Towpath Talk

  • GREEN FLAGS FOR 565 MILES OF CHARITY’S WATERWAYS

    GREEN FLAGS FOR 565 MILES OF CHARITY’S WATERWAYS

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    The Canal & River Trust is announcing that over a quarter of its canal and river navigations, including urban canals in Manchester and Sheffield, Commonwealth Games-ready waterways in Birmingham, and semi-rural stretches of river in Leicestershire and a navigation in Yorkshire, have been newly awarded prestigious Green Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy.  As the…

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  • Narrowboat TikTokers show us their way of life

    Narrowboat TikTokers show us their way of life

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    Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live on a narrowboat? Or maybe you already do, but want to find inspiration of where to go and what to do? Look no further than TikTok.

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  • Chester: raising the profile of its waterway past

    Chester: raising the profile of its waterway past

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    ALREADY a tourist hotspot with strong links to Roman and medieval times, Chester is increasingly viewing its inland waterways as an additional attraction to bring to the attention of those interested in waterway history. At a recent ceremony, the Lord Mayor of Chester Martyn Delaney unveiled a new public information board titled Northgate Locks and…

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  • Things to Do! Summer holiday family fun at Chichester Canal

    Things to Do! Summer holiday family fun at Chichester Canal

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    Chichester Canal is home this summer to a family of swans with a record-breaking 9 cygnets. As well as family-friendly wildlife, the canal is home to many bugs, butterflies and bees, and this summer the canal volunteers are encouraging families to find out more.   The Chichester Ship Canal Trust, the volunteer-led, self-funded charity behind the…

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  • Hot sunshine greeted the second C-Fest at Gnosall!

    Hot sunshine greeted the second C-Fest at Gnosall!

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    The July heatwave was underway when the boats arrived for the second canal festival to be held in the village of Gnosall on the Shroppie in Staffordshire. A mix of historic and trading boats took up position along the towpath in the picturesque location between two pubs within the village. With free parking close by,…

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  • LOCK KEEPER OF THE YEAR AWARD!

    LOCK KEEPER OF THE YEAR AWARD!

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    LOCAL WIGAN VOLUNTEER WINS PRESTIGIOUS ACCOLADE Wigan-based volunteer, Peter Baxter, has won a prestigious national award for his volunteering with the Canal & River Trust on the Leeds & Liverpool in Greater Manchester. The British Marine Lock Keeper of the Year Award was presented to Peter at Wigan Top Lock.  In receiving the accolade, Peter was…

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  • CANAL CHARITY PROVIDES GUIDANCE FOR BOATERS AS TEMPERATURES SOAR

    CANAL CHARITY PROVIDES GUIDANCE FOR BOATERS AS TEMPERATURES SOAR

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    Following the UK Health Security Agency issuing alerts across most of the country as temperatures rise this week, the Canal & River Trust is asking boaters to stay safe and alerting them to some of the problems extreme heat causes for the 250-year-old waterways. The hot, dry summers have a significant impact on the charity’s…

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  • Little Venice named as ‘Marvel of the Modern Waterways’

    Little Venice named as ‘Marvel of the Modern Waterways’

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    It’s a picturesque corner of West London immortalised countless times on the silver screen – from 60s Swinging London flick Georgy Girl and 80s heist caper A Fish Called Wanda to being the scene of high bear drama in Paddington 2. And now Little Venice has been named one of the Marvels of the Modern…

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  • Characters of the Cut: Tracey Hughes, Prince Hal Pottery

    Characters of the Cut: Tracey Hughes, Prince Hal Pottery

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    HAVING spent a number of years enjoying travel to far-off destinations including Mongolia and China – all while world schooling her two children –  Tracey Hughes is now at a home base in England. Aboard her 64ft cruiser stern narrowboat, Prince Hal, she has found a way to satisfy her wanderlust, while having the space…

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  • CHARITY CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROCHDALE CANAL RESTORATION – the ‘EVEREST OF CANALS’

    CHARITY CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROCHDALE CANAL RESTORATION – the ‘EVEREST OF CANALS’

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    Britain’s first trans-Pennine canal, the Rochdale Canal, celebrates the 20th anniversary of its full restoration this month (July).  Once an artery for trade during the industrial revolution, the canal is a haven for people and wildlife connecting Manchester city centre to Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire. Cared for by the Canal & River Trust, the 32…

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  • Bioblitz New Cut Trail and Paddington Meadows 

    Bioblitz New Cut Trail and Paddington Meadows 

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    9th and 10th July 2022 and 27th August 2022 At last the annual Bioblitz can go ahead which is a snapshot of the variety of life found in the area. On the days of the events, wildlife experts and the members of the public will be able to work together to find out and record the biodiversity of the “patch”.…

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  • Westminster Reception marks ten years of charity caring for the nation’s waterways

    Westminster Reception marks ten years of charity caring for the nation’s waterways

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    Around 50 parliamentarians (MPs and peers) joined the Canal & River Trust at a reception at the Houses of Parliament on 28th June.  The event, ahead of the charity’s tenth anniversary, gave an update on the Trust’s work to protect and preserve 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and Wales for the benefit of…

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  • Live well on the water

    Live well on the water

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    A free event to help communities live well on the water takes place at Anderton Boat Lift this July. The Live Well on the Water event is from 11am to 4pm on Friday, 22 July 2022, and includes: outdoor activities art and craft sessions health checks COVID-19 vaccination clinic refreshments. Come along, have a brew…

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  • The Monty’s hidden gem.

    The Monty’s hidden gem.

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    The Montgomery Canal is not known as a cruising hotspot, and for those who have discovered it, you get the feeling many would like to keep it that way. But as was pointed out at the recent Montgomery Canal Forum, the canal could generate a significant income for the local community if more people did…

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