The Kennet Avon Canal Trust News

Trust Council Minutes January 2012

2012-03-01T02:26:00.000-08:00

Click here to read the Trust Council Minutes January 2012

From David Inight, Bradford on Avon Branch

2012-02-20T03:29:00.000-08:00

As a Branch Chairman and a Trustee I seem to get embroiled in the politics of the Trust's relationship with BW and the finances of the Trust, to the exclusion of the fun side of being a K&ACT volunteer.

The weekend has really brought this home to me in the most pleasant of ways possible. On Saturday lunchtime, I drove to Claverton Pumping Station with my car full of timber for two new benches. The volunteer Team were enjoying there lunch in a warm team room but were soon on their feet, weathercoated and out to my car getting wet, but cheerfully unloading the benches. Incidentally, it was a real experience crossing a railway line in the rain with the end of a bench under my arm and hearing a train whistle!

From Claverton I drove back to Bradford on Avon to join the team giving Barbara Mac her pre season clean through. After half an hour cleaning the toilets ( I was told it is in the job specification for Branch Chairman), I was offered a welcome cuppa and had the chance to chat to the volunteers, who had just finished a very wet morning of vegetation clearing along the canal. Another half an hour on my knees sweeping last seasons biscuits from under the seats and we were stood down . All that remains now is a few more hours of work to be done by the Team before the boat starts here first charter on the 3rd March.

Having received a real solid reminder of what being a K&ACT volunteer is all about, I came a way from the Wharf feeling happy and with a sense of real achievement and satisfaction, if a bit grubby! So a big thank you to all of you I met with on Saturday and here's to a really positive year of giving service to the Canal, the community, the people who use the canal and the K&ACT. But above all lets not forget to enjoy ourselves.

Volunteers Needed!

2012-02-14T08:25:00.000-08:00

Trust Council Minutes December 2011

2012-02-02T00:08:00.000-08:00

Click here to view the Trust Council Minutes from December 2011

NAVIGATION CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE LOCK 61 TO LOCK 80

2011-12-21T00:37:00.001-08:00

Thursday 17 November 2011 until further notice
UPDATE (20 December 2011): Stoppage Update, East of Crofton

(Crofton Locks, Beech Grove Lock, Hungerford Marsh Lock, Water Shortage)

Stoppage Works on the Crofton flight will be completed by 23 December 2011. However, due to an on-going water shortage the canal will remain closed until 4th January 2012 while empty pounds are filled.

The Crofton flight will be fully opened on 4th January 2012. Passage will not be possible prior to this date.

In order to provide an opportunity for boats to travel east from the summit, stoppage works at Beech Grove (Lock 63) have been deferred by a week to start on 9 January 2012. Beech Grove lock will be closed for one week.

Note that stoppage work at Hungerford Marsh Lock will commence, as planned, on 9th January 2012.

The on-going water related closure of the canal from Crofton to Copse Lock will be reviewed in January with a view to re-opening the canal in the sections between planned stoppages.

Thank you for your continued support of the Kennet and Avon Waterways.

Letter of Thanks

2011-12-21T00:35:00.000-08:00

Bathampton Parish Council has asked me to express its thanks for work done on the canal towpath by the group of volunteers.

Individual councillors at the meeting of the Parish Council yesterday evening made comment that the towpath was now very clean and tidy and the laid hedge looked very neat. They are very pleased that, in this day and age, there are people willing to give up their spare time to improve the environment.

Please pass on the Council’s thanks to all those who took part.

Yours sincerely,

D.P.Smith
(Clerk to Bathampton Parish Council)

Trust Council Minutes November 2011

2011-12-07T00:10:00.001-08:00

Click here to read the Trust Council Minutes November 2011

Boat Crew Wanted

2011-11-28T06:49:00.000-08:00

Click image below for a larger view

Record Crowds at the Devizes Lantern Parade

2011-11-26T00:41:00.000-08:00

Record crowds attended the Devizes Lantern Parade on Friday November 25. The procession weaved its way towards the Devizes wharf K&ACT building where the Mayor of Devizes addressed the crowd, along with a special visit from Santa.
A huge thank you goes out to Sandra and Becky Wells and all the K&ACT volunteers for the organisation of this magical event.

Above: one of the largest lanterns on display

Above:the Mayor of Devizes

Above:crowds gather around the K&ACT building

Above: the wharf packed with lanterns

Above: Santa addresses the crowd

Above:the crowds move back towards the town centre

Above: the Kenavon Venture illuminates the wharf

Above: Santa and his jester wave from the grotto

Above: Ellie May Fry visits Santa

Above: the Avon Vale decorated in colourful lights

Above: the K&ACT HQ building ready for Christmas

Above: the Kenavon Venture

Crofton Open Day

2011-11-21T00:11:00.000-08:00

Click below to zoom in:

‘Jubilee’ : a new public trip boat for Newbury

2011-11-07T05:09:00.000-08:00

In the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year, the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust is relaunching trip boat Jubilee in tribute to Her Majesty and as a permanent new attraction for Newbury.

The boat will be painted and decorated to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and will set out to bring the community in Newbury together both as volunteers running the boat and as groups and visitors enjoying the opportunity to get afloat on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Public trips will commence at Easter leaving every weekend from Newbury Wharf. Jubilee will also be available for private charter throughout the summer. What better way to celebrate your own birthday or anniversary than a relaxed evening afloat? The Trust is also hoping to run floating street parties to enable groups of friends, neighbours and schools to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in a unique way.

There will also be longer trips when Jubilee travels to Reading in mid-June for the annual Reading Waterfest. But she’ll be back in Newbury well before the Newbury Waterways Festival on 21/22 July.

It is especially appropriate to celebrate Her Majesty’s Jubilee in this way as the restoration of the canal really got under way 50 years ago after the Queen accepted a petition calling for its restoration. 30 years later Her Majesty returned to reopen the canal aboard another Trust trip boat, the Rose of Hungerford.

2012 is also an important land mark for the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust marking the 50th anniversary of our foundation in 1962.

The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust calls on all who love Newbury and its waterside to join in making the relaunch of Jubilee the centre of Newbury’s Jubilee celebrations.

Our first call is for those who would like to volunteer their services to be trained as boat crew for this exciting new venture. No qualifications are required as we will provide full training but we are looking for enthusiasm, commitment, a sense of teamwork and an ability to provide our passengers with a memorable experience.

We need crew to help handle the boat, operate the locks, run the bar, manage ticketing and keep Jubilee spick and span. Completely unpaid but a wonderful opportunity to have fun getting involved in this new venture that will help secure the future of the canal.

Interested? Come along to our public meeting at Newbury Town Hall Council Chamber on Friday 2nd December, at 7:00 pm to hear more about the type of person and commitment we are seeking. Or contact our Boat Manager, Ken Keegan, on 01264 337783 (evenings) or 07720 076693 (daytime), or email him at:
kenkeegan@talktalk.net .

Trust Council Minutes October 2011

2011-11-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

Click here to read the Trust Council Minutes October 2011

Lantern Parade Workshop

2011-10-31T04:41:00.000-07:00

The lantern parade making workshop is Friday 18th November at 7:00 PM. The lanterns that are made will stay at the Trust as this will help to decorate our Santa grotto. There are only 15 places left. If you are interested please call Becky Wells at the trust office on: 01380 721279.

Volunteers Needed

2011-10-24T00:08:00.000-07:00

We looking for an adult volunteer to help a small group, to clear vegetation and fill pot holes on the towpath between Coate Bridge & Brickham Bridge, in Devizes.
This small project is part of the DCAP transport group's action, to increase cycling in Devizes by identifying & improving, safe cycle paths in the town.
Rob Labus, BW Volunteer leader, is coordinating the work & BW are providing the materials.
We would like to do this in November, this year, preferably on the most convenient Wednesday mornings, for the group.

If you are interested, please call the Trust office on: 01380 721279

Join the Big Point in!

2011-10-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

You may have heard by now that we are not moving out of our Wharf HQ and will remain into the foreseeable future. We have to solve 4 major problems:

1.Heating
2.Gutters etc to stop water pouring down the wall and into the building.
3.Re pointing the rear stone wall.
4. Floor loadings etc. in the museum.

The first is already in hand – the plumbers are working now! The remainder are to be dealt with and we need your help. It is hoped that the gutters will be the next urgent repair, and then the big job is the rear wall and that’s where you can help.
We are appealing to our members including those who may already be part of the Branch working groups to join the BIG POINT IN.

This is to be organised over one weekend with the object of getting the whole wall repaired (stone acquired) and pointed from end to end in one big effort. If you feel able to help in actually pointing, mixing, labouring, etc particularly if you have some experience please contact:-
David Lamb: 01380 721562 email:david_lamb@talktalk.net
with details of what you can do.

New guidance for continuous cruisers

2011-10-12T08:12:00.000-07:00

12th Oct 2011

British Waterways is today publishing updated, more concise mooring guidance for boats without a home mooring.

The existing 2004 ‘mooring guidance for continuous cruisers’ has been refined to be more easily understood and to reflect the Judgment in the case of British Waterways v Davies, in which the Court found that moving up and down within a 10 mile stretch of the Kennet & Avon Canal with no home mooring did not amount to bona fide navigation.

Bona fide navigation

British Waterways has drafted updated guidance, following professional legal advice, including from Leading Counsel, and also sought input from national boating organisations.

In particular the new, shorter, guidance explains what is meant by bona fide navigation and seeks to clarify the nature of the movement that must take place.

Sally Ash, head of boating at British Waterways, said; “The existing guidance needed updating in light of the increasing number of boats without a home mooring and to reflect the Judgment in the case of British Waterways v Davies, which was heard in Bristol County Court.
Input from boaters

“We welcome genuine continuous cruising on our canals and rivers and very much hope that the refined guidance will remove much of the confusion and ambiguity around this subject. Importantly, we’ve actively sought the views of leading organisations within the boating community and the National Association of Boat Owners in particular made several constructive suggestions which we have been pleased to incorporate.

The guidance is a schedule of the licence terms and conditions which have been updated accordingly. It can also be found at www.britishwaterways.co.uk/mooringguidance. For those without internet access, paper copies are available by calling BW Customer Services on 01923 201120.

Extract from Waterscape.com

Trust Council Minutes September 2011

2011-10-05T03:29:00.000-07:00

Click here to read September's Trust Council Minutes

NEWBURY WATERWAYS FESTIVAL 2012

2011-10-04T01:00:00.001-07:00

Exciting news! At a recent Newbury Branch committee meeting we agreed that, after a break this year, the Newbury Waterways Festival will take place in 2012. Boats will start assembling from 20th July and the main Festival day will be on Sunday 22nd July when we open to the public. There will be stalls, entertainment, a wonderful display of decorated boats and, of course, the ever popular Duck Race. There is a lot of planning to do yet so further details to follow. Please put the date in your diary now!

Julie Dean

The Natwest Community Force project

2011-09-29T00:20:00.000-07:00

Voting has now opened in the Natwest Community Force project to repair the towpath at Westleaze Swindon.

This essential piece of work will help to maintain the water level in the canal and help supply water to the wetland project at Rushey Platt via the spill weir.

You will need to register via the website before you can vote

All details are at :

http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/3910

Chair persons sought for Waterways Partnerships

2011-09-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

The New Waterways Charity that will become the guardian of the canals and rivers in England and Wales from April next year is recruiting people to chair the Waterways Partnerships that will help shape the future of the waterways in each of the partnership areas. The role of each Partnership is to give local people a greater say and role in how their canals and rivers are run, working with local managers to develop strategies and plans and to build local involvement and participation in the waterways.

Each of the eleven administrative areas of the waterways network will have a Chair and Partnership Board recruited and up and running by April 2012. There will be two further Partnerships for the waterways museums and All-Wales issue

Chairs are being recruited before Christmas for Manchester & Pennine, North Wales & Borders, South Wales & Severn, Kennet & Avon and the All Wales Partnerships. The Kennet and Avon Waterways Partnership (presently chaired by the K&A Canal Trust Council Chairman, Mike Rodd) is included in this first round to confirm the position of the Trial Partnership and bring this appointment into the recruitment process agreed by the Transition Appointments Committee. This round will also include a review of the Trial Partnerships in the West Midlands and North West with a view to releasing them from their “Trial” status, and arrangements will be made to set up the Museums Partnership as the successor to The Waterways Trust Museums Management Board.

Chairs for Local Partnerships in the North East, Central Shires, East Midlands, South East and London will be recruited in a second round starting in January.

