News

RCR posts new ‘how to…’ video

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May 19, 2026

River Canal Rescue has posted its latest video on You Tube, explaining how to use a multimeter. The device measures voltage, current and resistance in electrical circuits and enables users to troubleshoot, diagnose and test components such as batteries, outlets, fuses and wiring. Fronted by RCR standards and ethics executive, Kerry Horton, he explains the…
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King’s Speech water reform welcomed — but river protection must not be delayed

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May 18, 2026

The Rivers Trust has welcomed the expected inclusion of the Water Reform Bill in the King’s Speech, describing it as a significant step towards reforming a system it says has failed communities and the environment for decades. The King’s Speech on May 13 is due to include the Water Reform Bill, which the Government is…
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Tons of sediment removed from Ashby Canal to improve boating conditions

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May 16, 2026

Dredging is being carried out on the centuries-old Ashby Canal as part of a series of improvements to help keep boats moving. WORK began in early March and was expected to last for roughly nine weeks, focusing on stretches of canal over a 6km length between Sutton Wharf Bridge, near Sutton Cheney, and Wykin Bridge,…
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Moira Festival, 16/17 May!

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May 15, 2026

Moira festival returns with nostalgic wartime flypast MOIRA Canal Festival returns to the historic Moira Furnace on the banks of the restored Ashby Canal on May 16/17 May, marking its 23rd year. Organisers have lined up a packed programme of on and off-water attractions, from boats and canal activities to the festival’s annual duck race.…
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Wooden wonders and maritime magic

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Mark Lancaster

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May 14, 2026

A LIVELY celebration of Scotland’s maritime heritage is set to return to Portsoy in June, with organisers issuing an open invitation to traditional boats and their crews. The Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, which will take place on June 13-14, is expected to draw more than 13,000 visitors to the town’s historic 17th‑century harbour, creating one…
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Shropshire Union Canal Society May 2026 work party report

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Mark Lancaster

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May 13, 2026

Phase 2 is taking shape. Over 5 days a great deal was achieved. “The normal work party pattern is three days over Friday to Sunday, but on this occasion, both Wednesday and Thursday were included to provide two days of preparation”. Said restoration project manager, Tom Fulda, “The primary activities were to finish profiling a sufficient…
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Could you step up for our waterways?

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May 12, 2026

As volunteers around the country are praised for their contributions to the work of the Canal & River Trust through its annual awards ceremony, you have the chance to join them and make a difference. BEING recognised for their exceptional contributions, dedication and community spirit was a proud moment for many a volunteer within the…
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How engineers kept waterways alive through stormy winter

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May 11, 2026

THE Canal & River Trust has put the finishing touches to its substantial winter programme of repairs aimed at safeguarding the nation’s historic waterways. The multi-million-pound maintenance operation, carried out between November and March to avoid the peak boating season, this year centred on replacing more than 100 worn-out lock gates, each nearing the end…
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Coombeswood Canal Trust Open Weekend & Boat Gathering returns to Hawne Basin this June

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May 9, 2026

Visitors are invited to Hawne Basin in Halesowen this June as the Coombeswood Canal Trust hosts its annual Open Weekend & Boat Gathering, celebrating the Dudley No.2 Canal and the work of the trust. Taking place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2026 between 11am and 4.30pm, the event promises a packed waterside weekend…
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RCR helps boaters manage rising costs

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May 8, 2026

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on households across the UK, River Canal Rescue (RCR) says its Replacement Parts Cover (RPC) is helping boaters keep expenses under control. Included as standard with RCR’s bronze, silver and gold memberships, RPC covers both the cost of specified replacement parts and labour following sudden, unforeseen mechanical…
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Themed weekends set for Standedge Tunnel

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May 7, 2026

The Canal & River Trust, the Huddersfield Canal Society and the Friends of Standedge are set to bring Tunnel End and Standedge Tunnel to life in 2026 with a run of four themed weekends in 2026, each designed to draw families to Marsden for activities on and off the water. After a strong start at…
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River Canal Rescue more course dates released

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May 6, 2026

River Canal Rescue has released more dates for its two-day diesel engine and boat maintenance course, running at its Stafford HQ. Places are available on 13/14 & 27/28 May, and 10/11 & 24/25 June. The course covers how to maintain diesel engines and the systems within a narrowboat, such as propulsion, cooling, engine servicing and…
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Stafford Riverway Link to host open weekend

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May 5, 2026

The Stafford Riverway Link (SRL) community group will host an open weekend on 16–17 May, from 10am to 5pm, inviting visitors to learn more about its restoration efforts and future plans. The free event will take place on land off Baswich Lane in Stafford, near bridge 101 on the Staffs & Worcs Canal and opposite…
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Call for papers for UK Maritime Heritage Forum 2026

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May 4, 2026

THE UK Maritime Heritage Forum has opened a call for papers ahead of its 2026 conference, to be held on October 20-22 at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham. The venue, spanning 80 acres and more than 400 years of shipbuilding history, will host professionals from across the maritime heritage sector for three days of discussion, reflection,…
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