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

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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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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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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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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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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WaterNav is the UK’s only free mapping and route planning tool that works offline – giving peace of mind to thousands of boaters who have been reliant on an internet connection, via wifi or mobile data, to arrange and track journeys across the inland waterway network. River Canal Rescue (RCR) is committed to making the app completely FREE for its lifetime.
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Angel Community Canal Boat Trust recently provided free trips for an especially deserving group. After hearing of their work in raising funds to supply trauma kits to send to their countrymen on the front line, they were proud to be joined by the 1st London Plast, a Ukrainian scout group.
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Alison Saunders, wife of Mike, vicar of Hungerford, has been appointed Senior Waterways Chaplain of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Waterways chaplains work across the nation’s inland waterways to support boaters in need, helping to resolve a wide range of issues from access to benefits and healthcare to being a listening ear and companion to the lonely and anxious.
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Aqueduct Marina, based on the Shropshire Union Canal near Nantwich, is encouraging customers to install River Canal Rescue’s Bilgeaway filter on their narrowboats. The Marina, a fervent advocate of environmentally-friendly solutions, now stocks Bilgeaway in its chandlery and is promoting the filter to its users.
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Rustins Limited are delighted to announce they acquired Peek Polish in March 2022 and are excited to have Peek as part of their group of brands. They describe it as a high quality multi surface premium polish with eye catching packaging that would stand out on any shelf. Robert Peek states that Rustins are the right people to carry the Peek products forward.
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Events
If you are organising an event, please let us know and we will be happy to post it here.