The Transition Appointments Committee is recruiting the Chairs on behalf of the New Waterways Charity. The Committee comprises Roger Clarke and Dinah Nichols, who are members of the Defra Advisory Panel on First Appointments and Transition, and two transition trustees, Lynne Berry and Tom Franklin. They will be working with Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive of The Waterways Trust, and local waterway managers to recruit Chairs for the Local Partnerships.

Roger Hanbury comments: “The Waterways Partnerships are integral to the stewardship and development of the waterways within each Partnership area. They shape the strategies and plans for each waterway, guide decisions about spending, and help develop external funding and volunteering. They will champion the interests of the waterways at a political level, with business, and with the community and develop action plans for local engagement and participation.”

A written record of all meetings will be publically available on the web. All positions on the Partnerships will be un-remunerated, but agreed expenses will be reimbursed.

For further details, click these links:

Terms of Reference

Role Profile

Application Form

Interested parties can find role descriptions and application details at: www.britishwaterways.co.uk

and www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk

Trust Council Minutes June 2011

2011-09-23T00:11:00.000-07:00

Click here to read this June's Trust Council Minutes

K&A Towpath Tidy

2011-09-20T00:46:00.000-07:00

Here is the first of 3 photos of last Fridays PWC workparty at Burghfield. 32 PWC staff took part (working in teams of 8 to 10 people) together with 3 KACT supervisors, 1 PWC supervisor and a PWC first aider (who had a quiet day). The weather was kind, all the planned work was completed and a safe, productive and very happy day was had by all.

Many thanks to Derrick for background safety and procedural advice, to all KACT people involved in getting equipment to the eastern end of the canal (and back again) and to Rob for supplying the painting materials and quietly checking that we had things properly in place to make the day work properly. Without your help and backing the day could not have taken place.

David Copley

Above: Andy James with Tom Sheppard, the PWC supervisor, plus the bridge gang in the distance

Above: David Copley with the bridge cleaning gang working

Above: Gerry Thorne with the lock beam painting gang.

Trust Council Minutes August 2011

2011-09-19T00:12:00.001-07:00

Click here to read the Trust Council Minutes from August 2011

Administrator– Devizes

2011-09-15T00:30:00.000-07:00

Salary up to £17,000 p.a 37½ hours per week

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust is seeking to appoint to this interesting post in our small but busy Headquarters in Devizes. The successful applicant will supervise a small Team of staff who support the work of the Trust along 87 miles of canal. Working alongside Trustees and Directors who manage and direct the organisation you will be in daily contact with Volunteers, members of the public and staff from partner agencies.

The normal working day will be 9.00 till 5.00 Monday to Friday but some flexibility will be needed to support early evening meetings on occasions.

For an application form, job description and more information contact Pauline King, Trustee at: staffing@katrust.org.uk

Closing date for applications Tuesday 27th September

Letter of Resignation

2011-09-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Trust Council,

It is with great sadness that I am writing to offer my resignation as General Secretary for the Trust. I absolutely adore working for the Trust, with the great staff at Devizes and with all the partners and volunteers along the canal. However, I have decided to move to Devon to be with my partner Russell and the commute is simply too far!

As discussed, I would like to leave at the end of October, but will only be a phone call away and available to support the new person into the role however I can.

With best wishes,

Holly Streeter
General Secretary

Canal Roses Course

2011-09-13T01:09:00.001-07:00

A Letter of Thanks

2011-09-08T00:16:00.001-07:00

BOA British Waterways letter of thanks

2011-09-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

Crofton BBQ

2011-08-18T03:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Crofton Supporters

The Crofton Volunteer BBQ is on 9th September 6-9pm.
You are welcome to come.
The cost will be £6.50 per person.
This includes BBQ, Pudding and Soft Drinks.
Bring your own alcohol.
Please can you give Di Edwards money by 31st August as she needs to know numbers
Cheques can be payable to Mrs Di Edwards

Crofton Drawing Workshop

2011-08-16T05:13:00.001-07:00

Click the image above for a larger view

Saul to Lechlade Cruise

2011-08-16T03:37:00.000-07:00

The flotilla is running four days late -

the new schedule:

-Claverton on Monday 22nd
-Avoncliff Monday 22nd evening (Barbara Mac meeting them at 17.30)
-Foxhangers Tuesday 23rd
-Ascending Caen Hill Wednesday 24th

Reading Meetings

2011-08-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the latest Reading meeting venues

Crofton Newsletter

2011-08-15T04:49:00.000-07:00

Click here to read Crofton's latest Newsletter

Walking stick found

2011-08-15T03:56:00.000-07:00

A rather nice black collapsible walking stick with a splendid handle was found beside the canal at the Seend Park Farm swing bridge (between Devizes and Bradford-on-Avon) on Tuesday, 9th August. It was taken by the local Police Community Support Officer. Contact Melksham Police Station to collect it if it is yours.

Crofton Update

2011-08-10T04:35:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, due to late delivery of equipment, Crofton has been forced to postpone its date of reopening.

Please watch this space for the new confirmed date.

Thank you for your patience

Crofton Update

2011-08-05T04:57:00.000-07:00

Crofton is hoping to reopen to the public on Friday 12th of August, although there may be a limited food offering in the café for a few more days beyond that date.

Crofton Pumping Station forced to close temporarily

2011-08-03T04:19:00.001-07:00

The Trustees of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust have had to temporarily suspend public access to its world famous Crofton Pumping station, the oldest beam-engine, steam-driven pumping station still able to perform the task it was originally designed for (i.e. pump water from the prime water source for the canal, Wilton Water, up to the canal’s summit). This action has resulted from a failure in the domestic supply which provides water for the visitors and staff, the cafe, toilets, and tor the occupants of the 2 cottages. It also provides British waterways with water for use by passing boaters. The water source is a deep level borehole, located on the upper reaches of the Crofton property, which is then locally purified. Routine tests on the water this week have revealed that the water is contaminated and following discussions with Wiltshire Council, the Trustees felt that it was only right to take this preventative action whilst further tests were undertaken and the source of the deep-level problem investigated and appropriate action taken.
The Canal Trust apologises to the many thousands of visitors who will be disappointed but can assure all that everything is being done to restore normal service as soon a possible.
Enquiries should be addressed to: The Warden, +44 (0)1672 870300

Vandals set post alight in Trowbridge

2011-07-14T05:16:00.000-07:00

Police are stepping up patrols along the Kennet and Avon Canal after vandals set fire to a beauty spot in Trowbridge...

Click here to read more

Donated ash is helping British Waterways save cash

2011-07-14T05:14:00.000-07:00

Two icons and arch rivals of the industrial age – the canals and the steam railways - are combining forces, using traditional techniques to solve problems on the waterways of today whilst saving money in the process.

Lock keepers on the Caen Hill Lock Flight on the Kennet and Avon Canal in Devizes are using coal ash donated by the Avon Valley Railway in Bitton, near Bristol, to maintain water levels during maintenance works throughout the year. This technique has saved British Waterways thousands of pounds already.

The traditional method of ‘ashing up the gates’ was used every night in the canal’s industrial hey-day when water on the flight was constantly in short supply. The technique involves pouring the ash into the canal just above a lock. The flow of water then sucks the ash into the small gaps in the gates allowing them to form a totally watertight seal. The method was revived by lock keepers to help achieve and maintain exact water levels which were needed whilst repairs were being carried out, from aboard a boat, lower down the flight. This ‘ashing’ is also helping to maintain and preserve water lever during the summer months when water is in shorter supply.

The Avon Valley Railway donated around eight tonnes of the ash produced by their steam engines to British Waterways, some of which will be held in reserve for future use. This partnership is just one example of the way British Waterways is developing its work with local groups and voluntary organisations as it prepares to become a charity in April 2012.

British Waterways’ lock keeper, Trevor Skoyles, who came up with the solution, said: “Working with the Avon Valley Railway has made all the difference to our works on the Kennet and Avon Canal. It’s great to see traditional techniques, which celebrate the heritage and history of our waterways brought back to life with the support of local organisations and enthusiasts.”

David Cole from Avon Valley Railway said: “It’s great to be able to make use of the coal ash generated from our locomotives. When British Waterways approached us we were delighted that it could be put to use on the canals. Our steam engines date back to 1944 and we take great pride in looking after them.”

The important works carried out throughout the year; continue to help maintain this unique piece of working heritage which is one of the seven wonders of the waterways.

Where now for the Kennet & Avon Canal

2011-07-11T00:07:00.000-07:00

6th July 2011

The Government has just finished consulting on proposals to turn British Waterways, the body responsible for maintaining and improving Britain’s inland waterways, into a new charity. It is hoped that this will give people a greater say on the future of their local canals and rivers.

Ashley Fox, Conservative MEP for the South West of England, recently visited the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust in Devizes to discuss the implications of such a move, and how the proposed changes will impact on the users and supporters of the Kennet & Avon Canal.

There is concern that the proposed ‘New British Waterways Charity’ will continue the tradition of centralised control currently practised by British Waterways, bypassing an opportunity for greater community involvement in the management of Britain’s waterways, a key part of our industrial heritage.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Fox commented:

“The Government wants to turn British Waterways into the ‘National Trust of our Waterways’. This is a worthy ambition, but for it to become a reality they need to trust local people.

The biggest failing of British Waterways has always been its ‘top down’ approach to any problem. You can’t have people in London micro-managing maintenance in Trowbridge. We need to ensure that the new charity gives greater power to local people.

Our waterways are part of our history and still used today by millions of people across the South West in a whole variety of ways, from fishing and boating, to walking and cycling. It is only right that those who use our canals should decide on their future.

The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust is a first rate example of what can happen when local organisations are given control. They have done wonders in linking National Lottery funding with volunteer, council and business groups and have, over the last decade, restored the canal to the wonder that it is today.

I have written to the Minister and urged him to look at the excellent work that the Trust and its partners have achieved, and use this as the model for improving our inland waterways into the future.”

This article is from: www.ashleyfoxmep.co.uk

A New Era for the Waterways

2011-07-04T00:09:00.000-07:00

The K&A Canal Trust’s response to the Defra Consultation “A New Era for the Waterways: A consultation on the Government’s proposals for moving the inland waterways into a new charity in England and Wales”:

Background

This paper represents the formal response of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust to the DEFRA consultation on the future of the waterways in England and Wales (hereafter referred to as the Consultation Document). As such it has been formally approved by the Trustee Council.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust (hereafter referred to as “The Trust”) is a long established and well respected voluntary organisation with charitable status. The Trust has successfully campaigned for restoration of the Kennet and Avon Canal and now works with local British Waterways (BW) management and with riparian local authorities to improve the operation and upkeep of the restored waterway.

The Trust currently has ~2500 memberships involving over 3500 people (many memberships are on a family basis). Members are drawn from all sections of the community and have a wide variety of interests in all aspects of the Kennet and Avon Canal, its use and its history.

The Trust holds regular member meetings through local branches along the 85-mile length of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Trust volunteers operate two historic pumping stations (one powered by steam, one by water wheel), four passenger trip boats, a canal museum and a shop. Volunteers also undertake work on the towpath in conjunction with BW and operate a maintenance boat.

Trust Members have been encouraged to read the Consultation Document. Three member meetings, attended by 103 members, have been held at towns along the Kennet and Avon Canal to discuss the proposals. The meetings were supplemented by a postal / on-line questionnaire survey of all Trust members, which attracted 694 responses.

The questionnaire survey indicates that a majority of Trust members are prepared to work closely with the NWC at a local level. Current reaction favours a “let’s work closely with them to see how things develop” approach rather than immediate integration.

As acknowledged in Box 3D of the Consultation Document, the Trust has been at the forefront of developing a trial Local Waterways Partnership (based on an existing and highly successful K&A Partnership Board which led, and continues to monitor, the £25 million HLF grant awarded jointly to the Trust and BW for restoration of parts of the K&A) as a prelude and pilot scheme to the proposed “Local Partnership Boards” of the NWC.

The Trustees are seriously concerned that the short timescale for intended implementation has not allowed the many important lessons learned from the pioneering work on the Kennet and Avon to be adequately reflected in the current proposals.

Summary

The proposals arise as a result of political opinion and action. This is recognised as a” given” within this response. Nevertheless, the speed of proposed implementation leaves minimal time for the introduction of any necessary changes in response to this consultation. A longer introduction period is required to ensure that the details match the objectives and to incorporate the results of the pilot schemes.

