This year, River Canal Rescue (RCR), is celebrating its silver jubilee. The company supports boaters using our 3,600 mile inland waterway system 24/7, 365 days a year, and in recognition of its 25 year journey, RCR is inviting everyone to its celebration event on Sunday 8 June at the Stafford Riverway Link site, Baswich Lane, Stafford ST18 0YJ, near to RCR HQ (what three words cracks.lowest.mile).The free outdoor celebration starts at 8am with a boat jumble, lasting until 12 noon, and from 1pm-7pm, the gates will open for live music, food/drink, roving traders, children’s entertainment, activities, prize draws, stalls and exhibitors.

To register your interest in the boat jumble, please email boatjumble@rivercanalrescue.co.uk

Boaters attending the event can enter their vessel in RCR’s ‘best dressed boat competition’ – the winner will receive a year-long gold membership cover, worth £320, the runner-up, silver (£235) and third place, bronze (£195).

Mooring facilities are available for roving traders, and mooring further along the Staffs & Worcs canal for non-traders. Parking is also available at nearby RCR HQ in Tilcon Avenue.

Bringing together the local community, boaters, past and current RCR members, staff and families, the event will also raise money for the Stafford Riverway Link - a charity working to connect the Staffs & Worcs Canal with the rivers Penk/Sow, enabling navigation onto Stafford town centre.

Life on the cut

RCR is also launching a competition for all boaters across the UK, open to those who can and can’t attend the event, asking for a short story about life on the water.

It must relate to a boating experience over the past 25 years and can be funny, dramatic etc, as long as it reflects ‘real life’ on the cut. A maximum of 700 words and up to three photos are required, and the deadline for entries is Friday 16 May. The winner will receive a CRT mooring licence worth £700,runner-up £300 in chandlery vouchers and third-place £200.

Email your story and photos to boatstory@rivercanalrescue.co.uk