Phil Pickin

NABO highlights Calor Gas supply shortages

by

Phil Pickin

–

November 23, 2023

FOR many in the boating community, the problems surrounding the availability of Calor Gas have become a part of daily life, something that the National Association of Boat Owners (NABO) highlighted in its October newsletter. In the article, the association stated: “The small 3.9kg and 4.5kg cylinders are virtually unobtainable, and the 6-13kg propane are…
Continue reading »
A fitting final boat

by

Phil Pickin

–

October 24, 2023

I’M NOT about to drop the bombshell news that Electric Dragon is the last boat from Ortomarine. Far from it; the company has an order book that takes it well into 2025. No, Electric Dragon was the last shell to be built by the renowned boat builder Jim Sparks, who for many decades traded as…
Continue reading »
Shropshire volunteers earn award for restoration work

by

Phil Pickin

–

August 16, 2023

THIS year it was Oswestry’s turn to host the Montgomery Canal Forum, which was held in the Aico Centre of Excellence on the outskirts of the town. The impressive and modern venue saw a number of speakers outline the work carried out over the past year, which saw the official opening of the Crickheath basin…
Continue reading »
More good news for the Monty Canal

by

Phil Pickin

–

July 11, 2023

Association of Industrial Archaeology awards grant for tramway wharf restoration The Shropshire Union Canal Society gratefully acknowledges the support of a £14,600 restoration grant from the Association for Industrial Archaeology towards the cost of restoring the historic tramway wharf on the canal at Crickheath. The canal wharf was the terminal of a 2½ mile horse-drawn…
Continue reading »
CRT endeavours to aerate canal

by

Phil Pickin

–

July 5, 2023

A number of dead fish can be seen floating on the canal’s surface close to the locks at Knowle. The sad sight provides graphic proof of the lack of oxygen in many canals due to the record-breaking temperatures recorded in June. CRT are trying to increase the level of oxygen in the water by setting…
Continue reading »
Monty’s Brewery step up to support the Monty Canal

by

Phil Pickin

–

July 4, 2023

Monty’s Brewery has launched Navigation Pale Ale to support the ongoing restoration of the Montgomery Canal, which recently celebrated the opening of another restored section to Crickheath Basin. At the same time, Schoolhouse Bridge, another 300 yds along the canal’s course, is currently being rebuilt – so it’s all going down on the cut. Russ…
Continue reading »
Brilliant Braunston

by

Phil Pickin

–

June 30, 2023

On one of the hottest weekends of the year so far, our senior contributor Phil PIckin brings us a taste of the annual historic rally showing the opening parade and VIP guests including Pete Waterman and David Suchet as well as Dory which went on to be judged best boat. Have a watch!
Continue reading »
West Midlands mayor opens Whitehouse Wharf

by

Phil Pickin

–

June 24, 2023

Report & photos: Phil PIckin WEST Midlands mayor, Andy Street, helped by children from the Tiverton Junior and Infant School, has unveiled an information board to officially open the refurbished Whitehouse Wharf in Selly Oak, Birmingham. The opening attracted significant attention from both members of the Lapal Canal Trust, Canal & River Trust and the…
Continue reading »
Crick Boat Show 2023

by

Phil Pickin

–

May 29, 2023

The Crick Boat Show is in full swing, finishing today. It has been an excellent weekend, blessed by some great weather. Towpath Talk’s Phil Pickin was on hand to capture the atmosphere! #crick2023 #crickboatshow #towpathtalk #canals #canalsandrivers #narrowboat #rivers #waterways #lifeonthecut #boating #boats #canallife #canallifeuk
Continue reading »
Regeneration plans for historic Welshpool wharf

by

Phil Pickin

–

May 13, 2023

OVER recent months Powys County Council’s successful bid for Levelling Up funds has, at times, proved to be somewhat controversial. This controversy hasn’t been a reaction to the council’s proposals for the Montgomery Canal but more the reaction by a number of local organisations to these proposals. Towpath Talk readers have also voiced their opinions…
Continue reading »
Proposals to ban powered boats on the Montgomery Canal

by

Phil Pickin

–

February 28, 2023

THE Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust sparked concerns recently when it put forward a proposal to ban powered craft on the Montgomery Canal. These concerns sparked a number of reports in the local press, with both sides of the argument urging supporters to take part in online surveys set up to gauge public opinion. Powys County Council…
Continue reading »
The state of the waterways: a real-time picture

by

Phil Pickin

–

January 3, 2023

ALTHOUGH you may not have heard of it, Planet Patrol mobilised more than 1000 people to participate in its Autumn Water Watch to locations across the UK. Over three days in October, the environmental non-profit organisation co-ordinated the activities of concerned individuals who recorded a series of observations looking at the pollution levels in their…
Continue reading »
Tanat Feeder dredging under way

by

Phil Pickin

–

December 12, 2022

THE Tanat Feeder, an important source of water for the Montgomery Canal which brings in water from the River Tanat above the locks at Carreghofa, is undergoing some major dredging work. This is being carried out as part of the Levelling Up Fund [LUF] works being undertaken on the Montgomery Canal. The hope, expressed by…
Continue reading »
Vegetation and dredging are major issues

by

Phil Pickin

–

October 27, 2022

THE issues of uncut vegetation and what was seen as a lack of dredging in the West Midlands were just a couple of the standout issues raised during the recent Canal & River Trust regional users’ forum meeting. Many users attended the meeting hosted by the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society in the Titford Pump House.…
Continue reading »