The concepts of “giving waterway users and the communities that live alongside them greater involvement in how they are managed”, as clearly indicated in Richard Benyon's introduction and developed in the early part of the consultation document, accord with the current political emphasis on “localism”. They are endorsed by the Trust. Unfortunately, the highly centralised management structures (largely reflecting the current worst features of BW) put forward in the consultation document are the opposite of these worthy principles.

A new NWC requires a totally new organisational structure. It also needs a totally new management culture which replaces the centralised autocracy of BW by cooperation with partner organisations and respect for their views. The current negative perception of BW among many waterway users is not a good foundation for a new NWC.

The list of organisations invited to respond (Annex E) wholly omits the many voluntary societies and trusts involved with BW waterways. The Consultation Document also lacks clarity on the future relationship of these organisations with the NWC. Comments by BW staff referring to “when we take you over” in their dealings with local canal societies increase concerns that the cooperation (or extinction) of current societies is being taken for granted.

The new NWC should not be a clone of the current excessively centralised BW, under which local management is largely restricted to operational engineering and regularly over-ridden by seemingly arbitrary action from the centre. Some BW managers have described this as “the 20/80 approach”. These figures require reversal so that local decision-making becomes 80% and centralised control no more than 20%.

The intention to include EA waterways only if “subject to affordability” increases concerns that the prime intention of the changes is to relieve the Government of the financial albatross of BW rather than give waterways a viable future. If the proposals are correct for the future of one state-owned navigation authority they should be equally applicable to similar inland waterways.

The predicted level of donations to the NWC appears optimistic, whereas the proposed level of the Government Funding Contract (GFC) is significantly lower than that provided to BW in recent years. Lack of any reference within the Consultation Document to the future of the waterways should the finances fail to meet DEFRA expectations is of serious concern. There is no “Plan B”.

Finally, the fundamental question of accountability of the new organisation deserves careful examination before this great national asset passes into the hands of a less accountable board of charitable trustees. The new organisation must be both transparent and open. We suggest that

a) The NWC must, in its Charitable Purposes, mention responsibility for protecting the heritage of the Waterways.
b) The NWC must remain bound to provide public access to information, otherwise it will become a law unto itself. Keeping some aspect of the organisation publicly accountable matches its on-going stewardship of this strategic, public resource.

Responses to particular questions

Chapter 2

The implied comparison with the National Trust can be misleading. The National Trust embraces properties with a viable financial legacy for on-going operation. In contrast, the NWC will inherit the legacy of an underfunded BW with a backlog of deferred maintenance.

Question 1

Those EA navigations which are (or could become) part of a through route between current BW navigations should be included in the NWC, thereby creating a unified navigation authority. Integration should be based on local control of waterways and not become an excuse for further centralised control.

The NWC should also seek to include waterways already in the voluntary sector. Failure of the Trustees of these waterways to transfer them to the NWC can only be interpreted as a lack of faith in the NWC.

Question 2

Consideration should be given to declaring the NWC assets as inalienable in similar manner to the National Trust.

Question 3

Broadly, the charitable objectives are appropriate. The following additions are recommended;
 Operation of museums and archives should be an objective in its own right and not merely merit a parenthesis as an add-on to education.
 Preservation of the NWC's inherited historic infrastructure, together with development of public access to these structures and provision of proper interpretation facilities, should be included.
 There should be a recognition that the NWC’s objectives overlap with those of other charities and a commitment to work in partnership with other like-minded organisations.

Question 4

The “mission statement” should be widened to include protection of access to the waterway, whether on foot or by boat.

Question 6

The important factor is achievement, not theory or weasel words.

Question 7

The NWC should have similar statutory powers and duties to those currently exercised by and imposed upon BW. In particular the statutory requirement to maintain “Cruiseway ” waterways to minimum defined standards must be maintained.

As the NWC remit includes canal restoration, the limitations on expenditure on “Remainder” waterways, currently arising from the same legislation, require revision before application to the NWC.

Unrestricted free (no charge) pedestrian access to towpaths must also be maintained, as should free access by cycles where towpaths are suitable for their use.

Question 8 (also including parts of questions 11 to 20)

Organisation

As with the current BW, the proposed NWC structure appears centralised and cumbersome to excess. The ideals of a “bottom up” approach set out in Section 3 of the consultation document and the worthy expectation that members of boards will act in the wider interest of the waterways rather than as delegates for a particular interest are wholly negated by the “politically correct” formulaic approach to the proposed Council.

The proposed Council of 36 to 51 people is far too large for effective decision-making. Local Waterways Partnership Chairpersons will be minority members of the Council. Their practical experience could be swamped by polarised interest groups with wider agendas beyond those of the waterways alone.

Even if one accepts the Council as a workable body, the number of members for each interest is open to question. Box 3A shows towpath users (290M visits) warranting 2 or 3 representatives whilst boating (8M visits, albeit involving 3 or 4 people each) warrants 4 to 8. Boaters are an important user group and revenue stream, but both user categories are potential donors to the NWC.

Box 3B places the proposed “Local Waterways Partnerships” (LWPs) at the end of the responsibility chain with no link back to the Board of Trustees. LWP Chairs have the ability to be members of Council but not to influence decisions of that huge body. It is difficult to envisage Local Waterways Partnerships attracting members of adequate calibre when they have minimal influence on the policies that they are expected to implement.

Box 3B also shows no direct link between the LWPs and the Local Waterway Management Units. The command chain is from the Board of Trustees directly to “National Management” and, through the latter, to the Waterway Management Units. This perpetuates the current BW culture of excessive central control with local unit responsibility confined to peripherals. It allows perpetuation of a highly paid central staff remote from the points of service delivery.

What could be done.
The current 20% local responsibility, 80% central control structure used by BW should be reversed.

Central control should be kept to a minimum. Central organisation should be confined to undertaking the legal oversight duties of the Trustees, ensuring that the waterways remain a national boating system, liaison with large fund raisers and allocation of centrally provided grants and funds in consultation with LWPs / LMUs.

Central contingency provision also remains necessary for meeting emergency repair costs which could not have been reasonably foreseen at local level (e.g. breaches / floods / fire etc) but the centre should not micro-manage the Local Waterway Management Units.

Local control through joint working by Local Waterways Partnerships (LWPs) and Local Management Units (LMUs): these should be the main units of control, responsible for all local operational matters, including:
• upkeep and maintenance at or above defined minimum standards,
• riparian property,
• promotion of the local waterways,
• local fundraising and
• revenues.
LMUs should be free to choose between “buying in” central services or procuring/ providing such themselves.

Each LWP should be able to benefit directly from funds raised locally, thereby allowing donors to see the results of their input. Local success (whether directly financial or by attraction of volunteer work) should not be penalised by a reduction in central funding.

The number and geographic division of the proposed Local Waterways Partnerships wholly reflects current BW organisation. In some cases (as on the Kennet and Avon) these match complete canals; others do not. Some adjustments may be required, particularly if the EA waterways are to become part of an integrated local management network.

To operate effectively, the LWPs need effective input to policy. An NWC policy board should have LWP members in the majority, supported by appointees with recognised skills and expertise in specific specialist disciplines as minority members and/or advisors.

Finally, the experience of the Trial LWP on the K&A and B&T needs to be analysed very carefully. A major issue has been the un-democratic way in which LWP membership is derived, causing much anger from many important, and often fund-providing, stakeholder groups. At the same time, where existing organisations with similar objectives to the proposed LWPs exist (in the case of the K&A, the existing and wholly democratically-selected, K&A Partnership Board, and the Somerset Waterways Advisory Committee), the question arises as to whether new stakeholder groups are actually required?

Question 9

Donors, both private and corporate, are more likely to contribute to clearly defined local schemes with a demonstrable result than to the generalised costs of a large organisation. Lottery grants (and similar) are allocated to specific (and closely specified) projects with a measurable outcome.

Question 10 (also questions 18 and 19)

The emphasis for representative members of central councils (if used) and LWPs should be on effectiveness and expertise and not on quasi-representative appeasement of vested interests.

Question 13

This is covered in detail in the response to question 8.

Questions 16

Many local canal societies already have a core of trained and willing volunteers capable of taking a greater role. Regrettably, recent clumsy attempts by BW to set up their own centrally controlled volunteer working parties plus BW staff comments on “when we take you over” are counter-productive and treat canal societies as competitors rather than partners. Conflict and disdain are not incentives to the offering of voluntary assistance.

Question 17

A successful volunteer programme, developed in conjunction with local canal management, can supplement the work of a competent core paid workforce. It should release paid staff to undertake more complex work but should not replace them. Volunteers do not wish to feel that their input is adding to unemployment levels or is furthering a particular political agenda.

Questions 18 to 23

The over-riding need is to develop an effective management structure rather than to add gloss to the unsatisfactory system currently put forward. The response to question 8 also refers.

Question 25

The Government Funding Contract should not be viewed in isolation. The NWC will inherit the current BW statutory duty to maintain canals at or above minimum standards according to category. This duty does not include the caveat “subject to available finance.” The immediate measure of NWC effectiveness will be the ability to meet this duty across the whole network (as reflected in user satisfaction) through a combination of revenue, donations and the Government Funding Contract. Weakness in any of these areas detracts from the utility of the others.

The ability to attract (or lose) members is a direct indicator of support levels. The National Trust enjoys subscription income from “membership”. So too do most canal societies. No such “membership” is proposed for the NWC. The NWC Management Board and Trustees will thus have no immediate indication of support levels to show to potential donors. Without member feedback, canal users will be “customers” who view the NWC as “them” rather than “us”.

Question 26

Voluntary societies and charities, including the Trust, already raise considerable funds which are then donated to projects on BW waterways. They have a recognised “brand image” among potential donors. Direct diversion of these donations to the NWC does not increase the sum raised and risks de-motivation of current volunteer fundraisers and alienation of current donors. The NWC should therefore seek to develop new funding streams rather than duplicate the work of current societies by competing with them.

The predicted revenue from donations in the Consultation Document appears optimistic. Past success in obtaining large Lottery grants (as on the Kennet and Avon) is unlikely to be repeated in future years. In contrast, the proposed level of the Government Funding Contract (GFC) appears to be set at an arbitrary and low level. One would have expected DEFRA to have already investigated a wide range of methods to increase NWC income before advising Government on the appropriate level of the GFC.

Even if the Consultation Document expectations on donation levels are achieved, many donations (especially Lottery and similar) are likely to be directed to specific local projects with a measurable outcome rather than to generalised costs of a large national organisation. Reduction of central funding to local waterways attracting high levels of local project support is likely to be regarded as an abuse of process and thus discourage repeat donor support.

BW income from angling is extremely low (only £0.7M) and arises from length use. Rod fees are believed to remain with the EA. Integration of EA waterways into the NWC should be accompanied by the integration of angling revenues together with associated costs and responsibilities.

Question 26A – These comments relate to possible adverse effects of attempts to increase direct revenue, a factor which does not feature in the Consultation Document.

The predicted level of NWC donations is not guaranteed. As the GFC is fixed, the obvious ways of meeting a funding shortfall are by increases in rents and user fees together with disposal of property. Safeguarding conditions are therefore required to prevent excessive rises in user fees and to avoid conflicts between short-term financial benefit to the NWC from sale of lands and excessive riparian development of new property, and long-term safeguards. These provisions may not need to be invoked but they need to be available.

Many of the fundraising activities proposed for the NWC (shops, trip-boats, marinas, etc.) are already undertaken by commercial companies and voluntary groups using property leased from BW and/or licences issued by BW. Having the NWC as both landlord (or licence issuer) and competitor requires safeguards to maintain fair competition.

Question 27

The response to question 8 refers to the benefits of Local Waterway Management units having a free choice between “buying in” centrally provided services and either purchasing them locally or undertaking the work themselves using paid or volunteer labour. The current BW practice of granting large block contracts to contractors remote from the waterway served (e.g. for tree cutting) precludes cost comparisons with local resources and prevents the use of volunteers.

Question 29

At a national level, “British Waterways” is widely regarded as synonymous with underfunding and underachievement. Any title that suggests that the NWC is a re-brand of BW will attract the same negatives from users and potential donors.

“New” is inappropriate as the intention is for durability, not novelty.

“The National Waterways Conservancy” is recommended for consideration. Although covering only England and Wales (and hence not fully national) this title maintains historic use of the final word (as in Thames Conservancy) whilst heavily implying that the purpose is to conserve our waterways and their heritage. Coincidentally, it also uses the initials NWC.

