Towpath Talk

HISTORIC NORTHAMPTONSHIRE working boat celebrates 90th birthday

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Web Editor

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November 25, 2025

A historic Northamptonshire working boat which played a key role in fighting fires in London during World War II is set to celebrate her 90th birthday. Sculptor, which is owned by the Canal & River Trust and normally moored outside the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, began her working life in November 1935 when she joined…
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MEET SANTA at Coombeswood Canal Trust’s Winterfest

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Web Editor

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November 25, 2025

Coombeswood Canal Trust presents its first Winterfest on Saturday, November 29. All are welcome to attend the fun-filled event which features live seasonal music, hot and cold food, real ale, children’s activities, stalls – and a visit from the man himself, Father Christmas, who will be setting sail on a Santa ferry. Visit Hawne Basin,…
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FOXTON LOCK festive feeling as Christmas illuminations are switching on

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Web Editor

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November 24, 2025

Foxton Locks is set to sparkle as the Canal & River Trust invites visitors to one of Leicestershire’s most spectacular Christmas events, taking place on Friday 28 November. The charity, working with Foxton Locks Inn, Foxton Canal Museum and other businesses on site, is organising the event, which will see the historic site decked out…
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Win a Leather GOHolster and Ratchet Windlass!

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Alex Bestwick

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November 24, 2025

GOWindlass are offering a reversible Ratchet Windlass and any choice of shoulder holster from their range of hand made, glued and stitched luxury leather holsters.
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A BASIN between times

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Web Editor

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November 22, 2025

From Exhall Basin: On a quiet stretch of the Coventry Canal, between the city’s edge and the winding turn at Hawkesbury Junction, lies Exhall Basin, a private mooring site that rests gently between the industrial past and the personal journeys of modern boaters. IT IS not dramatic or sprawling. It is not loud or urban.…
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EARLY SUCCESS in tackling ‘UK’s prettiest invasive species’

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Web Editor

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November 21, 2025

A biological trial to tackle one of the UK’s most pervasive and iconic invasive species has shown early success, said Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. As reported in Towpath Talk last month, working parties around the country have been balsam bashing this summer – removing Himalayan balsam from our riverbanks. Recognisable for its pink flowers, it has…
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COMMISSION REVIEWING BOAT LICENSING FRAMEWORK DELIVERS REPORT

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Web Editor

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November 20, 2025

The Report from the independent Commission set up to review the legal framework around boat licensing and whether it is appropriate for the canal network’s future has been published (19 November). Over the past ten months the Commission, chaired by Andrew Cowan, a former senior partner at law firm Devonshires, has undertaken an extensive review, engaging…
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SOLAR Thermal Pyramids

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Web Editor

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November 19, 2025

What, you might understandably ask, has doing the weekly wash in sub-Saharan Africa got in common with having a hot shower on the UK inland waterways system? IN both instances, it’s about an affordable form of hot water… in fact, extremely affordable, given that the sun doesn’t send a bill! SolarisKit is a company established…
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MATLOCK BATH ILLUMINATIONS

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Web Editor

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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…
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ILLUMINATED BOAT PARADE

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Web Editor

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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…
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OUR WATERWAYS: How clean are they?

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Web Editor

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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…
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NEW CHAIRMAN: Passion for protecting rivers and species

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Web Editor

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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…
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BOAT LICENCE FEES for 2026-27

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Web Editor

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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…
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CHARACTERS OF THE CUT: Deaine Duffy

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Web Editor

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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…
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