‘Weekend of Action’ call for Government support

Janet Richardson

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May 1, 2024

FUND Britain’s Waterways (FBW) is orchestrating a significant weekend of action for the early May bank holiday weekend (May 4-6). Events will be taking place across the country on waterways managed by different inland navigation authorities, with the aim of mobilising nationwide support and highlighting the crucial need for increased government funding for the maintenance of Britain’s 5000 miles of inland waterways.
The weekend will feature a series of coordinated activities across various locations, each designed to showcase the cultural, economic, and environmental importance of maintaining our waterways.
Key events include:
Electrika at Brinklow Marina, Rugby – May 3-4: Organisers Ortomarine and Aquavista fully support the FBW initiative and are glad to use Electrika to endorse its aims.
IWA Lancashire and Cumbria Branch near Chorley, Lancashire – May 4, 10am-4pm: Visit the team’s stand beside Johnsons Hillock locks on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and support for the FBW campaign.
Ripon Motor Boat Club – Waterways Day of Action, Ripon Canal, North Yorkshire – May 4: Club members will engage with walkers enjoying the towpath. A small trip boat operates from the basin, where people will be able to see decorated boats, learn more about the FBW campaign and sign the petition.
IWA Lichfield Branch – Fradley Junction – May 4 and Great Haywood Junction, Staffordshire – May 5: Drop by to find out more and show your support for the waterways.
Broads Society rally at Acle Bridge, Norfolk – May 5, 2pm: The rally, in support of FBW, is campaigning for guaranteed support to the Broads from the government.
Norbury Canal Festival, Norbury Junction, Staffordshire May 4-6: Family-friendly festivities, crafts, and local history. A great day out for all the family, as well as an opportunity to learn about the FBW campaign.
Inland Waterways Association (IWA) Canalway Cavalcade, Little Venice, London – May 4-6: Vibrant canal festival in the heart of London’s waterways, which this year will be themed on Fund Britian’s Waterways. Opening Times: Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm (plus illuminated boat procession, from 9pm Sunday evening) and Monday 10am until 5pm.

FBW chairman Les Etheridge commented: “These regional events are an essential part of a national weekend of action, which includes activities ranging from community cruises and educational exhibitions to the much-anticipated Inland Waterways Association Canalway Cavalcade in Little Venice. “Events like these showcase the community’s role in advocating for the preservation and enhancement of the UK’s inland waterways. We would encourage everyone in the area to engage with their local event and show their support for sustainable waterway funding.” Find out more about the Bank Holiday weekend of action at https://waterways.org.uk/waterways/sites/fund-britains-waterways-overview/fund-britains-waterways-future-activities

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