Caveat

The consultation document includes 29 questions. As requested, this response largely refers to the given numbering, although there is overlap between some questions. Where such overlaps are obvious, responses should be taken as referring to particular questions, even if the numbers are not quoted.

Where no direct or indirect response is given to a particular question this should not be interpreted either as support for or opposition to the ideas and proposals made.

Finally

The above document outlines the views of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, based on member feedback. It is, of necessity, a brief summary. The Trustees would be very pleased to discuss these views further with DEFRA and/or other involved bodies, should this be considered of mutual benefit.

The Trust has no objection to DEFRA making the above views known to third parties, provided that the source is acknowledged and the wording and context are unchanged.

Contact for any queries arising from this response:

Dr M G Rodd FIET CEng
Chairman of the Trust Council
The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust
Canal Centre
Couch Lane
Devizes
Wiltshire
SN10 1EB

Phone: 01380 721279
Email: Chair@katrust.org.uk

Trust Council Minutes May 2011

2011-06-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Click here to view May 2011 Trust Council Minutes

Claverton Heritage Day

2011-06-23T00:22:00.000-07:00

Click here for details on Claverton's Heritage Day

PRESIDENT’S INAUGURAL ADDRESS June 11th 2011

2011-06-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am both honoured and flattered to have been elected to serve this Trust from today as its new President following the retirement of Michael Ancram. I am sure you will all want to join me in thanking Michael for all he has achieved on behalf of our Trust during his Presidency and to wish him a long and well-deserved retirement.

It is nearly 45 years since I first became aware of the Kennet & Avon Canal. As a trainee brewer in 1966 at H. & G. Simonds Brewery in Reading I used to enjoy many a lunchtime sandwich and a pint (or two!) by the Canal as it flowed through the Brewery yard now buried somewhere beneath the Oracle Centre.

Little did I think then that I would be addressing you today as your new President but, as the saying goes, “Life is what happens to you when you’re planning something completely different!”.

Although I still have a couple of fairly demanding ‘day jobs’ to distract me for the next few years, I really do want to seize this new opportunity for me to try to help our Trust and, therefore, I intend to give it my absolute best shot for the foreseeable future.

It is still too early days for this ‘new kid on the block’ to have a clear vision yet of how best I can serve our Trust to help it to achieve most, if not all, of its many and varied objectives and ambitions.

However, I am determined to get to know as many of our dedicated and brilliant Branch members as possible during the next few months and I hope, for someone whose wife always says I talk too much, that you will find me a good listener so, please, speak up and share your views! Hopefully, arising from these discussions I will be able to devise a strategic policy for how best I can contribute to the ongoing success of our Trust.

I am conscious that this is an especially critical time for our Trust in spite of the fact that we are fast approaching its Golden Anniversary next year when also H.M. the Queen will be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee.

I know there are several members here today without whose vision, perseverance and sheer hard work over many of the past 49 years perhaps none of us would be here today. So much has been achieved during that time and the latest exciting milestone has been the recent granting of Cruiseway Status so our canal is definitely here to stay – and so, therefore, are we!

However, it is as you also know a time of great anxiety following the last government’s proposal to hand over responsibility for Britain’s canals from the public accountability of British Waterways to Parliament to a small group of new trustees who will only be accountable to the Charity Commission and the ‘jobs worths’ at Companies House. It is ironic, but also a fact that should not be underestimated, that three of the eight new trustees of the proposed New Waterway Charity happen to be existing directors of British Waterways, including its Chairman and Vice-Chairman – talk about a shoo-in!

Furthermore, it has been bad enough for British Waterways to be consistently under-funded by Defra for many years but I now dread to think how much more under-funded the New Waterway Charity will be when it becomes no longer the Government’s responsibility to the electorate – no wonder the Government is seizing the opportunity to pass off the much-love national treasure of our whole inland waterway system to a charitable trust!

Today is not the occasion for me to share my personal views in detail on this ludicrous Labour government initiative but I do, please, urge each of you to let Defra know your views on its so-called “Consultation Document” before the end of June. My fear is that “they”, the civil servants of the public sector, will probably not take the slightest bit of notice of whatever we all may say but at least you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you did at least try to influence them over this apparently already ‘done deal’!

Who knows? If enough canal enthusiasts throughout the UK (and over 11 million of them visit our own Canal each year) make their personal views heard the Coalition Government might yet heed democracy and change its mind just like it did recently over trying to remove the Forestry Commission from its public accountability to Parliament. Changing their minds again, now over proposed reforms to the NHS, is another indication that the government does listen to lobbyists at least some of the time and should further encourage us all to speak up now – there is still time, just!

On a much more positive note and having only sat in on a couple of meetings during the past month, I am hugely impressed by the experience, skills and commitment of our Trustees led by their Chairman, Mike Rodd.

It has not been an easy year for any members of our Trust’s Council and many challenges have had to be faced in securing the future of our Trust – its actual financial survival probably being the most pressing at one crucial stage.

I know from personal experience over many years that running any venture, whether it is charitable, commercial or even sometimes a weird combination of both (just like the proposed New Waterways Charity!) is never easy and there is always some big project to sort out before, inevitably, a whole new challenge comes looming over the horizon.

To face these challenges we need a strong, loyal and united team right across our membership from our part-time volunteers and general members to the elected members of our Council.

A great initiative has already been implemented recently in trying to ascertain more information about our members and their hopes and aspirations for our Trust and I’m sure Mike Rodd will update us on this later. Meanwhile, I remain somewhat perplexed to learn that much sterling work is being carried out on our Canal by some dedicated volunteers who have actually chosen not to be members of our Trust! Ironically, they obviously love our Canal but not our Trust!

However, as “’er indoors” would say, I have probably banged on long enough for my inaugural address and I don’t want to frighten too many of you on my first public appearance!

My parting shot, therefore, is just to say that if I can now effectively complement all the energy, passion and hard work that has gone into the past 49 years in getting our Trust to where it is today then I feel my future service as your President will be time well spent but I know I cannot do it without all your support.

Thank you all for listening to me and I now look forward to meeting and listening to all of you during the exceptionally interesting months, let alone years, that lie ahead!

Unfortunately, I cannot join you all afterwards for a chat over coffee as I have to rush back to Great Bedwyn Wharf where there is a long-planned retirement party for Danese Rudd, who many of you will know and has been my own Trust’s Administrator for the past 22 years. However, I hope to see lots of you at the annual Waterfest in Reading next Saturday which will be a great opportunity to have a proper catch-up, hopefully, over a beer!

David Bruce

Devizes Branch Events Programme

2011-06-08T00:25:00.000-07:00

Click here to view our Devizes branch programme of events

Minutes from the Trust AGM 2010 (previous AGM)

2011-06-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

Click here to view the Minutes from the Trust AGM 2010 (previous AGM)

Accounts

2011-06-06T05:31:00.001-07:00

Click here to view our accounts report for the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust

AGM Agenda

2011-06-06T05:29:00.000-07:00

Click Here to read our AGM Agenda

The Butty - Bonus Article

2011-06-06T01:00:00.001-07:00

Click here to read our bonus Butty article:

Read bonus article

Boat Fire Safety Week - 30th May - 5th June 2011

2011-05-27T08:23:00.001-07:00

Throughout Boat Fire Safety Week, which runs from Monday 30 May to Sunday 5 June, Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) will be working with the Harbourmaster in Bristol and lock keepers across the Avon area to highlight fire safety advice to those living or staying on the water.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service Station Manager, Stuart Matthews, said: “We want people to enjoy the time they spend on board their boats and take steps to ensure they prevent fire. If a fire does break out it’s important they know what to do.

“The most important thing is to ensure working smoke alarms are fitted on board. Just two or three breaths of toxic smoke is enough to make you lose consciousness. In a confined space, like a boat, it wouldn’t take long for the vessel to fill with smoke.

“A smoke alarm will wake you in the event of a fire at night, giving you and your family vital extra minutes to escape. The sooner you are alerted to a fire the better.”

For More information on boat fire safety, visit the AF&RS Boat safety pages on their website

Vandalism - information needed

2011-05-26T00:24:00.000-07:00

Above is a photo of a boat that is moored on the tow path at Westmills Newbury, which was vandalised over the weekend 13th 14th 15th. Two other boats had their windows kicked in at the same time, the repair bill for all three boats is estimated to be £700.00 the boat pictured has been vandalised twice before.
The owner Mr P Davis is a life member of the K&A Canal Trust,'said that he is sickened buy this mindless act'
If anyone heard or saw anything please get in touch with the police.

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service

2011-05-25T03:32:00.000-07:00

Service prepares for Boat Safety Week

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service's boat safety advisor will be out and about on the Kennet & Avon Canal next week as part of national Boat Safety Week.

Canal boat safety is a priority for the Service, given the amount of waterways that run through the Wiltshire area.

Rob Buckland will be visiting boat dwellers and users along the canal between 30 May and 5 June to advise on issues such as smoke alarms, cooking, fuel storage, flares, life jackets and general water safety.

He said: "Since targeting safety messages at the boating community, we have seen a significant drop in accidental boat fires, but we don't want to be complacent. Although boat fires are less common than fires on land, they can have devastating consequences when they do occur. Boats are often in remote locations with difficult access, and when a fire starts on board, it can spread very rapidly."

Wiltshire FRS offer free boat fire risk checks, giving boaters the opportunity to gain invaluable help and advice. This includes emphasising the importance of:

· Fitting a suitable smoke alarm and testing it routinely

· Making an escape plan

· Knowing your location so you can tell the operator in an emergency

· Following fire prevention advice from the Boat Safety Scheme

Optical sensor alarms with hush buttons and 'sealed for life' batteries are recommended for boats, as are those with a British Standard ‘Kitemark’ or a LPCB ‘Horseshoe’ mark. As with smoke alarms in the home, alarms should be tested routinely and should never be disconnected.

To request boat safety advice or to request a visit, call 0800 389 7849 or contact Rob directly on 07734 483880 / email rob.buckland@wiltsfire.gov.uk

For further information about general boating fire safety, visit www.boatsafetyscheme.com/fire

Restriction - Claverton

2011-05-24T03:50:00.001-07:00

Claverton

Tuesday 24 May 2011 - Thursday 26 May 2011
A large tree has fallen across the canal from the offside.
The canal is closed to boat traffic until further notice.
Nearest winding holes are Dundas basin, and 400m West of Claverton road bridge.

Enquiries: 01380 722859

New Uniforms for Barbara McLellan Crew

2011-05-23T02:04:00.000-07:00

John and Sandra box modelling the new uniforms for Barbara McCellan sponsored by kingstone Mills Linden homes.

Pictures by Edward Ody

The Somerset Coal Canal at Monkton Combe has just got bigger!

2011-05-17T06:27:00.000-07:00

Press Release: Somerset Coal Canal Company

Turning longer boats in the winding hole at the end of the restored arm of the Somerset Coal Canal at Brassknocker Basin, just outside Bath, has always been tight if not impossible. Now the Company has added a whole foot to the size of the basin. Simply by cutting a "notch" in the stone coping has increased the width from 61.5ft to 62.5ft. Now even the longest boats based in the marina can be winded (turned) without having to reverse all the way to Dundas Basin.

A little grinding goes a long way!

Tim Wheeldon
Somerset Coal Canal Company

Heritage Open Days on the Somersetshire Coal Canal

2011-05-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

For the canal enthusiast who doesn¹t mind straying a little further than usual from the K&A towpath, a visit to Combe Hay Locks on the Somersetshire Coal Canal will prove to be a rewarding experience.

A few years ago the remains of the lock flight was all-but invisible, following 100 years of dereliction; so, whilst the K&A was marching forwards towards full restoration, the S.C.C. lay abandoned and unwanted. It had become a ten-mile long by 20 ft wide jungle. Even the formation of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society did little to alter this at first, because the Society was dedicated to research and preservation. Any thoughts of restoration were firmly put aside in deference to the local landowners, who valued their privacy.

Now all that has changed: the landowners and the S.C.C.S. are pushing forwards eagerly to clear the canal of vegetation, restore its amenity value and, eventually, who knows, to open it for navigation at some time in the distant future. Several locks of the Combe Hay flight have been cleared and, although lacking gates and paddle gear, they now form the centre-piece of an embryonic restoration project.

