News

Sandford sinkings: Boaters lose homes in Thames weir incident

by

Phil Pickin

–

October 4, 2022

A COUPLE have been left homeless after an incident on the River Thames in which a weir was emptied, causing their boat to sink. Two other boats on residential moorings also sank after the weir gate was opened at the Sandford weir structure, causing the water level to plummet rapidly. The incident happened near the…
Continue reading »
Remembering the ‘father of English canals’

by

Mark Lancaster

–

October 3, 2022

SEPTEMBER 27, 2022, marked the 250th anniversary of the death of ‘the father of English canals’, engineer James Brindley. On that day, his last canal – the North Oxford – had reached just below Hillmorton Locks. Local canal heritage group, the Old Mortonians, planned for years to mark the occasion but, according to chairman Ian…
Continue reading »
WATERWAYS’ WINTER WORK PROGRAMME FOR 2022-23 ANNOUNCED

by

Web Editor

–

September 30, 2022

The Canal & River Trust has announced its winter works programme 2022-23, providing details of the major repairs and canal improvements the charity will be carrying out between November and March. 48 waterways will benefit from 172 large-scale works to repair masonry and brickwork, fix leaks, update and install hydraulics and electrics at mechanised structures,…
Continue reading »
Thames Flotilla, September 24th 2022

by

Janet Richardson

–

September 29, 2022

Towpath Talk Editor, Janet Richardson reports: AS DUSK fell over the River Thames in central London on Saturday September 24, the Reflections flotilla of around 150 boats, motorised and manpowered – all decorated in thousands of white lights – started from Albert Bridge. I was a guest on Andrew and Frances Phasey’s narrowboat Doris Katia…
Continue reading »
IWA Launches Comprehensive Resource for Waterways Organisations Seeking Funding

by

Web Editor

–

September 28, 2022

Taking advantage of its unique position as the only independent, national charity dedicated to supporting and regenerating all of Britain’s navigable rivers and canals, the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has produced a new report, Waterways for Today, which can be used by waterways organisations to highlight the value and importance of the waterways network. This is particularly relevant for anyone…
Continue reading »
Servicing reminder!

by

Web Editor

–

September 27, 2022

River Canal Rescue is reminding boat owners to book a service so they’re cruising-ready for next year. RCR engineers are available up until mid-March, at set times, to undertake engine servicing and inspections, and prices start at £150. By ensuring everything is in working order now, the breakdown and assistance firm says it will reduce…
Continue reading »
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT STARTS TO RESTORE TODDBROOK RESERVOIR

by

Web Editor

–

September 26, 2022

Major construction work has now started to restore Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge. The project is likely to cost around £15 million and take around two years to complete, with the reservoir due to reopen in late 2024. The Canal & River Trust charity which cares for the reservoir and 2,000 miles of waterways across…
Continue reading »
Book and music shop opens in Stonehouse

by

Web Editor

–

September 24, 2022

WHETHER it’s a classic vinyl album you’ve been searching for or that rare cookery book from another century you are sure to find it at one of the largest book and music shops in the area. On the back of a very successful first year in Brimscombe, the Cotswold Canals Trust has just opened its…
Continue reading »
Towpath ‘ton-up boys’ and Crickheath South project starts

by

Web Editor

–

September 23, 2022

THE second August work party was well attended by Shropshire Union Canal volunteers despite being in the middle of the holiday season. The weather again was very kind, which resulted in another very productive three days. Its principal aim was to develop as much of the towpath reconstruction as possible. The complete 330m length has…
Continue reading »
Lock gate project shortlisted for technical innovation award

by

Web Editor

–

September 20, 2022

AN INNOVATIVE fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) lock gate project carried out by ECS Engineering Services has been shortlisted for Technical Innovation of the Year at The London Construction Awards. Installed at Sunbury Dry Dock on the River Thames for the Environment Agency, the lock gates are the first set constructed from moulded FRP in the UK.…
Continue reading »
Riverside Museum, Reading!

by

Web Editor

–

September 17, 2022

Nicola Lisle continues her museum series with a visit to this delightful museum on the River Kennet. THE Riverside Museum in Reading is one of the town’s unexpected delights. A branch of Reading Museum, it is housed in a Victorian sewage pumping station at Blake’s Lock, just outside the town centre and close to the…
Continue reading »
Annual Balsam Bashing!

by

Web Editor

–

September 16, 2022

NINETEEN volunteers recently turned up at Haslam Park, Preston, for what has become an annual event – the Balsam Bash. It was a record turnout with members of IWA Lancashire & Cumbria Branch, Lancaster Canal Trust and Friends of Haslam Park taking part. The Lancaster Canal borders the park and so far, not a lot…
Continue reading »
Campaigners win battle to protect boaters’ facilities

by

Web Editor

–

September 15, 2022

THANKS to campaigning from IWA, Fox Boats and the Middle Level Commissioners, Fenland District Council has reversed its decision to remove the important boaters’ facilities block on March Riverside. When local IWA members first learned about the March Future High Street Fund, they were delighted that it recognised the potential of the waterway passing through…
Continue reading »
Happy birthday Staffs and Worcs!

by

Phil Pickin

–

September 14, 2022

August bank holiday weekend saw a significant birthday being celebrated by the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Society – the 250th anniversary of the opening of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal. The waterway between the River Severn and Autherley opened in 1772, and to mark the event, a rally, attracting around 26 boats, was held just…
Continue reading »

News

Latest Issue

Free Digital Issue

Search

Tags