News

MATLOCK BATH ILLUMINATIONS

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
ILLUMINATED BOAT PARADE

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
OUR WATERWAYS: How clean are they?

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
NEW CHAIRMAN: Passion for protecting rivers and species

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
BOAT LICENCE FEES for 2026-27

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
CHARACTERS OF THE CUT: Deaine Duffy

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
WINTER MAINTENANCE to span 45 canals

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
END OF WORKS in sight

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
WIN! A narrowboat engine maintenance and repair book

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
RIVERSIDE REGENERATION celebrated in new film

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
AWARDS for those working to keep waterways alive

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
BE A BRICK and buy one!

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
LOCK CLOSURE forces more lorries onto Yorkshire’s roads

by

Web Editor

–

November 4, 2025

THE Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has said the Canal & River Trust’s plan to close Sykehouse Lock, on the New Junction Canal, near Thorne, South Yorkshire, from November 3 to December 19 for bottom and top gate repairs is excessive and disregards the impact on navigation and businesses. The six-week duration of the intended closure…
Continue reading »
FESTIVE FUN and lots of community spirit!

by

Web Editor

–

November 3, 2025

THE Cotswold Canals Trust is looking ahead and preparing for welcoming families aboard its Santa Cruises. Every child will receive a special gift from Father Christmas. The cruises run on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December, with tickets priced at £7 per adult and £10 per child. “These trips aren’t just about festive fun – they…
Continue reading »

News

Latest Issue

Free Digital Issue

Search

Tags