Part of the lock flight is on a public footpath and can be visited at any time, but later this year the S.C.C.S. will be participating in ³Heritage Open Days² and will be organising a weekend of guided tours. This is an opportunity to learn all about the Bull¹s Nose, the pumping engine with its hidden tunnel and the many other features of the S.C.C. that make it a rather special canal in so many ways.

The guided walks will start hourly from an exhibition site underneath the railway arch opposite Bridge Farm on the Midford road from Combe Hay (ST 746604) during the weekend of 10th - 11th September 2011.

Adrian Tuddenham

The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust NOTICE OF AGM

2011-05-16T00:20:00.001-07:00

The forty-ninth Annual General Meeting of The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust will be held at the Canal Centre, Couch Lane, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 1EB on Saturday June 11 2011 commencing at 11.00 am to conduct the following business:
Ordinary Resolutions:
1.To receive and adopt the Board of Trustees'Report and Accounts for
the year ended December 31 2010.
2.To elect Members to be Trustees.

2.1Messrs Copley, Fisher and Mundy are to retire in accordance with Articles 50 and 51 of the Trust's Articles of Association.They all, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.

2.2During the past year David Inight, Mike Rodd, Pauline King and Suzanne Gaia were formally coopted onto Trust Council in accordance with Article 37 of the Trust’s Articles of Association. They all, being eligible, now offer themselves for election.

2.3Further nominations for election to The Board of Trustees:
There are some vacancies. The Board of Trustees has a policy of continuous recruitment to ensure that it has access to the skills and experience to run a modern heritage-based Charity. Properly authorised and seconded nominations are invited from among the Trust membership for persons to sit as Trustees and Directors of the Trust.

3.To re-appoint the Auditors, Messrs David Owen & Co, and to authorise The Board of Trustees to fix their remuneration.
By Order of The Board of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust

Terry Kemp Company Secretary
February 1 2011

Notes:
A member entitled to attend and vote may appoint a proxy to attend and vote in his/her stead.
Notes for guidance together with nomination forms are available by e-mailing secretary@katrust.org.uk or by writing to The Secretary, K&A Trust, Canal Centre, Couch Lane, Devizes, SN10 1EB.
Closing date for receipt of valid nominations is noon May 31 2011.
Registered in England and Wales: No 726331. Registered Charity: No CC209206

Claverton Family Fun Weekend

2011-05-16T00:17:00.000-07:00

Claverton Family Fun Weekend

May 29th - 30th
Come and see this amazing technology in action for just £5 per adult children under 16 free if accompanied by an adult.

Have homemade cakes and refreshments
Learn to tie knots and lasso
Learn about canal life and history
Learn more about wildlife
Learn how to build model railways
See a canal artist at work and have a chance to buy a souvenir
And take in the fabulous scenery from our lawn

For more details go to our web site:

www.claverton.org

or view our poster here

DAVID BRUCE TO SUCCEED MICHAEL ANCRAM AS THE TRUST’S PRESIDENT

2011-05-16T00:09:00.002-07:00

After 2 very active years as the Trust’s President, Michael Ancram has advised the Council that he wishes to step down as he is now firmly based in Scotland and feels unable to continue to give the Trust the time it deserves. Michael has been a wonderful President, representing us on many occasions, always available to prod and guide the Council, and also managing to attend a large number of Trust events. For many years he has played a major role in helping the Trust to achieve Cruiseway Status for our Canal. We are all very sorry that he is unable to continue.

We are delighted, though, to announce that David Bruce has agreed to succeed Michael, with effect from the AGM on the 11th of June.

David’s affection for the Kennet & Avon Canal began in 1966 when he embarked on his 44 year career in the international brewing and leisure industry. As a trainee brewer at Simonds Brewery in Reading, he spent many a lunch-hour by the Canal as it flowed through Brewery Gut.

Following the sale of Bruce’s Brewery and the Firkin Pubs in 1988, David and his wife, Louise, moved to Hungerford and created The Bruce Charitable Trust (www.brucetrust.org.uk). This Trust provides holidays for disabled people on its four specially-designed, purpose-built, wide-beam canal boats, the first two of which are named after their daughters, Rebecca and Hannah.

During the past 21 years over 11,500 people with special needs, together with their carers, have enjoyed holidays cruising from The Bruce Trust’s two bases, at Great Bedwyn and Lower Foxhangers.

David’s first involvement with the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust was as Chairman of The Last Lock Appeal which raised £10,000 for the restoration of the grass-sided Widmead Lock near Thatcham, just prior to the visit by H.M. The Queen in 1990.

Having floated his latest licensed property venture, The Capital Pub Company PLC (www.capitalpubcompany.com), on the London Stock Exchange, David is now looking forward to becoming more involved, as its new President, with the exciting future of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust.

READING WATERFEST - BOATS NEEDED

2011-05-16T00:09:00.001-07:00

Reading Waterfest takes place in central Reading on Saturday 18 June. Entertainers are booked, commercial and community stalls are coming to make the event a great day out but we are still rather short of boats. Without boats it will not be a proper Waterfest.

We are therefore asking all Trust boaters to see if you are able to bring your boat to Waterfest. Can you make a special trip or can you adjust your summer schedule to include Waterfest on your way to or from more distant places?. Waterfest takes place on Saturday 18 June but free moorings will be available for Waterfest boats on loop of the loop Kennet behing the Abbey Ruins in central Reading from the preceding Wednesday until the following Monday. We would really like to see you there.

If you already have a booking form please send it in as soon as possible so that we know you are coming. If you dont have a form please contact the Trust's Reading Branch Chairman David Copley on 0118 959 8247 or by e-mail on d.copley247@btinternet.comand he will be very pleased to take details of your boat and send you a booking form. You will be very welcome at Waterfest.

Finally, should you be unable to come to Waterfest by boat, please try to come along by land. The site is in central Reading and under 10 minutes walk from the rail station. There will be lots to see (hopefully including a good turn-out of boats) and do, and if you are able to offer some time to help on the Trust stands we have lots of jobs available. We would love to see you there.

I very much hope that you will be able to put out a suitable piece and thank you in advance for your help.

David Copley
Chairman (Reading Branch)

Bradford-on-Avon Bench has migrated

2011-05-16T00:05:00.000-07:00

The memorial Bench from the BoA tearoom gardens has been moved to the area below with a view over the wharf.

Photos by Edward Ody

The Public Catalogue Foundation

2011-05-05T01:06:00.001-07:00

This foundation has been engaged on the mammoth task of recording all the oil paintings in public ownership in the UK. On Tuesday 3rd May the latest volume was launched for Gloucestershire and Wiltshire at a reception at Highgrove hosted by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, patron of the Foundation.

Past Chairman and vice President David Lamb was asked by Council to represent the Trust. You may not realize that we have no less than 7 oil paintings in our possession including the large one of John Gould and his boat which is hung over the serving hatch in the Meeting room at Devizes. All these have been faithfully recorded in this new volume.

The photos are in full colour with details of the artist, size etc. They are organised by the location where they are held and the book forms a wonderful source of information as to where you can see them. There are portraits, historical scenes, canal and transport views including aircraft and rail travel.

On leaving the reception each representative was presented with the heaviest goody bag imaginable. The catalogue is some 1.5 inches thick A4 size. It is now available for reference at the museum in Devizes. However starting in June the whole catalogue is being uploaded onto the internet. It will take some time but will be well worth the effort. It is recommended to you.

David Lamb

Bust Easter at Bradford-on-Avon

2011-04-26T00:19:00.000-07:00

The sun enticed just about everyone to Bradford-on-Avon Wharf this weekend:

Picture by Edward Ody

Rose of Hungerford: Cancelled Trip

2011-04-23T00:39:00.001-07:00

PLEASE NOTE: The Rose of Hungerford: there will not be a public trip at 2.30pm on Easter Day due to circumstances beyond our control

Tribute to an inspiring lady

2011-04-20T05:44:00.001-07:00

Above: Wyn & John Gould Image courtesy of the Canal Archives

“It is with great sadness that the Trust has learned that Wyn Gould, the widow of Trust pioneer John Gould, has passed away at the grand old age of 95. Wyn was without doubt the Trust’s oldest member having partnered John from the early days of the Trust in campaigning and driving for restoration. After John’s death in 1999, Wyn remained engaged with the Trust and was a regular attendee of Newbury Branch meetings until ill-health made that not possible. Her last public Trust duty was opening the Newbury Waterways Festival in 2006. Wynn’s funeral will take place next Thursday, 28th April at 2.30 at St Nicolas’ Church, West Mills, Newbury, RG14 5HG.”

K & A Workshop

2011-04-06T06:21:00.000-07:00

Monday 18th April 7pm at the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Museum, Devizes

Be part of the exciting Bath Open Air Museum project

for more details, click here

A new era for the Waterways

2011-03-31T07:56:00.000-07:00

A consultation on the Future of Inland Waterways in England and Scotland.

At a meeting hosted yesterday by our ex-Vice President Richard Beynon, the Waterways Minister, Defra (the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs) formally launched a consultation on proposals to replace British Waterways in England and Wales by a New Waterways Charity. Navigable waters controlled by the Environment Agency could be incorporated at a later stage.

The objective is to secure a sustainable future for our waterways. The proposed new charity would be similar in size to the British Red Cross or Save the Children. To give this charity a good start, Government funding is guaranteed until 2023, at the level of the agreed 2012 grant of £39 Million. BW’s present extensive property portfolio, which already accounts of about 40% of BW’s income, will be transferred to the new charity as well.

The results of the consultation will have a huge and fundamental effect on the way in which our waterways are run in future years. We urge all those interested in any aspect of our waterways to read the consultation document in full and to make their views known to Defra, either by responding to any (or all) of the 29 questions that they pose in the document and/or by sending other comments that you consider appropriate.

The consultation document can be downloaded from:

www.defra.gov.uk/consult/waterways-1103

Impact on the K&A Canal Trust

Clearly, the establishment of this new charity will have a direct impact on the way your own Trust operates in the future. There are, for example, many areas in which we might end up in a competition for funding, volunteers, commercial activities, etc. Your Trust will be making a formal response to the proposals in due course. To do this properly, we need the views of our members.

The Trustees will therefore be holding three consultation meetings over the next few months, to discuss the Defra proposals and to review any possible impacts on the way that the Trust operates. We will also be undertaking a parallel web-based survey. These activities will ensure that the Trust has enough time to prepare a well-reasoned response reflecting member views, and will also assist us in ensuring that we are in fit state ourselves to face this new era!

So please respond to the Defra consultation yourselves, but do also send a copy of your response (photocopy or e-mail), plus any other comments you think relevant, to the Trust Office at Devizes (consultation@katrust.org.uk). We will not be able to answer detailed questions about the Defra proposals but we will ensure that your views are taken into account when preparing the Trust's response. (Please also remember when responding to Defra that you are giving your own views. By all means mention that you are an active member of a well-respected canal society, but please don't state or even imply that you are responding on behalf of the Trust. That response will be prepared by our Trustees, only after we have received the views from as many of our members as possible. Please help us by making your views known to us in good time!)

Timescale? The Defra consultation opened on 30 March and responses can be submitted any time before the closing date, the 30th June 2011.

Mike Rodd

Chair of the Trust Council

Trust Council Minutes

2011-03-31T00:24:00.000-07:00

February Council Minutes: click here

March Council Minutes: click here

BIG FISH LEAVE SMALL POND

2011-03-29T00:32:00.001-07:00

British Waterways is relocating over half a tonne of fish from the side ponds of the famous Caen Hill Flight of Locks on the historic Kennet & Avon Canal, near Devizes, to improve conditions for aquatic wildlife including dragonflies.

The relocation follows a successful trial project in 2009, which saw a tonne of fish, including large tench, carp, bream, roach, perch and pike removed from the ponds.

The significant numbers of boats that move through the locks at Caen Hill stirs up silt and so do, perhaps surprisingly, large fish feeding on the bottom of the ponds. This stirring of the silt causes the growth of algae due to the subsequent release of nutrients in the water. Over recent years, the water in the side ponds has, therefore, become less suitable for invertebrates such as dragonflies and damselflies, as well as scarce aquatic plants that rely on clear-water environments. By removing the large fish a more natural balance will be created in the ponds, as there will be reduced excessive predation from these larger fish on the younger and smaller fish and other invertebrates.

