Shannon Butcher

The Lion Salt Works Museum provides free access to collections and educational support

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Shannon Butcher

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April 10, 2020

Staff at the Lion Salt Works Museum, part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s group of four museums are determined to connect with audiences through social media and their website while the doors are temporarily closed. Using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the Museum’s own website, visitors, both young and old, can enjoy pictures from the…
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Tune in to wildlife during tough times

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Shannon Butcher

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April 8, 2020

The Wildlife Trusts have created wonderful online nature activities to encourage everyone to tune in to wildlife at home this spring – and to help people find solace in nature during tough times. Spot bees, butterflies, bats and birds during your permitted local walk, keep children entertained with nature-themed crafts, or tune in to look…
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Birds nesting in ‘eggstraordinary’ places

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Shannon Butcher

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April 8, 2020

Spring has truly sprung in the UK and blossom buds are bursting, birds are singing their morning melodies of the dawn chorus and flitting and from their nesting sites in search of materials. Despite everything that’s going in the world at the moment, nature is still open for business and carrying on doing its thing…
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Update: Temporary repair to Toddbrook Dam

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Shannon Butcher

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April 8, 2020

The Canal & River Trust charity has achieved a significant milestone in the important temporary repair project to enhance the resilience of Toddbrook Dam’s damaged auxiliary spillway. Working with main contractors Kier and Mott Macdonald, the Trust has carefully excavated into the dam wall and installed a concrete ‘cut off beam’ which sits on top…
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Call for Towpath Talk readers to share photos of canal life in isolation

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Shannon Butcher

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March 27, 2020

We are experiencing unprecedented times on our waterways as we all strive to support the national effort to keep people safe. While the towpaths remain open, use of them should now be strictly limited; no fishing is allowed until further notice; the public are being asked to avoid any stretches with boats moored alongside; and…
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What’s inside Towpath Talk’s April issue?

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Shannon Butcher

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March 26, 2020

In the April issue of Towpath Talk, we’re keeping up with Covid-19 updates*, continued clean-ups, completed projects and much more. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the UK’s number ONE read for all waterways users. Regularly topping 100 pages, it features everything you need to know about boats, marinas, wildlife, conservation, heritage and superb days out.…
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Letter calls for crisis support to save businesses

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Shannon Butcher

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March 24, 2020

A joint letter calling for urgent support to prevent the collapse of waterways businesses due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been sent to Defra. It is signed by Lesley Robinson, Chief Executive, British Marine; Richard Parry, Chief Executive, Canal & River Trust; and John Packman, Chief Executive, Broads Authority, and addressed to MP…
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UPDATE: RCR raised capsized narrowboat on River Soar

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Shannon Butcher

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March 24, 2020

River Canal Rescue raised the capsized narrowboat at Barrow, on the River Soar, on Wednesday 25 March. Torrential rain and surging water caused the boat to break its moorings, sending it down river to bridge 30 where it became wedged. The vessel was left in a precarious position, with the bow in the air and…
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RYA provides coronavirus advice to members, clubs, class associations and training centres

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Shannon Butcher

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March 24, 2020

Like every employer the RYA has had to take steps, in line with Government advice, to safeguard the health of staff and help to limit the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Although the majority of staff are now working from home, the RYA’s foremost priority is to ensure that they continue to provide advice and…
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Hire boat firm slashes cancellation times

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Shannon Butcher

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March 23, 2020

When being in the open air and away from other people and busy places takes on a new importance, it seems canal boats may be the answer to a safe holiday this year – or even somewhere fun to self-isolate? But the nature of the current crisis means customers may need to make last minute…
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NABO request extensions on expiring BSS certifications

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Shannon Butcher

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March 20, 2020

The National Association of Boat Owners Council has recently contacted the Boat Safety Scheme in an effort to request extensions on expiring BSS certifications. They argue that, in the present circumstances, an extension of three months in the first instance on expiring BSS certifications would be justified. With many boaters having to self-isolate or commit…
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Canal & River Trust: “Our response to coronavirus”

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Shannon Butcher

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March 19, 2020

The Canal & River Trust have released a response in regards to the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK. In these unprecedented times, our priority is to support the national effort to keep people safe, following the Government’s advice and taking the appropriate action to protect our colleagues and partners, and everyone who visits, or lives…
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Book review: “A Delight for all Boaters”

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Shannon Butcher

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March 17, 2020

“WHAT a wonderful surprise I had when starting to read We Don’t Go Far But We Do See Life,” said reviewer, Les Heath. “Author Keith Harris had been musical director of the annual festival at Saul, dubbed Folk On The Water. I was there with my boat in 2006 when 12,000 people attended and £50,000…
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Crick Boat Show 2020 to be re-scheduled

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Shannon Butcher

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March 16, 2020

With Crick Boat Show due to take place over the Late May Bank Holiday weekend (23-25 May), organisers have been closely monitoring the evolving public health advice regarding Covid-19 and have taken the decision to re-schedule the 2020 Show. The annual event, which takes place at Crick Marina near Daventry, is organised by Waterways World…
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