Features

Who trains the trainer?

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May 1, 2026

Way back in nineteen somethng, I spent the best part of a year working towards gaining a Technical Teacher Training Certificate, writes Jonathan Mosse. I mention this not out of any desire to boast, merely as a strong indicator that someone has recognised that merely owning a skill is no guarantee of the ability to…
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Nightfall on the Cut: Security Tips Every Boater Should Know

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March 28, 2026

The winter months make the towpaths very dark in the evenings, so this is a good time to think about personal safety and the security of your most precious things, like your boat, advises the Canal & River Trust. IT’S a sad fact that there are people out there who, if given the opportunity, will…
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Museum Focus: Exploring Maidenhead’s river heritage

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March 26, 2026

The importance of the River Thames in the development of this lovely Berkshire town is brought to life at the Maidenhead Heritage Centre, writes Nicola Lisle. OPENED in 1993, Maidenhead Heritage Centre traces the history of the town from its earliest settlers to the present day through paintings, photographs, posters, models, information boards and other…
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Community mural brings a splash of colour to Doncaster Lock

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February 14, 2026

Volunteers have completed a vibrant mural at Doncaster Lock to celebrate the city’s heritage and encourage more boaters to experience this part of the waterway network. Creation of the mural CREATED by local artist Kate Rhodes, with assistance from volunteer lock keeper and ex-boater Jan Miller, the mural – measuring more than 10 metres long…
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Inside the Narrowboat Interiors Revolution: How Creativity, Community and Clever Design Are Redefining Life on the Cut

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January 22, 2026

The start of a new year often sparks thoughts of fresh beginnings. With brighter days and kinder weather on the horizon, many people turn their attention to DIY projects and interior refreshes. Before picking up a paintbrush, however, it’s worth looking at what’s happening in the ever-evolving world of narrowboat interiors. Narrowboats carry a quiet…
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Winter on the Waterways: A Thank You to Our Community for Sharing the Beauty

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January 15, 2026

Winter can transform the waterways into something quietly magical. Frosted towpaths, still water reflecting pale skies, and locks resting under a soft winter light all reveal a side of canal life that often goes unseen during the busier months. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been genuinely moved by the number of stunning winter photographs…
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CHARACTERS OF THE CUT: Dan Cluett, Cluett Carpentry

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January 13, 2026

A love of narrowboats, combined with a lifelong passion for working with wood, led to the creation of Cluett Carpentry, a family-run business specialising in bespoke furniture and joinery for canal boats. Founder Dan Cluett did not follow a traditional route into carpentry. After studying classics and archaeology at university, he found limited opportunities in…
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WIND-POWERED SHIPPING and the Future of Decarbonising Inland Waterways

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January 8, 2026

Wind-powered merchant shipping has moved from theory to reality, offering a compelling demonstration of how global freight transport can dramatically reduce its carbon footprint. While the direct use of wind power is not suitable for inland waterways, the principles behind it point clearly towards the future of low-carbon freight on canals and rivers. A landmark…
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ALAN FIRTH- probably Britain’s best-known waterways artist (part one)

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December 10, 2025

In this first instalment, Tim Coghlan recalls the life and works, and his own personal memories, of canal artist Alan Firth (1933-2012), once described by the IWA as ‘probably Britian’s best-known waterways artist.’ THERE is one signature painting by Alan Firth which really has most of the elements of his canal artist style, technique and…
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SOLAR Thermal Pyramids

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November 19, 2025

What, you might understandably ask, has doing the weekly wash in sub-Saharan Africa got in common with having a hot shower on the UK inland waterways system? IN both instances, it’s about an affordable form of hot water… in fact, extremely affordable, given that the sun doesn’t send a bill! SolarisKit is a company established…
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NEW CHAIRMAN: Passion for protecting rivers and species

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November 14, 2025

Keen angler Simon Francis has taken over the chairmanship of the Wild Trout Trust’s board of trustees. After an in-depth recruitment process, Simon succeeds Dr Graham Coley, who served for more than 20 years on the trust’s board and five as chairman, and was responsible for guiding the charity through a period of growth and resilience…
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CHARACTERS OF THE CUT: Deaine Duffy

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November 12, 2025

A CHILDHOOD love of Rosie & Jim sowed an early seed of life on the water in the heart of Deaine Duffy, who now lives aboard her narrowboat, Norton, with Frances the cat and boat bunny Henry. However, it took a life-changing accident to finally see that childhood dream come true. Alice Elgie reports… Deaine…
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BCN EXPLORER CRUISE: Turning Strangers into Friends While Championing Forgotten Canals

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August 9, 2025

Towpath Talk follower Wendy Davis provided this report, this society is worth supporting! Between July 6th and 15th, a group of nine boats and total strangers came together for an incredible adventure—cruising some of the less-travelled canals around Birmingham to showcase their hidden beauty, rich history, and to help keep these underused waterways open for…
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MISSING in action

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June 18, 2025

Jonathan Mosse’s monthly look at freight development on the inland waterways… EQUATING the green shoots of spring with by far and away the greenest form of transport on the planet often appears to be something of a challenge to the minds of our politicians and general policy makers. This might partially be explained by an…
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