News

WIN!! a year’s subscription (delivery) to Towpath Talk

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December 5, 2025

To celebrate River Canal Rescue’s 25th anniversary this year, managing director Stephanie Horton, has been giving away prizes each month. In this issue, 10 Towpath Talk readers can win a year’s free subscription, worth £22 each if paying by Direct Debit. This means you’d get Towpath Talk delivered, to you! RCR is a regular contributor to Towpath Talk, so…
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MAJOR FUNDING SECURED to safeguard the future of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

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December 5, 2025

The future of one of Wales’ most cherished waterways has just received a significant boost. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal – a vital lifeline for local wildlife, businesses, and tourism – will continue to flow thanks to a long-term funding commitment announced by the Welsh Government. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies confirmed that the Welsh…
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REMEMBERING Dinah Hutchinson – founder of the London Canal Museum

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December 4, 2025

The inland waterways community is paying tribute to Dinah Hutchinson (née Burford), a pioneering figure who dedicated her life to preserving the history, heritage and culture of Britain’s canal-working families. Mrs Hutchinson died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 4, aged 90, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the way the public understands and…
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£6.46 MILLION Secures Restoration of Stroudwater Canal’s ‘Missing Mile’ After 70 Years

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December 3, 2025

ONE of the UK’s largest and most significant waterway restoration projects has secured £6.46 million in funding, paving the way for the Stroudwater Navigation to reconnect with the national canal network for the first time in over 70 years. Through the Cotswold Canals Connected (CCC) partnership, the stretch of canal between Stonehouse and Saul will…
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WIGAN CANAL reopens to boats after water main burst

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December 2, 2025

BOATS have returned to cruising the seven-mile length of the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Wigan following its closure due to a burst water main back in August. Engineers at the Canal & River Trust worked with United Utilities, which owns the water main, to carry out a bespoke repair to the canal bank between Poolstock Lock and Bamfurlong…
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MOORING PLAN allows for places trading

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December 1, 2025

A MOORING benefits scheme is proving a hit with customers of Aquavista, which runs 32 marinas with more than 5300 berths around the UK. When customers moor with the operator via an annual contract, they gain access to Explore 100. It means they get more than just a mooring at their chosen marina – they…
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STAYING SAFE around water is crucial

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November 29, 2025

Dramatic scenes unfolded at a West Yorkshire marina – but it was all in the name of training. Sally Clifford went along to find out more. THE serenity of the canal was momentarily disturbed by the cries of ‘man overboard.’ While the sight of a body in the water may have been alarming for those…
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CANAL BOAT DIARIES Series 7 now filming

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November 28, 2025

WATERWAYS explorer Robbie Cumming will be back on the small screen in 2026 as the star of Canal Boat Diaries series seven. The popular programme, which will again be aired on U&YESTERDAY and UKTV’s free streaming service, U, is being filmed now. Robbie will begin a brand-new journey around the UK from Wales to West…
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CANAL MANIA documented in new film

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November 27, 2025

Dan also looks into the stories of the people who inspired and designed the canals in Georgian and Victorian Britain – famous names like Josiah Wedgwood, Thomas Brindley, Thomas Telford – and the armies of humble navvies who did the dirty work. He said: “Thank goodness the industrial pioneers of 250 years ago built canals!…
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MUSEUM FOCUS: Industrial gem in Bristol

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November 26, 2025

Nicola Lisle, in words and pictures, discovers an historic boatyard open to visitors at the heart of Bristol’s famous Floating Harbour. Clifton’s iconic Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain grab the lion’s share of attention in Bristol, but for anyone with an interest in the history of river and sea trade in this ancient…
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HISTORIC NORTHAMPTONSHIRE working boat celebrates 90th birthday

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November 25, 2025

A historic Northamptonshire working boat which played a key role in fighting fires in London during World War II is set to celebrate her 90th birthday. Sculptor, which is owned by the Canal & River Trust and normally moored outside the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, began her working life in November 1935 when she joined…
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MEET SANTA at Coombeswood Canal Trust’s Winterfest

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November 25, 2025

Coombeswood Canal Trust presents its first Winterfest on Saturday, November 29. All are welcome to attend the fun-filled event which features live seasonal music, hot and cold food, real ale, children’s activities, stalls – and a visit from the man himself, Father Christmas, who will be setting sail on a Santa ferry. Visit Hawne Basin,…
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FOXTON LOCK festive feeling as Christmas illuminations are switching on

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November 24, 2025

Foxton Locks is set to sparkle as the Canal & River Trust invites visitors to one of Leicestershire’s most spectacular Christmas events, taking place on Friday 28 November. The charity, working with Foxton Locks Inn, Foxton Canal Museum and other businesses on site, is organising the event, which will see the historic site decked out…
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A BASIN between times

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November 22, 2025

From Exhall Basin: On a quiet stretch of the Coventry Canal, between the city’s edge and the winding turn at Hawkesbury Junction, lies Exhall Basin, a private mooring site that rests gently between the industrial past and the personal journeys of modern boaters. IT IS not dramatic or sprawling. It is not loud or urban.…
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