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Issue 233, March 2025
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VISIT THE MARITIME MUSEUM
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INSIDE DRY DOCK IN LEEDS
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Shimmering in sunlight CRT CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO STAND DOWN
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The low sun highlights Atherstone’s Grade II-listed derelict Britannia Mill, locally known as the Hat Factory, as narrowboat Clara passes towards Atherstone Top Lock on the Coventry Canal. Part of the former hat-making premises, which has been closed since 1999, collapsed during Storm Darragh in December, resulting in the local council being petitioned by residents to demolish the Warwickshire mill. PHOTO: GRAHAM NUTTALL
‘Canals can be at heart of UK climate action’
BOAT REVIEW: NO. 39
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A NEW report produced by the Canal & River Trust aims to show how vital the UK’s waterway network can be as the Government tries to tackle climate change. The 30-page Climate Adaptation Report spells out how important canals and waterways are and how they can be part of action against problems such as storms, flooding and
drought, which have badly affected areas of the UK. It highlights how the 2000 miles of canals and waterways, and 84 reservoirs, across England and Wales have adapted from their original roles and can now become a vital infrastructure as the country deals with climate change threats. The report also claims the charity
will need an extra £15 million a year to combat global warming. Richard Parry, chief executive of Canal & River Trust, said: “Our historic canal network fulfils a range of uses far beyond what was anticipated when the canals were first dug by hand. Many people don’t realise that these man-made waterways carry out so many important functions and need
constant care and maintenance to keep them open and available to all. Linking towns and cities across the country and on the doorstep of millions of people, it is important for canals to be part of the Government’s national climate change reporting framework.” • Continued on page 2
Grandfarewellforoctogenarianskipper Tree planted in honour of nature writer Host of events at Erewash Canal
BOATS FOR SALE Starts on
N E W N E W
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THE Friends of Cromford Canal said farewell to 83-year-old skipper Mike Kelley, who piloted the society’s trip boat, Birdswood, for the last time but revealed he would continue to help the society as a volunteer. Mr Kelley said the boat had become a reality after many years of hard work by members, who raised money and worked on the vessel. Mr Kelley was honoured by society members for his dedication to the work of the organisation.
A walnut tree from the home of author Roger Deakin has been planted at John’s Water, on the banks of the River Bure, at the Blicking Estate in Norfolk. The renowned writer featured John’s Water in his book Waterlog – A Swimmer’s Journey Through Britain, which became a word-ofmouth bestseller when it was first published in 1999 and is now seen as a classic in the genre of nature writing.
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THE EREWASH Canal Preservation and Development Association has a packed calendar of events. In March there’s a members’ social night at Sandiacre Lock Cottages and in June members will be attending the Kelvin Owners Club at Langley Mill Boat Yard. During September the group will be at the Clock Warehouse, Shardlow as part of a historic transport gathering. The association will also be taking part in national Heritage Open Days to showcase its work.
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