Towpath Talk

RCR helps boaters manage rising costs

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Web Editor

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May 8, 2026

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on households across the UK, River Canal Rescue (RCR) says its Replacement Parts Cover (RPC) is helping boaters keep expenses under control. Included as standard with RCR’s bronze, silver and gold memberships, RPC covers both the cost of specified replacement parts and labour following sudden, unforeseen mechanical…
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May 2026

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Alex Bestwick

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April 21, 2026

Towpath Talk features everything you need to know about boats, marinas, wildlife, conservation, heritage and superb days out.
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Dive into story of the Nottingham Canal

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Mark Lancaster

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April 13, 2026

The Nottingham Canal is the subject of an illustrated talk by Bernard Chell, taking place on Friday, April 17 from 7.30pm at Darwin Hall, Heathcot Place, Lichfield, WS13 6RQ. It has been organised by the IWA Lichfield Branch, and non-members are welcome to attend.
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Mud, grit and hedge-laying spirit: volunteers push canal restoration forward

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Web Editor

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March 4, 2026

It was a case of “mud, glorious mud” at the Shropshire Union Canal Society’s latest work party, said restoration project manager Tom Fulda. “This winter is characterised by persistent rainfall,” he explained. “The current area of site is generally well drained, but that counts for nowt when plant tracks over it.” But recent bad weather…
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Go behind the scenes of lock restoration at Chesterfield Canal open day

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Web Editor

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February 16, 2026

The Canal & River Trust is giving members of the public the opportunity to get an up-close view of newly installed lock gates at Stret Lock in Worksop to highlight what it takes to look after the nation’s centuries-old canal network. The trust has replaced two sets of lock gates on the narrow beam lock…
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Repeat boat registration offenders return to court after failing to pay Thames fees

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Web Editor

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February 5, 2026

Seven repeat boat owners have appeared in court for a second time after failing to pay annual Environment Agency registration fees on the non-tidal River Thames. The cases follow patrols at Penton Hook marina and form part of ongoing enforcement action against registration evasion. Seven reoffending boat owners have faced a second appearance in court…
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River Canal Rescue course date reminder

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Web Editor

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February 4, 2026

River Canal Rescue still has places on its two-day diesel engine and boat maintenance courses, running at its Stafford HQ on 18/19 February, plus 4/5 and 18/19 March. The course covers how to maintain diesel engines and the systems within a narrowboat, such as propulsion, cooling, engine servicing and fault finding, and will be led…
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People in Northamptonshire invited to celebrate canal wildlife at free nature event in Stoke Bruerne

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Web Editor

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February 3, 2026

The Canal & River Trust is inviting people in Northamptonshire to discover the wonderful wildlife that thrives along their local canals at a special ‘Nurturing Nature’ event, taking place at the Canal Museum in Stoke Bruerne on Saturday 7 February, from 11am–3pm. The charity is bringing together wildlife experts, hands‑on demonstrations and activities designed to…
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River & Rowing Museum seeks ethical new homes for nationally significant collections

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Web Editor

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January 31, 2026

The River & Rowing Museum in Henley-upon-Thames has issued a sector-wide call for expressions of interest for the ethical transfer of its collections, following the museum’s closure to the public in September. The museum is inviting approaches from accredited museums, organisations working towards accreditation, and other public or not-for-profit bodies capable of providing long-term public…
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NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook on the Whitchurch breach

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Web Editor

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January 29, 2026

‘Reason for breach has probably been washed away’ OUR wishes for a peaceful Christmas and prosperous new year were dashed by the news of the breach of the Llangollen Canal at Whitchurch in the early hours of December 22. All of us who have watched the aftermath unfold have been impressed by the response of…
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After the breach: community rallies as canal faces year of repairs

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Web Editor

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January 28, 2026

INTRO: The devastating breach on the Llangollen Canal left boats destroyed, dozens stranded, and families displaced, but the generous response from the boating world and beyond has been heartwarming – as it is expected to take most of 2026 to reinstate the waterway. MORE than £100,000 has been raised to support the three boaters whose…
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LOTTERY FUNDING HELPS Keep Britain’s Historic Canals Open Through Winter Maintenance Programme

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Web Editor

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January 17, 2026

Support from lottery players is helping the Canal & River Trust carry out a vital winter maintenance programme to protect and preserve Britain’s historic canal network during the quieter boating months. Maintaining the nation’s 250-year-old, man-made waterways is a vast, multi-million-pound undertaking. Each winter, when boat traffic is at its lowest, the trust delivers an…
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January 2025

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Alex Bestwick

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January 5, 2026

Towpath Talk features everything you need to know about boats, marinas, wildlife, conservation, heritage and superb days out.
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KING’S AWARD for Voluntary Service Honours Grantham RiverCare for Protecting the River Witham

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Web Editor

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January 3, 2026

Grantham RiverCare has been recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest accolade a voluntary group can receive in the UK and regarded as the equivalent of an MBE. A total of 231 volunteer groups across the country have been honoured this year. The award, previously known as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary…
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