Above: (from left) Michael Messam, quartermaster for the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust’s boat Kenavon Venture and member of the Devizes branch of the KACT in traditional boatman garb, and John Binmore, part of the Devizes Regency Dancers dressed as a Royal Engineer circa 1812, aboard a canal boat on Devises Wharf on Sunday (23 September) to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. Images courtesy of Camelot Media Ltd.
The 50th anniversary celebrations of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust (KACT) kicked off on Sunday (23 September) with the arrival of the Mayor of Devizes and other dignitaries by boat.
Kelvin Nash also officially opened the event at Devizes Wharf which celebrated the hundreds of thousands of hours dedicated volunteers from the area have given over the years to bring the waterway back to life.
Other attractions included decorated narrowboats, historic photographs and exhibitions, as well as face painting, craft stalls, food and refreshments, including beer supplied by Devizes-based Wadworth brewery. Entertainment was provided by Devizes Town Band, and the Regency Dance Group. Visitors were also able to sample the lifestyle of narrowboating aboard the Trust’s trip boat Kenavon Venture.
Above: (from left) John Binmore, part of the Devizes Regency Dancers dressed as a Royal Engineer circa 1812, with Michael Messam, quartermaster for the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and member of the Devizes branch of the KACT in front of a canal boat on Devises Wharf on Sunday (23 September) to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. Image courtesy of Camelot Media Ltd.
Funds from the day will go towards the organisation’s work in maintaining of the historic buildings and artefacts along the canal, which the Trust has been a custodian of since the organisation was formed in 1962 by a group of local residents. It will also help kick start a £1m fund-raising campaign to upgrade the historic Devizes Wharf building.
Mike Rodd, Chairman of the Council of Trustees at the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, says: “A 50th anniversary is a great achievement for any organisation, especially for one that relies so heavily on local people to provide their time and expertise in making sure that the canal is protected for years to come.
“The volunteers of our Devizes branch have worked tirelessly for months to ensure the event went ahead as scheduled for the whole community, in spite of Sunday’s weather."
To make a donation, go to www.kennetandavontrust.co.uk and follow the instructions on the front page, call 01380 721279 or email: administrator@katrust.org.uk
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