British Waterways’ ecologist, Oda Dijksterhuis said:

“In 2009 we removed the first batch of big fish from the ponds and installed silt screen curtains. The results of this habitat management work have been fantastic with aquatic plants, such as the rare potamogetons and hornworts returning to the ponds that we haven’t had in the waterway for years. In addition to these plants we have seen an increase in dragon and damselfly populations, the ponds are now teeming with diverse dragonfly larvae and other invertebrates such as the water scorpion.

“The fish relocations happening this week will help to improve the habitat of the other ponds on the flight, so hopefully we’ll see more plants and invertebrates appear in the coming months around all of Caen Hill’s ponds.”

British Waterways has employed a specialist fisheries team to co-ordinate the relocation of the fish, and initial works have suggested that there will be many large pike relocated from the ponds.

Many of the fish will be relocated along the Kennet & Avon Canal, where local anglers will be able to fish for them, and a proportion will go to Toddbrook Reservoir in the Peak District which needs restocking following works at the site.

The Caen Hill side ponds were originally designed 200 years ago as ‘holding tanks’ to store the water needed to operate this extraordinary flight of locks, due to the steepness of the terrain. Together, these side ponds represent one of the largest stretches of open water in this part of Wiltshire and are a great wildlife habitat for species including grass snakes, various birds and water voles.

Once the water in the side ponds has been drained down to a level of about two feet, a the fisheries experts will use 100m seine nets to trap fish before wading in to scoop up the largest. The fish will be carefully transferred into aerated tanks before being transported to their new home.

John Ellis, fisheries manager for British Waterways, says: "We take great care of the fish throughout every part of the process and local anglers will welcome the release of some of these larger fish into the canal."

CRUISEWAY STATUS - WONDERFUL NEWS ON KENNET AND AVON CANAL’S LEGAL STATUS

2011-03-23T01:03:00.000-07:00

After years of campaigning by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, the Kennet &Avon Canal will soon be fully reclassified as a ‘Cruiseway,’ raising its legal status and securing its future.
Mike Rodd, Chairman of The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust Council, said: "The Trust is delighted to have been advised by British Waterways that they have received confirmation from DEFRA’s Parliamentary Section that the re-classification Order to redefine the sections of the K&A Waterway which are presently classified as “Remainder Waterways” as “Cruiseways”, will definitely come into force on 18 April 2011. This is wonderful news that begins another chapter of the history of our Trust and our Waterway.”
British Waterways (BW), supportedand cajoled by the Trust and the K&A Trade Association, has campaigned for many years to achieve this important change. In the long term, it will ensurethat BW (or its proposed successor, the “National Waterways Charity”) will maintain the canal in its entirety as a fully operational waterway, available for cruising.
In practice, BW has been maintaining the waterway as a Cruiseway since the restoration was completed in 2002, with the substantial additional funding required currently coming from direct financial contributions from the relevant riparian Councils (Wiltshire, West Berkshire and Bath & North East Somerset).
For all those who love, play or boat on, or make their living from the waterway, this announcement is the best possible news!!

You heard it here first!

Newbury Branch AGM - please note change of date

2011-03-17T06:24:00.001-07:00

The Newbury Branch AGM 2011 has a new date:

Wednesday 4th May at 7.45pm

Branch Annual General Meeting followed by a discussion:

The Kennet & Avon Trust - the Way Ahead
with Dr. Mike Rodd, Trust Chairman

INITIATIVES FROM THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT ARE LEADING TO A WIDE RANGE OF CHANGES IN THE WAY THE INLAND WATERWAYS ARE RUN. THESE ARE ALREADY AFFECTING THE TRUST.

Bradford-on-Avon Lock re-opens after BW repairs

2011-03-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

Pictures by Streve Bright

The K&A Canal Trust and the Devizes Wharf Building

2011-03-10T00:30:00.001-08:00

The past few years have brought mounting problems for the 200-year old Devizes Wharf Building where the K & A Canal Trust has its headquarters. Repairs and maintenance, for which the Trust is responsible, are already costing some £40,000 a year. Those costs are certain to rise. More important, the state of the building (which is not listed) is such that patching-up is no longer a sensible option.
The Trust is seeking additional funding to tackle the problem. If that cannot be found, Trust Council has decided, with great regret, that we must terminate our lease before the end of this year and look for a base which will not be such a massive drain on our resources.
It should be remembered that the building was derelict before the Trust took it over. The premises were originally leased from Kennet District Council in 1982, following restoration, largely by Trust volunteers. The lease, currently under re-negotiation, is now with the unified Wiltshire Council but the Trust remains responsible for all repairs and maintenance.
Two years ago a loo fell through the floor, and repairs revealed structural problems resulting from water entering from the adjoining outside wall. Nearly £20,000 was required to provide new facilities. A crack in a beam above the shop, supporting the museum, was then discovered and the resulting professional survey required immediate action and temporary supports had to be installed. A 5-yearly electrical inspection reported that the wiring was both non-compliant with present regulations and there were public safety issues. Vital work cost nearly £10K, with further work still required to ensure full compliance.
Then, about a year ago the radiators started failing – and by the start of 2011 about 20 had been replaced. A few weeks ago the boiler cracked and the subsequent inspection showed that not only had it to be replaced, but that the ageing installation required a full replacement and completely changed venting requirements to meet new regulations. But it also showed that much of the present pipework had to be replaced. Estimates are in the region of another £20,000.
Finally, the back wall which partly supports Couch Lane, and is made of the original Bath stone, has deteriorated badly. Complete repointing is required, with initial estimates in the region of £50,000. Serious cracks have also appeared in the front wall, requiring urgent attention.
The Trust Council has taken professional advice and the conclusion is that a very large investment is required to completely refurbish the building – any more patching up will be of little point and continue to be a drain on the Trust’s limited funds.
The Trust will, of course, continue to seek a funder to restore the building but it is felt unlikely that this will be successful in the present climate. Trust Council has therefore, with great regret, decided to prepare to vacate the building by the end of September this year. A working party, led by Trustee David Copley, has already begun to seek alternative accommodation for the activities presently run from the building.

Boat owners urged to complete their census questionnaires in March

2011-03-07T06:05:00.001-08:00

18 November 2010
2011 Census – helping to shape the future
Boat owners urged to complete their census questionnaires in March
Whether you live on a boat, are lucky enough to have a second water-based home or simply enjoy getting out on the water when you can, boating and yachting is a great way to leave behind everyday life, to venture out to enjoy new experiences. During March 2011, however, even if you are away on your boat, you will be required to take part in a decennial event, a national treasure, which has occurred throughout the world for many millennia, and in its present form in the UK since 1801.
The 2011 Census is approaching. With a 200 year record of tracking the patterns of our ever changing society the census is something of a national treasure. Shows such as Who do you think you are? have fuelled the explosion of members of the public searching through census records to find the heroes and the villains of the family, helping to raise the census’s profile.
Census statistics, in the present day, however, are used for a more serious reason, such as identifying the need for facilities and services in local areas - including emergency services, schools and hospitals. As a result everyone in England and Wales is legally obliged to take part.
Every household in England and Wales will be sent a 2011 Census questionnaire. You will receive a big white envelope with a purple C on the front, in March 2011. If you live on your boat it will be sent to the address you are moored at; if you do not receive a census questionnaire by census day (27 March 2011) you should get in touch with the census helpline 0300 0201 1010 (England) or 0300 0201 130 (Wales) to request your copy.
If you are away on holiday on your boat for census day, try to complete the questionnaire before you go if you can. For the first time in census history you can now complete your questionnaire online at www.census.gov.uk, using the individual secure internet access code on the front of your paper questionnaire. If you are away on holiday during the census, please ensure you fill your questionnaire in on your return.
Deputy Census Director, Pete Benton said: “Census statistics are used by a range of people for a range of reasons, from local councils to charities and academia. It is important to make sure those who live on boats, are counted in the 2011 Census. Being counted means that your needs can be identified, as well as your friends, family and your community’s.”
For over 200 years, census statistics have been used to underpin national and local decision making. The census, which is run by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), obtains a comprehensive and consistent snapshot of the population. Census questionnaires are confidential and only group statistics are released into the public domain.
The census takes place on 27 March 2011, so watch-out for your questionnaire coming through the door. Alternatively, for the first time in census history, you can now complete your questionnaire online at www.census.gov.uk.

Bradford-on-Avon - more photos from the BW investigations

2011-03-04T00:15:00.000-08:00

Pictures by Steve Bright

VOLUNTEERS HELP WATERWAY WORKS

2011-03-02T00:18:00.000-08:00

British Waterways has said a big thank you to a group of volunteers from the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust who has lent a helping hand with the waterway maintenance programme this winter.

Volunteers from the Trust have been getting involved out on the canal using the recently restored Avon Vale workboat. The boat was donated by British Waterways to the Trust, whose volunteers have restored the craft and are now using it to supplement the work British Waterways is doing out on the waterway.

Kennet & Avon Canal Trust volunteer, John Kirby said: “A dedicated group of volunteers from the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust restored the workboat Avon Vale. Now it’s up and running again it’s been very rewarding to get involved with the practical tasks of helping British Waterways out on the canal.

“Having an extra boat is a real help to British Waterways as it means we can get involved collecting any floating litter, and cutting back overhanging branches on the off-side which otherwise might affect navigation. We’ve also joined forces with British Waterways’ engineering team helping them to undertake their annual inspections along the canal.”

The Kennet & Avon Canal, which recently celebrated its bicentenary, requires constant care and attention to ensure the many listed structures, wildlife habitats, locks and bridges can continue to be used now and in the future. To date the volunteers have undertaken 39 days, or 800 man hours undertaking off-side tree cutting, and two full days helping to inspect a length of the canal.

British Waterways’ waterway manager, Mark Stephens said: “It’s great to work in partnership with the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust for the benefit of the waterway.

“The volunteers on the recently restored workboat, Avon Vale, deserve a special thank you. They have undertaken vegetation management works on the canal as well as getting involved with our annual inspection, skippering our team of engineers out on the water. Not only does this save time and money, but it also means we get to hear what the volunteers think and listen to their suggestions about managing the canal.”

Bradford-on-Avon Lock Investigations Continue

2011-03-02T00:16:00.001-08:00

Pictures by Steve Bright

British Waterways begin Investigations at Bradford-on-Avon Lock

2011-03-01T01:08:00.000-08:00

Pictures by Steve Bright

Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre Exhibition

2011-02-28T03:03:00.001-08:00

Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre would like to put out an appeal for memorabilia, photographs and stories that members may have relating to the Berks & Wilts Canal, particularly the Chippenham Branch, for an exhibition we will be holding next year.
The exhibition will be in conjunction with the publication of a new book about the 'Chippenham Branch' charting the history of the development of the canal in and around the town.
The town was served by a two mile branch, which left the main line of the Wilts & Berks at Pewsham, just above the locks, and terminated at what is now the bus station, in Timber Street.
The exhibition will run from 9th May until 25th July 2011.
Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre,10 Market Place Chippenham SN15 3HF
Telephone: 01249 705020

Volunteers called to unlock key canal role

2011-02-25T05:27:00.000-08:00

British Waterways is inviting people to apply for a unique opportunity that will see them carry out an iconic and colourful role on their local canal.

For the first time British Waterways is recruiting local people to be Volunteer Lock Keepers, and will be holding guided walks at various locations along the historic Kennet and Avon Canal where potential volunteers can come along and find out more about this wonderful opportunity.

Volunteers could be working at a selection of historic locks on the Kennet and Avon canal including such sites as the popular Caen Hill Lock Flight and the Bath Flight, or the Grade II Listed locks at Bradford on Avon, Crofton, Seend and Kintbury.

The guided walks are taking place on:

Friday 4th March 10am at Bradford and 2pm at Bath

Friday 11th March 10am at Crofton and 2pm at Kintbury

Friday 18th March 10am at Devizes and 2pm at Seend

The ideal Volunteer Lock Keeper will have an interest in the waterways, enjoy meeting people and like the sound of spending time outdoors in beautiful surroundings. They will be working from March until October and will ideally be able to offer at least one day a week, though this is flexible. No prior experience is necessary – successful applicants will receive full induction, training and a uniform to equip them for their new role as ‘the face of the waterway’. The key attributes are enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Lock Keepers have been a fixture on the canal for hundreds of years. While some of the duties remain the same, today’s lock keepers will not have as difficult a time as their early predecessors. Lock Keepers in the past had to haul the heavy lock gates open by hand, defend themselves against river pirates and fight off toll thieves. Today the role of the modern-day Volunteer Lock Keeper is to provide a polite and friendly service to waterway visitors, assisting boaters through the locks and maintaining the lock area. It’s a chance for people who are passionate about their local community to make a real difference to the experience of waterway visitors, from boaters and ramblers to families feeding the ducks.

