annual household expenses. For those living on a narrowboat, this means increases in costs such as licences, fuel, maintenance, groceries, mooring fees and insurance. As a market leader in marine insurance, Noble Marine Insurance prides itself on always putting its…
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Fishing celebration brings global communities to UK canal

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October 20, 2023

On 21 October 2023, young people with ancestral connections to 39 countries will gather at Market Drayton on the Shropshire Union Canal to participate in a global angling event. Hosted by national charity Canal & River Trust, the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration brings together young people from all backgrounds. The communities represented include Bangladesh, China,…
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Chief executive resigns from IWA

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October 19, 2023

PROFESSOR Sarah Niblock has resigned her position as chief executive of the Inland Waterways Association. IWA is extremely fortunate to have the interim support of some highly experienced volunteers who, along with an enthusiastic trustee team, will cover the position in the short term. National chairman Les Etheridge said: “IWA would like to thank Sarah…
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Building better access in Selly Oak Park

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October 18, 2023

THE Lapal Canal Trust was recently fortunate to host 12 volunteers from the Waterway Recovery Group for a week to help with restoration work on the Dudley No 2 Canal in Selly Oak Park. They took on the task of starting work on an accessibility path linking the towpath to the bridge built in 1797…
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West Country canal trust appeals for help

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October 17, 2023

FRIENDS of the Grand Western Canal Trust are promoting plans to develop a wildlife and heritage corridor along the Somerset section which is mostly not in water and often overlooked. The canal once linked Tiverton with Taunton as a flourishing trading route. And following a meeting last autumn, it became clear from the enthusiastic feedback…
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