Towpath Talk

BROADS AUTHORITY: 5.9% fee increase

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Web Editor

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December 30, 2024

THOUSANDS of boat owners and Norfolk Broads waterway businesses will pay an extra 5.9% in navigation fees this coming year. The Broads Authority agreed the rise but has set a budget which will mean cuts in its own services. It has contacted the Environment Minister Steve Reed for help, saying its current model of funding…
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CLIMATE CHANGE: £85m bill

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Web Editor

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December 28, 2024

THE Canal & River Trust spent £85m in the last financial year on waterway maintenance and repairs, emergency works following floods and storms, and upgrades to reservoirs. In its annual Boater Report, the charity revealed it spent a total of £208.6m in 2023/24 out of income of £237.3m. That included £49m on maintenance and repair…
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WATERWAYS IMPORTANCE AWARENESS: MPs form group

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Web Editor

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December 27, 2024

THE importance of the nation’s waterways could move higher up the political agenda thanks to the formation of a new cross-party group of MPs in Westminster. The Waterways All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) hosted its inaugural meeting in parliament recently, chaired by Labour MP for Sefton Central Bill Esterson. The Inland Waterways Association hopes the 21-strong…
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DREDGING: Completed by canal charity

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Web Editor

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December 24, 2024

BOATERS on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal should find navigation easier thanks to the completion of a six-week dredging programme by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal and River Trust in Wales. The work saw in the region of 300 tonnes of sediment removed from four different locations along the canal. It is part of a comprehensive…
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NO MYSTERY: The new face of the Avon Navigation Trust

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Web Editor

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December 23, 2024

CHART star and actress Toyah Willcox is the new patron of Avon Navigation Trust, with part of her role to try to bring young people to the waterways. The Worcestershire-based star, who has shone on stage, screen, in the pop charts and more recently on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has taken time out to sprinkle…
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WATERWAYS: Cash needed or closure risked

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December 20, 2024

A PRESSURE group has called on the Government to give more cash to maintain the UK’s waterways – warning a lack of funds may force some rivers and canals to close. Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW), which represents a wide range of river and canal businesses and users but not Canal & River Trust, a charity…
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VOTED: UK’s best marina

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December 19, 2024

A CHESHIRE marina is the best in the UK – according to members of The Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA). Overwater Marina, near Audlem and next to the Shropshire Union Canal, was crowned TYHA Inland Marina of the Year 2024 at the Southampton International Boat Show (see more on the boat show on page 43). The…
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January 2025

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Alex Bestwick

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December 19, 2024

Towpath Talk features everything you need to know about boats, marinas, wildlife, conservation, heritage and superb days out.
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POEM & ARTWORK inspired by canal

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Web Editor

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December 18, 2024

Lucy Wood investigates… THE Canal & River Trust charity and The Poetry Society have announced details of a new collaborative arts project inspired by the historic Sheffield & Tinsley Canal. Canal Works is a crowd-sourced poem by acclaimed poet Warda Yassin, and it has inspired a striking new installation by Sheffield-based artist Grace Visions, which…
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CANAL NETWORK: Education for kids

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December 16, 2024

A NEW website aims to educate children and adults alike about the UK’s waterways. The Explorers programme provides a range of free material for primary school-aged children, parents and teachers. Funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery, it will encourage children to connect with nature and enjoy the physical and mental well-being benefits of outdoor learning,…
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GREY HAIR: Too much on the canal?

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Web Editor

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December 14, 2024

Phil Pickin poses a question that many groups associated with the waterways grapple with… what to do to overcome an ageing membership. DURING the IWA’s recent AGM in Leicester, the issue of membership came up. This was not unexpected, and the subject wasn’t discussed simply out of a desire to increase the number of IWA…
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FESTIVE SPIRIT: Safe Anchor Trust

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Web Editor

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December 13, 2024

Sally Clifford meets the family helping to bring the festive spirit to the Safe Anchor Trust. CHRISTMAS comes but once a year and the McGurty family are among those helping to spread the festive cheer. In the warm and cosy confines of the cafe at Shepley Bridge Marina in Mirfield, West Yorkshire – home to…
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CRUISE with Claus

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December 12, 2024

CHILDREN and adults can cruise with Santa Claus from four different locations on the Chesterfield Canal this Christmas. For just £10, you will get to cruise with Father Christmas. Children will get a present and adults will get a drink and a mince pie. The Chesterfield Canal Trust will be running these cruises on all…
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VITAL WORK stops canal and river merging

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Web Editor

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December 11, 2024

EMERGENCY repair work to the UK’s longest canal and adjacent river has prevented the two waterways from merging. Recent heavy rainfall meant flooding from the River Soar found its way into the nearby Grand Union Canal and the increased pressure on canal walls meant vital repairs were necessary. The remote location of the flashpoint meant…
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