Volunteering is an important aspect of British Waterways’ plans in England and Wales to move management of the nation’s canals and rivers out of state control and into a new ‘national trust’ for the waterways. This exciting new charity, which is targeted to be up and running by April 2012, will attract new investment and give local people a greater role in how their waterways are run – including the opportunity to get involved in a growing number of volunteer opportunities.

BW’s Waterway Manager for the Kennet and Avon Canal, Mark Stephens, said: “This is an exciting opportunity and we are expecting there to be a lot of interest. The role of a lock keeper is arguably the most iconic and colourful role on the waterway and by opening it out to volunteers we’re hoping to tap into the great wealth of knowledge and passion that we know local people have for their canal.”

For more information and to apply to become a volunteer lock keeper please contact Sarah French in British Waterways’ volunteering team on 01827 252097or e-mail volunteer@britishwaterways.co.uk. Further information on all volunteering opportunities within British Waterways can be found on www.britishwaterways.co.uk/volunteer.

Avon Vale helps British Waterways

2011-02-25T00:15:00.001-08:00

The Avon Vale has been busy in action helping British Waterways inspect the long pound of the Kennet & Avon canal. The Avon Vale also helped move the BW work boat, Kennet II from Hungerford to Wootton Rivers in order for contractors to carry out vital vegetation work on the non towpath side of the long pound.

Below:
B/W, K&A canal volunteer leader Rob Labus in the center and left to right, Adrian Softly, John Kirby, Rod Hannah, John Peters, Avon Vale crew.

Below: the Kennet II leaving Hungerford with trust volunteers, John Peters,Rod Hannah, Adrian Softly. on its way to Wooton Rivers.

Below:
from left to right, John Ward, David Berasinsky,Howard Wilcox, and Mark Stephens at the end of the two day inspection trip from the Bruce Tunnel to Devizes, courtesy of the K&A canal trust work boat Avon Vale.

Below:
from left to right, John Peters Avon Vale crew, John Ward BW, Rod Hannah Avon Vale crew, David Berasinsky BW, Howard Wilcox BW. on the first day of the inspecting trip at, Pewsey Wharf.

Below:
David Berasinsky and Howard Wilcox from B/W on board the Avon Vale inspecting Bridge 109 on the long pound.

Images Courtesy of the Avon Vale Team

Trust Council Minutes 25.1.11

2011-02-23T03:57:00.000-08:00

Click Here for Trust Council Minutes

Great Bedwyn Wharf - Pump Out Facility

2011-02-18T00:44:00.001-08:00

Great Bedwyn Wharf - Pump Out Facility

Thursday 17 February 2011 until further notice
The Pump out facility at Great Bedwyn Wharf, will be out of action until further notice

Enquiries: 01380 722859

Reading Branch Meetings 2011

2011-02-14T00:03:00.000-08:00

Reading Branch Meetings 2011 - click here for details

British Waterways Open Day

2011-02-07T07:28:00.001-08:00

British Waterways' Winter Works Open Day, Caen Hill Lock Flight, Kennet & Avon Canal, near Devizes
Saturday 12th February 2011
10.30am - 3.30pm
Join British Waterways at Caen Hill Lock Flight to find out more about the work happening this winter to maintain the historic lock flight and see a lock gate lifted.
. join the British Waterways team for guided tours at 11am, 12noon, 1, 2 & 3pm
. find out more about the history of the canal with the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust
. Caen Hill Café open from 11am-3.30pm serving teas, coffees and hot chocolate, cakes, soup, hot & cold snacks and cold drinks
. meet the British Waterways team that helps care for your canal

Caen Hill visitor car park is located off the B3101 near Rowde, signposted from the A361. Nearest postcode SN10 1QR. Car parking, 4 hours £1.00.

Members News

2011-02-02T00:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Members
Latest news from the Kennet and Avon Trust

1) Dr Mike Rodd appointed as Chairman

From David Inight , Vice Chair.

My brief spell as Acting Chair of Trust Council ended last Wednesday following the Council meeting the previous evening, at which the Trustees unanimously elected Mike Rodd to the post of Chair.

Members will remember that Mike resigned from the position of paid General Manager on the 31st December, and took up the role of a Volunteer Trustee the next day. I am very pleased that Mike has agreed to accept the position of Chair of Council; he has amassed a wealth of knowledge about the Trust and our relationship with British Waterways and the Local Authorities through whose areas the Canal runs. In addition, since its inception Mike has been chairing the local pilot K&A Waterways Partnership Board, which we hope will provide the model for the rest of the waterways network.

All the Trustees voted in favour of Mike’s appointment; they have also each agreed to lead on particular areas of work within the Trust. To support us, we have Holly Streeter as General Secretary and Becky Wells as Administrative Officer. As Trustees we are all looking forward to a challenging but exciting year for the Canal and the Trust.

On a personal note, I am looking forward to supporting Mike in his new role, and to taking on my responsibilities of working with the Branches and Boat Crews.

2) Art Course

Once again the Art course run by Amy Whitewick has raised another £300 for the Trust. Many thanks to all who attended, Sue who helped make all the drinks and Val Whitewick for donating all the food including the home made scones. It is hoped that there will be another course during the Spring, perhaps this time at Bradford on Avon and possibly outside. Look out for more news.

3) Volunteer Lock Keepers Required

British Waterways are looking for volunteer lock keepers at Crofton, Bradford on Avon and Bath. If you feel you would like to spend a few hours enjoying the fresh air and helping boaters to go through the locks, in any of these locations, please contact Karen Fishwick at Devizes on 01380 722859

4) Government Cuts and our Waterway-Your help is needed

The Kennet and Avon Canal is once more under threat! Despite huge volunteer effort, lottery funding, local and central government funding, the present financial environment and Government cuts will significantly reduce the much needed repair and maintenance requirements of the waterway. Already the impacts of this are obvious and disturbing with the need for lock gate replacement, dredging and much more

All this requires the Trust to once more deliver some solutions to the waterway’s dilemma.

For over 50 years the Trust as been at the forefront of this sort of work and we need again to positively partner and gain new support. More recently we have been extremely active in the formation of the pilot local partnership that will advise British Waterways in their new guise as a Third Sector organisation. Additionally we have been very active at high level along with the IWA ensuring our canal interests are represented in the changing and difficult financial environment.

However our voice is only listened too if we are truly representative. Our membership and supporter base numbers are therefore important and to this end Tim West, one of our Vice Presidents has said that he will lend a hand. But in doing so he also needs your help.

We want to mail drop as many canal side businesses and homes as possible pushing our message home and asking people to join. This we have called our ‘no frills’ campaign as we wish to do it as economically as possible by using volunteers to deliver requests for support.

Stage one of the campaign is the length between Bradford on Avon and Crofton. Printing of the mail drop letter is being finalised and we have some volunteer delivery people already but we need more.

Stage two will be the other lengths of our waterway later in the month.

So can you help – can you mail-drop your part of town, village or boat club ? If you can please send in your details to Holly Streeter either by phone or by email gensec@katrust.org.uk

5) British Waterways open Day 12th Feb 2011

British Waterways' Winter Works Open Day, Caen Hill Lock Flight, Kennet & Avon Canal, near Devizes
Saturday 12th February 2011
10.30am - 3.30pm
Join British Waterways at Caen Hill Lock Flight to find out more about the work happening this winter to maintain the historic lock flight and see a lock gate lifted.
. join the British Waterways team for guided tours at 11am, 12noon, 1, 2 & 3pm
. find out more about the history of the canal with the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust
. Caen Hill Café open from 11am-3.30pm serving teas, coffees and hot chocolate, cakes, soup, hot & cold snacks and cold drinks
. meet the British Waterways team that helps care for your canal

Caen Hill visitor car park is located off the B3101 near Rowde, signposted from the A361. Nearest postcode SN10 1QR. Car parking, 4 hours £1.00.

Best Regards
Alan Whitewick

www.katrust.org

Trust Council Minutes

2011-01-31T00:10:00.000-08:00

Click Here to view Trust Council Minutes from Tuesday 7th December

Stoppage

2011-01-25T08:04:00.001-08:00

Bradford on Avon

Monday 7 March 2011 - Tuesday 8 March 2011
This is for the repairs to the pump pen stop valves, ground paddle frames and the grouting of the lock.

Enquiries: 01380 722859

Restriction

2011-01-25T01:18:00.001-08:00

Weston Lock & Kelston Lock

Saturday 5 March 2011 - Saturday 5 March 2011
The Avon County Rowing Club’s Head of the River Race between Weston Lock and Kelston Lock on the River Avon will be taking place between 9am and 4pm on the 5 March 2011.

The Avon will remain open for navigation during this time but we would appreciate it if all boats could comply with the race marshalls instructions at all times and wait as necessary for short periods to enable racing crews to pass through safely. Your co-operation is much appreciated

Enquiries: 01380 722859

Reading Branch Annual Dinner

2011-01-24T01:00:00.000-08:00

Date : Wed 16 March 2011. 7.00 for 7.30 p.m.
Venue : 'The Griffin', 10-12 Church Road CAVERSHAM RG4 7AD (0118 947 5018)

We will have our own area for dining, but not a separate room.

Menu(s) ; 2 courses for £9.99. 3 courses for £11.99. À la carte menu. Wide range of options.

To enable us to have the separate dining area, a deposit of £10 per person is required in advance.
Please send a cheque, dated 8 March, to Andy made out to 'A. James', to be received by him not later than 7th March.
Send this with a note giving your contact details and the number of persons in your group.

On the night, open a 'tab' at the bar on arrival for your food and drinks.
Then pay at the end of the meal (after deducting your £10 per person pre-paid deposit).
Payment by cash or card (no cheques).

Some of our members are not on e-mail. Please pass these details on to them if you are in touch.
Details will also be announced at the next two branch meetings.

Andy's address : Andy James, 3 Caroline Court, Bath Road, READING, RG1 6HW.
He will not be contactable between 18 Feb and 7 March.

Stoppage Advice

2011-01-21T05:46:00.001-08:00

Kintbury Wharf

Friday 21 January 2011 - Sunday 30 January 2011
Reed Thatcham Angling Association, are holding a fishing match around the Kintbury Wharf area on Sunday 23rd January 2011 & Sunday 30th January, start time 9.00am till 15.00pm.
Boaters are advised to reduce their speed and be considerate to Anglers

Enquiries: 01380 722859

Members News

2011-01-19T02:04:00.000-08:00

Please find details of latest news from the Trust below

1) Canal Art Workshop

There are still tickets available for the Canal Art Workshop to be held in the Trust Offices at Devizes on the 29th January from 10am - 4pm
Relaxed course- learn to draw boats, wildlife, people and focus your observational skills. Very suitable for all abilities especially beginners.
Minimum age 16 years. Light lunch will be provided.Materials will also be provided and sponsored by HMG Paints in Andover.
All proceeds towards the K&A Trust. Tickets are available from the Trust shop in Devizes or telephone 01380 721279
See Poster below.

2) Search is on to find the UK's favourite lottery funded projects

How about nominating the Kennet and Avon Trust, follow the link below for the information on how to nominate the Trust

http://www.waterscape.com/features-and-articles/news/2939/search-is-on-to-find-the-the-uks-favourite-lottery-funded-projects

3) John Gould Award

Rose of Hungerford Man awarded John Gould Award

The nominations for the 2010 John Gould Award attracted record entries. The closing date was at the year end and the Trustees of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust were asked to place their votes to choose the worthy winner. Never an easy task!.

Richard Snook receives the John Gould from Mike Rodd

The going was close but the winner this year was Richard Snook a hard working K & A volunteer of some 13 years. Richard is a member of the Hungerford Branch committee and the boat manager for the Rose of Hungerford. Always available when something needs to be done, such as doing emergency pump outs and repairs, ensure the boat is re-fuelled, taking on additional skippering tasks, maintaining the lift, showing potential customers around the boat, and doing the huge task of preparing everything for the MCA inspections etc. He also does much to keep the Branch active and writes the regular reports for the Butty. Richard is the very heart and soul of the Rose and is always very willing to take on additional tasks for the Trust.

The award was an idea in 1997 when John Gould MBE was honoured with a plaque by his ‘second home’ Newbury Lock Island. Nobody can doubt the dedication and example John gave us all in his work for the Kennet and Avon Canal. The award is a way of honouring others who have continued working for our waterway.

