News

COMMISSION REVIEWING BOAT LICENSING FRAMEWORK DELIVERS REPORT

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November 20, 2025

The Report from the independent Commission set up to review the legal framework around boat licensing and whether it is appropriate for the canal network’s future has been published (19 November). Over the past ten months the Commission, chaired by Andrew Cowan, a former senior partner at law firm Devonshires, has undertaken an extensive review, engaging…
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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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MATLOCK BATH ILLUMINATIONS

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November 18, 2025

Lights, boats, action! THE River Derwent, in Derbyshire, dazzled the crowds as enchanting displays of illuminated boats paraded on the water as part of this year’s Matlock Bath Illuminations. The event, which ran from September 6 to October 26, was a sell-out success, which also featured fireworks and family entertainment. During the eight-week season, Matlock…
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ILLUMINATED BOAT PARADE

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November 17, 2025

Glow with the flow BOATS, beats, and bright lights lit up the night thanks to Retford and Worksop Boat Club. Its Illuminated Boat Parade travelled from Drakeholes to Clayworth, on the Chesterfield Canal, passing through Wiseton, to the delight of spectators. The club was formed in 1961 by enthusiasts with the aim of frustrating British…
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OUR WATERWAYS: How clean are they?

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November 15, 2025

Vital data has been gathered by citizen scientists during two important public campaigns. THE results from the Big River Watch and the Great UK WaterBlitz are being crunched by experts for analysis following the initiatives’ conclusion in September. As reported, the public are asked to record observations of river health twice a year for the…
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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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BOAT LICENCE FEES for 2026-27

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November 13, 2025

The Canal & River Trust is today announcing an increase in boat licence fees for both private boat owners and boating businesses of 4.85% from 1 April 2026. The rise is based on Bank of England forecasts that inflation will remain at around 3.8% through until April 2026. Surcharges for boats without a home mooring…
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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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WINTER MAINTENANCE to span 45 canals

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November 11, 2025

A total of 137 projects to restore and repair the canal network will take place during the colder months. JUST after the last issue of Towpath Talk went to press, the Canal & River Trust announced details of its winter maintenance and preservation programme. Works will span 45 canals and rivers and include 137 separate…
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END OF WORKS in sight

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November 10, 2025

RESTORATION of the Grade II-listed Lambley Viaduct across the River South Tyne is due to be completed ‘very soon.’ The South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society is completing work on the 108ft Victorian structure, built, it is believed, with the involvement of Newcastle-born engineer Sir George Barclay Bruce nearly 175 years ago. Urgent repairs were needed…
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WIN! A narrowboat engine maintenance and repair book

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November 8, 2025

TO celebrate River Canal Rescue’s 25th anniversary, managing director Stephanie Horton is giving away prizes every month, throughout the year. In November, 13 Towpath Talk readers can win a copy of Stephanie’s book, Narrow Boat Engine Maintenance and Repair, worth £20 each. This practical guide details everything you need to know about how to keep…
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RIVERSIDE REGENERATION celebrated in new film

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November 7, 2025

THE traditional market town of Langport, in Somerset, has been given a new lease of life thanks to its revitalized riverside. The £300,000 Langport River Project has transformed 7.6 miles of river into a visitor destination, attracting about 250,000 people a year, helping new cafés, shops and services thrive. Community Cocklemoor meadow and Huish Bridge…
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AWARDS for those working to keep waterways alive

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November 6, 2025

The IWA’s 66th annual general meeting at the Jubilee Conference Centre, Nottingham, welcomed more than 100 attendees in person and online – and also celebrated waterways excellence through the presentation of awards. IWA’s Amy Tillson reports… NATIONAL chair Mike Wills opened the event, followed by campaigns and public affairs director Charlie Norman outlining campaigning priorities…
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BE A BRICK and buy one!

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November 5, 2025

Volunteers are looking to late autumn and the start of the next phase in connecting the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal at Baswich to the town of Stafford. THE chairman of the Stafford Riverway Link, Paul Bryan, said: “The dedicated group of volunteers have continued to make progress on their aim. The holding basin, with room…
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