News & Events

Find out what's happening on the inland waterways. From interesting or relevant snippets of news, to all the organised events which take place throughout the year. Find out about festivals, boat rallies, historic boat gatherings, floating markets and Canal Open Days. A regularly updated guide.

If you are running an event on or near the waterways do let us know - simply contact editor@canalsonline.uk

News

RNLI lifeboat in Cromer Norfolk lifeboat museum to close

The RNLI Henry Blogg Museum in Cromer will close later this year after the lifeboat charity terminated its lease at the seafront Rocket House building due to a chronic damp problem. The building, which sits just above the beach at the end of Cromer's Esplanade, is less than 20 years old but requires substantial repairs due to its frame being heavily corroded.
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flooded canal impact of storms on canal network

As we ended 2023 and a new year began, Storms Gerrit and Henk swept across the country – and our canal network did not remain untouched. The worst-hit areas were in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Reaction came very quickly, with our dedicated teams busy clearing weirs and opening paddles, and with that we’ve largely managed to maintain water levels.
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residential moorings - photo by canalsonline crt and boat licence fees

The Canal & River Trust is today confirming an increase of 6% in boat licence fees from 1 April 2024 for both private boat owners and boating businesses. The surcharges for boats without a home mooring and wide beam boats, and changes to the prompt and online payment discounts, announced on 4 October, will be applied in addition to this rise.
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stone lock cottage possible demolition of historic lock-keeper’s cottage

The owners of Stone Lock Cottage, which is part of Beeston Stone Lock (a Grade II listed structure) on the Shropshire Union Canal, have applied for planning permission to demolish this historic lock keeper’s cottage and replace it with a modern dwelling and separate garage.
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lock sinking rcr warn of sub standard insurance cover

River Canal Rescue (RCR), is calling for boaters to check their terms & conditions if they have a third-party insurance policy, as many will leave them unable to recover costs for a vessel refloat, removal and pollution management if their boat sinks. They say that some insurance companies are modifying their terms and conditions for third party cover.
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Montgomery Canal rare plant research in Montgomery Canal

A comprehensive research study examining two species of rare plants in the Montgomery Canal, is underway. These plants improve water quality, provide shelter for aquatic organisms, and act as a primary food source for waterfowl and fish. The research will look at developing ways to naturally cultivate the plants.
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rcr tend to submerged boat rcr callout figures for 2022

River Canal Rescue reports it responded to 130 major incidents in 2022; emergency situations either involving submerged, partially sunken or grounded craft, plus salvage work. The figure is 24% lower than the 171 incidents RCR reported in 2021, in line with the previous year’s 25% reduction, primarily due to clement weather and fewer floods.
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Langley Bridge Lock, Erewash Canal erewash canal preservation rally

Over the Spring Bank Holiday 27th – 29th May 2023 the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association will be hosting a boat rally at the Great Northern Basin at Langley Mill. The rally is to celebrate 55 years since the formation of the association and also 50 years since the restoration of the basin, lock and surrounding area.
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bottle full of sticky fuel sticky fuel

Last summer, River Canal Rescue highlighted the problem of sticky fuel and how this was causing an uncharacteristic peak in fuel-related component breakdowns not linked to diesel bug. Managing director, Stephanie Horton, comments: “We first became aware of the issue when we had two identical jobs where fuel injectors were diagnosed as needing an overhaul…”
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Sue Meades presents cheque to Waterways Chaplains RCTA donate to charities

Since the start of Covid19 the RCTA along with many other charities, non-profit making groups, businesses & traders that make up our canal network have had a tough time. This year however, our Floating Markets started to take off once again.  This meant that we have been in a position  to resume our annual charity donations as voted for by our members.
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Events

If you are organising an event, please let us know and we will be happy to post it here.