The Late John Gould MBE at the unveiling of his plaque in 1997 ( picture The Butty Spring 1997)

All the nominees should have been winners for all are great examples of K & A Volunteer spirit. The other nominees were – Mike Messam, Elaine Kirby, David Inight, and the Avon Vale Crew .

Worthy entrants for next year?

The Late John Gould MBE at the unveiling of his plaque in 1997 ( picture The Butty Spring 1997)

Warning Stoppage

2011-01-19T00:41:00.000-08:00

Kennet & Canal to River Avon

Tuesday 18 January 2011 until further notice
Due to high water levels on the river sections of the K&A, we recommend craft do not navigate until levels subside

Enquiries: 01380 722859

STOPPAGE

2011-01-14T06:49:00.001-08:00

Waterpoint - Crofton

Friday 14 January 2011 until further notice
The Water Stand pipe at Crofton has been switch off due to contamination and will closed until further notice. The nearest water points can be found at Great Bedwyn Wharf or immediately below Wootton Rivers Road Bridge

Enquiries: 01380 722859

VOLUNTEER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

2011-01-14T05:25:00.000-08:00

As people make their New Year’s resolutions this January to get fit, make new friends and get out and about more, British Waterways is hoping that their new volunteering scheme on the Kennet & Avon Canal will give local residents the perfect opportunity to make a difference to their environment as well as achieving some personal goals.

British Waterways’ new volunteering scheme is looking for people to give up a few hours a month to help maintain the much-loved, 200-year-old waterway. The scheme is being set up ahead of the organisations move to become a charity in April 2012.

Mark Stephens, British Waterways’ waterway manager explained: “The Kennet & Avon Canal is a beautiful stretch of waterway, unfortunately British Waterways has limited resources to be able to keep the canal looking as good as we would like. We hope that local people will join us to help with tasks such as cutting back overgrown vegetation so the towpath is kept clear, as well as painting lock gates and clearing litter from the canal.”

Monthly working parties are being set-up at locations along the canal including: Reading, Aldermaston, Newbury, Kintbury, Crofton, Bedwyn, Devizes and Bath. Each session will run from 10am – 3pm and volunteers will be supplied with all the safety equipment needed for the towpath tasks. The working parties will be starting in February, and running throughout the year.

Karen Fishwick, British Waterways’ volunteer co-ordinator said: “There is already a brilliant volunteering spirit on the Kennet & Avon Canal, especially with organisations such as the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. We hope that these working parties will encourage even more people to get out and about on the waterway, meet new people and find out more about their local environment. It’s quite a flexible scheme, as some people may only be able to do a few hours, whilst others might want to take part at more than one location, several times a month.”

Anyone wishing to take part in the volunteering scheme should contact Karen on 07917424590 or email karen.fishwick@britishwaterways.co.uk for further information. There’s more information about volunteering with British Waterways available at www.waterscape.com/volunteering.

Challenging times for the K&A Canal Trust

2011-01-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

A New Year Message from David Inight, Acting Chair of the Trust Council, and Mike Rodd
2010 has been a most difficult and challenging year for the Trust.
Financially the year has been a nightmare, as it has for most charities in the UK. On the one hand the national economic situation has impacted on many areas of the Trust’s activities, especially those directly relating to trading and sales figures. At the same time, in many directions, costs have risen – for example, those incurred in achieving the legally required operating certificates for the boats via the MCA.
On the other hand, and despite an unusually high number of submissions to award-making Trusts and businesses (normally a dependable source of targeted income), 2010 has been an absolute washout in this regard. Each few weeks have seen yet more rejections (or, at best, a holding response) to applications for support for projects such as bankside volunteering, an extensive membership recruitment campaign, and urgent appeals for repairs at Crofton and Devizes. This picture, however, is being repeated nationwide and many other charities are reporting the same experience. There is clearly a huge increase in the number of applications being submitted, whilst the grant-awarding bodies are being very careful not to overreach themselves.
All this has occurred just as warnings about potential cash-flow problems, made some five years ago, have also finally come home to roost. Early in 2010 it started to become evident that although the Trust’s accounts continue to show a healthy “reserve” of nearly £1/2 million, this figure effectively represents the value of the Trust’s boats, stock, property and equipment – critical assets, but not hard, immediately accessible cash. The situation had been predicted, but it was not until this year that the impact became evident in terms of a need to dip ever more deeply into a bank overdraft to get the Trust through the difficult low income-generating months of January to April. Work by Neil Lethby, David Lindop and Mike Rodd showed that if the situation was not addressed, we could face a position in March/April 2011 where we might not be able to meet our commitments without raising additional cash against our reserves. For a charity, such a situation is potentially dangerous, and urgent action by the Trustees was therefore needed.
It was clear to the Trustees that although the Trust’s expenditure had been held well below that planned for in the 2010 budget, the reduction in predicted income required immediate attention. This was handled by a major reduction in the cost of producing the Butty, the outsourcing of the three loss-making cafés, and some staff reductions. Whist this had an immediate effect, it became evident in November that additional action was required.
All this has been happening at the same time as the whole rationale for the very existence of the Trust has been at the forefront of the minds of the Trustees. As is now well known, moves to take BW out of direct government control and form it into a Charity received additional impetus when the new government came into power - the concept apparently fitting so well with their vision of the "Big Society". The Trust Council has always been concerned about these proposals; not only do they potentially threaten the very future funding of all our waterways, but they raise many crucial questions for the Trust and its own future: Would we have to compete with the new nation-wide charity, for funding as well as for volunteers? Also, if the new government decreased its funding for BW (as it now has), how would this impact on both the existing BW and the proposed new National Waterways Charity? Finally, therefore, how could we best assist in keeping our wonderful canal alive and well under these circumstances? It was clear that the Trust would have to get involved as deeply as possible in this debate, and thus the now well-publicised pilot K&A Waterways Board was established, led by the Trust.
At urgent meetings of the Trust Council and the Enterprise Board in November and December these matters dominated the discussions. With strong leadership by the Acting Chair and the incoming Vice-Chair of the Trust Council, the MD of Enterprise and the General Manager, it was recognised not only that the Trust needed to take exceptional action to handle the financial position, but also that the very role of the Trustees needed to be examined. Each and every Trustee would need to be totally committed to the regeneration and repositioning of the Trust. In this changing model, each individual Trustee would also be required to take the lead on a specific area of the Council’s activities. It was accepted that some existing Trustees, who already had massive local loads (leading their own Branches, for example), might not have additional time available to commit to the corporate affairs of the Trust, and would need to consider stepping aside as Trustees in order to concentrate on their local responsibilities. This is turn made it imperative for new Trustees to be recruited as a matter of the highest priority.
Time has not been on our side – the BW situation suddenly escalated when the 2020 programme became the 2012 programme: the new BW Charity is now in line to be in place by Easter next year! Additionally, with the economic situation outlined earlier, we had to get the cash-flow position under immediate control – if the Trustees could not do that, the Charity Commission would need to be informed.
In light of all this, the Trust’s General Manager felt that – having been elected to Chair the pilot Waterways Board, as well as having established many external contacts and leading on relationships locally with BW – he would be better able serve the Trust as a volunteer, free from daily management duties. He also considered that the point had been reached at which much of his routine work could be taken over by one of his colleagues, whose salary would then continue to be subsidised for another year or so by the original grant awarded by the then Kennet District Council to create a managerial position. Given the expanded roles and responsibilities of the Trustees, however, this new role of General Secretary could be focused more on day-to-day tasks of managing the staff, overseeing Trust administration, and supporting the Trustees in their new dedicated lead roles.
The past three months have thus seen much action. Some Trustees have decided to concentrate on their local Branch commitments, while others have re-committed themselves to take direct responsibility for specific areas of activity, many of which had previously largely landed in the lap of either the Chair or the General Manager. After a careful search, potential Trustees were approached, and two, Pauline King and Suzanne Gaia, have already now taken up their positions on the Council, with others to follow.
Financially, the accounts for the end of the year are now looking much healthier, with Enterprise showing a real surplus of close on £30,000 – its best performance in some four years. The boats have done well, and even the new baby, the leased Kenavon Venture, has broken even in its very first year. The outsourced cafés are all starting to generate income for the Trust, instead of continuing to haemorrhage funds out. The Café at Crofton, still staffed by volunteers under the watchful eye of a Café Manager, has done exceptionally well, and visitor numbers at Crofton, Claverton and Devizes have been excellent. The savings made through having voluntary editors for The Butty has also been most significant, as has their success in increasing the advertising revenue. Finally, the departure of the General Manager has also decreased the overall costs.
Nevertheless, the Trust accounts are still of concern. 2011 will be a really tough time and many changes will still be required to ensure we are fit for purpose in a completely new environment. Following the staff restructuring described above, however, no further staff reductions are anticipated. This is the time for everyone – staff and members – to join the Trustees and Branch Chairs to ensure we are able to meet our prime reason for existing – to look after our unique and precious waterway.

Restriction

2011-01-04T02:39:00.001-08:00

County Lock Reading

Tuesday 4 January 2011 until further notice
Following a Boat Fire, this section of the waterway is closed for investigation and pollution control until further notice.

Enquiries: 01380 722859

Happy Christmas

2010-12-24T00:51:00.000-08:00

The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust would like to wish all its members and supporters a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Waterways funding announced

2010-12-24T00:50:00.000-08:00

20th Dec 2010

Defra has today (20 December 2010) announced that its grant to British Waterways next year will be £41.5m. This is a reduction of £9.8m (or 19%) from the 2010/11 baseline grant of £51.3m. Given that Government funding makes up approximately half of the net spend on the waterways, this will translate into an effective cut of resource available of about 12% in 2011/12.

The settlement represents the last annual grant to British Waterways in England and Wales before a longer term contract comes into place in April 2012 when the canals, rivers and docks in its care are expected to be transferred into a new charity.

Defra has also announced indicative funding from 2012/13 to 2014/15 will be an annual £39m, with a long-term commitment that a funding contract running up to at least 2022/23 will not fall below this level.

British Waterways’ chairman, Tony Hales, commented: “In the current climate it would be unrealistic to expect British Waterways to be exempt from cuts in public spending and we will have to make difficult decisions to ensure the continued maintenance of the historic canals and rivers in our care. The Government’s commitment to the first ever long-term public funding settlement for the waterways is, however, a good step forward and I have been heartened by ministers' continued commitment to this ‘Big Society’ flagship.

“Security of funding is fundamental to achieving the Government’s objective of establishing a new ‘national trust’ for the waterways. The challenge now is to develop a funding plan which gives confidence to the incoming trustees of the new charity and retains the support of waterway stakeholders. I firmly believe this can be achieved and, while we would all have hoped for a larger settlement, we are one step closer to turning the long-held vision of a waterways charity into reality.”

Amended Stoppages

2010-12-17T02:16:00.000-08:00

Wootton Rivers Locks 51 to 54

Monday 1 November 2010 - Friday 7 January 2011
UPDATE (17 December 2010): Due to the prolonged period of sub-zero temperatures, brick repair work at Wootton Rivers, Heathy Close and Cadley has taken longer than anticipated.

As a result, the planned stoppage Period will be extended into the New Year, to allow the completed brickwork time to set and strengthen.

Every effort has been made to recover lost time; the Heathy Close and Wootton Rivers lock chambers have been filled to workable capacity with bricklayers who have worked through the weekends. The locks have been tented and heaters installed that raise the ambient temperature sufficiently to allow the use of lime mortar (lime mortar is particularly sensitive to low temperatures).

The bricklaying work will be completed before Xmas. I am however reluctant to open the canal to craft before the mortar has gained further strength. Following helpful consultation with the Kennet and Avon Trade Association I have decided that the canal will not reopen until 7th January 2011.

The start of the Dun mill lock stoppage(75), will be delayed by one week to the 17th January, to allow delayed craft time to transit through.

I apologise for any inconvenience that this decision may cause.

Seasonal greetings to all supporters of the canal.
Best Regards,

Mark Stephens
Waterway Manager

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dunmill Lock Stoppage

Monday 17 January 2011 - Friday 11 March 2011
UPDATE (17 December 2010): The start of Dunmill lock stoppage has been delayed by one week, to the 17th January 2011, to allow the completion of the dredging works, and transit of delayed craft from the Wootton Rivers stoppage.
British waterways apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Stoppage history:
Replacement Gates to Dunmill lock 75
Enquiries: 07920790694