News

  • Nightfall on the Cut: Security Tips Every Boater Should Know

    Nightfall on the Cut: Security Tips Every Boater Should Know

    by

    –

    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…

    Continue reading »

  • Centuries-old gift keeping tradition afloat

    Centuries-old gift keeping tradition afloat

    by

    –

    Villagers and guests gathered in a Lincolnshire churchyard to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the burial of Nicholas Harby – and honour an unusual bequest. WHEN Nicholas Harby died in 1826, he left behind more than memories – he ensured a living tradition for Harlaxton, in the South Kesteven district of the county, by bequeathing…

    Continue reading »

  • Museum Focus: Exploring Maidenhead’s river heritage

    Museum Focus: Exploring Maidenhead’s river heritage

    by

    –

    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…

    Continue reading »

  • Oustanding! West Midlands canal volunteers

    Oustanding! West Midlands canal volunteers

    by

    –

    The Canal & River Trust has recognised the contribution of volunteers across the West Midlands in its annual awards scheme, supported by The Marsh Charitable Trust. The awards highlight individuals and teams supporting canal operations, environment and community engagement. Volunteering plays a key role in supporting organisations across the country, and the Canal & River…

    Continue reading »

  • Can you lend the trust a hand?

    Can you lend the trust a hand?

    by

    –

    THE Canal & River Trust needs more hands on deck and is inviting people to discover a host of ways to give some time canalside in their local community. Built by hand 250 years ago as the freight arteries that fuelled the Industrial Revolution, canals don’t look after themselves, and generations of people have played…

    Continue reading »

  • Reservoir plan moves forward as waterways access is championed

    Reservoir plan moves forward as waterways access is championed

    by

    –

    Anglian Water, in collaboration with Cambridge Water, is progressing with plans for a new reservoir to be established within the Cambridge Fens. THE Fens Reservoir Project aims to secure a reliable water supply for Cambridge, neighbouring communities, and West Norfolk. The region is among the driest in the UK, and the growing number of technology…

    Continue reading »

  • Join appeal to help keep PeggotyTom IV operational

    Join appeal to help keep PeggotyTom IV operational

    by

    –

    ISLINGTON Boat Club is raising funds for a new engine for its core boat, PeggotyTom IV. Keeping the boat operational is critical to what the club does – without it, youth sessions and training courses are at risk. “For many years, PeggotyTom IV has been more than just a narrowboat. She has been a place…

    Continue reading »

  • Race to a greener future – but is the finish line still out of reach?

    Race to a greener future – but is the finish line still out of reach?

    by

    –

    Jonathan Mosse reports: Some folk reading recent pieces in this column might feel that I’ve been a little harsh regarding the potential of hydrogen when looking at alternative fuels. In the interests of balance, here is a round-up of where on the road to sustainable propulsion this fuel resides today. OVER the past five years…

    Continue reading »

  • Fish rescue begins at Whitchurch following canal breach

    Fish rescue begins at Whitchurch following canal breach

    by

    –

    Waterways charity, Canal & River Trust, is completing an important ecological milestone in the recovery from December’s canal breach on the Llangollen Canal at Whitchurch.  Around 1,000 fish washed into a neighbouring farmer’s field are being rescued and safely returned to the canal. The pool of water in the field, which was up to six…

    Continue reading »

  • Chair sought to navigate association in the future

    Chair sought to navigate association in the future

    by

    –

    The Northern Canals Association is appealing for a new chairperson to take over the helm. THE group was set up in 1991 with the aim of enabling restoration societies to visit other’s sites, where the host would discuss their possibilities, plans and problems. Over the years, its meetings have ranged far and wide in location,…

    Continue reading »

  • Fin-tastic revival of West Country rivers

    Fin-tastic revival of West Country rivers

    by

    –

    THOUSANDS of fresh fish have been introduced to rivers, lakes and ponds in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire by the Environment Agency. The seasonal restocking of lakes and fisheries in need of a piscine boost has taken place thanks to 6750 of coarse fish reared by the agency’s Calverton Fish Farm, near Nottingham. Money from rod…

    Continue reading »

  • Easter historic boat gathering heralds golden anniversary year at Ellesmere Port

    Easter historic boat gathering heralds golden anniversary year at Ellesmere Port

    by

    –

    The Canal & River Trust will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port with its annual Easter Historic Boat Gathering, taking place from 3–6 April 2026. Around 40 decorated narrowboats and barges are expected to attend the popular event, which takes place at the museum’s historic dock site at the…

    Continue reading »

  • Back to Braunston: Pete Waterman to open 2026 rally

    Back to Braunston: Pete Waterman to open 2026 rally

    by

    –

    Legendary music mogul Pete Waterman will officially open this year’s Braunston Marina Rally & Canal Festival at the helm of narrowboat President. THE 1980s pop icon and prolific steam enthusiast will return to the marina on June 27 and 28 for the famous rally, back for its 22nd year. Sponsored by Towpath Talk, it is…

    Continue reading »

  • Residents invited to drop-in sessions about Brewood Bridge repair plans

    Residents invited to drop-in sessions about Brewood Bridge repair plans

    by

    –

    Waterways charity, the Canal & River Trust, is inviting residents, businesses and boaters to attend two drop-in sessions to learn more about plans to repair Brewood Bridge and the proposed timeline for the works. These informal sessions will give local people the opportunity to speak directly with the project team, ask questions, and find out…

    Continue reading »