News

Hayes Canal Festival returns with day of fun

by

Janet Richardson

–

June 4, 2024

A SUNDAY of fun on the canal is returning with the annual Hayes Canal Festival confirmed for Sunday June 23, 2024. The event, run by the Canal & River Trust, has been made possible this year through the generous financial support from Colt Data Centre Services and building services company T Clarke. There will be…
Continue reading »
CRT customer service facilities update

by

Janet Richardson

–

May 31, 2024

THE Canal & River Trust is looking to fill gaps between its boater facilities to bring them in line with its policy to ensure a consistent level of service. Over the past year, the trust has been rolling out fully contactless payment options on pump out machines, modernising the facilities, making them more robust, and…
Continue reading »
Head to Ware Boat Festival

by

Scootering Web Editor

–

May 31, 2024

JOIN the IWA Lee and Stort branch at the beautiful and historic market town of Ware on the upper reaches of the River Lee for Ware Boat Festival from Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7. Friday evening is the riverside barbecue, Saturday afternoon is the themed boat parade and boat handling competition, Saturday evening…
Continue reading »
Restoration projects update

by

Scootering Web Editor

–

May 29, 2024

THE Annual Waterway Restoration Conference attracted more than 100 delegates this April. The event, jointly organised by the Inland Waterways Association and Canal & River Trust, was opened by Julie Sharman, chief operating officer at Canal & River Trust. The theme this year focused on inclusion, collaboration, training, skills and sustainable planning. Keynote speakers included Eoin Harris…
Continue reading »
Boost to Grand Western Canal visitor experience

by

Scootering Web Editor

–

May 28, 2024

VISITORS to the Grand Western Canal Country Park can now benefit from a range of new facilities to help them make the most of a trip to this charming waterway in mid-Devon. The canal visitor centre now features two new video display screens, each playing a choice of several short film clips, including some spectacular…
Continue reading »
Museum launches new deaf character

by

Janet Richardson

–

May 28, 2024

VISITORS to Dudley’s Black Country Living Museum during half term will meet ‘David Smith’, a new historic character. He represents real people’s memories sharing the importance of the deaf community and how deaf clubs flourished during the 1960s, as well as the barriers in society that they have historically faced. David has been developed as…
Continue reading »
Waverley will fly pennant with pride

by

Scootering Web Editor

–

May 24, 2024

By Hugh Dougherty THE world’s only seagoing paddle steamer will fly a special pennant with pride this season, as Paddle Steamer Waverley has been awarded the prestigious status of National Flagship of the Year by National Historic Ships UK. The body says that the award recognises the breadth and geographic coverage of the iconic paddler’s…
Continue reading »
Less boats – and licences – in London & South East

by

Janet Richardson

–

May 24, 2024

THE Canal & River Trust’s National Boat Count, conducted in the spring each year, has seen a 1.4% drop in boat numbers on its network across England and Wales. It also saw a 1.2% increase in unlicensed boats, meaning licence compliance now stands at 91.8%. Nationally, 32,602 boats were recorded on the trust’s enforceable waters,…
Continue reading »
Museum’s stolen tilley lamps recovered

by

Janet Richardson

–

May 24, 2024

THREE ‘Tilley’ lamps stolen from the National Waterway Museum Ellesmere Port have been recovered thanks to the keen eye of a Canal & River Trust volunteer who spotted them for sale on eBay. The trust’s museums team alerted the police, who recovered the items. The seller is now assisting police. CRT manager of national collections…
Continue reading »
Gloucester bridge reopens to tall ships

by

Janet Richardson

–

May 23, 2024

THE Canal & River Trust is preparing to welcome a flotilla of vessels into Gloucester for the popular Tall Ships Festival following repairs to a major lift bridge. During an inspection, cracks were found at the base of a mast on High Orchard Bridge, which carries St Ann Way over the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal…
Continue reading »
Canal restoration gets under way in Staveley

by

Janet Richardson

–

May 23, 2024

THE Chesterfield Canal Trust celebrated the start of its latest phase of restoration with a groundbreaking ceremony at Staveley on Friday May 17. Lee Rowley MP, Toby Perkins MP and Coun Tricia Gilby, leader of Chesterfield Borough Council and vice-chairman of the Staveley Town Deal Board, were joined by Tony Mitchell, a director of O’Brien…
Continue reading »
Derby Bustler Market makes Mercia Marina home for event

by

Janet Richardson

–

May 22, 2024

GET ready for a sensational day of food, fun and family-friendly entertainment as Derby’s beloved Bustler Market brings its vibrant street food scene to Mercia Marina on Saturday June 1 from 11am to 6pm. Established in 2017, Bustler Market has become an award-winning street food event, known for its lively atmosphere and top-notch vendors. This…
Continue reading »
Black Sluice Lock marks 15 years in service

by

Scootering Web Editor

–

May 22, 2024

THE Black Sluice Lock in Lincolnshire has now been in service for 15 years since its official opening on Friday, March 20, 2009. Following the demolition of the old lock and the fixed sluice, a new lock was constructed on the River Witham tideway at the south end of the Black Sluice complex, marking the…
Continue reading »
TV personality to open upgraded towpath

by

Janet Richardson

–

May 20, 2024

CANAL Boat Diaries presenter Robbie Cumming is to officially open the upgraded canal towpath from Wendover to Halton. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 1pm on Friday, June 28 at the entrance from the towpath to Walnut Tree Meadow, and a host of other activities are planned to take place from 10am to…
Continue reading »