BW engineers taken for a ride by Avon Vale workboat group

Volunteers of the Avon Vale group who refurbished a former British Waterways workboat used it this week to take a group of BW engineers on a two day inspection trip along part of the Kennet & Avon Canal.

BW engineers, from left to right are, John Ward, 

David Berezynskyj, Howard Wilcox, and Mark Stephens.
Picture by John Kirby©

On Tuesday they took them from through the 502 yard long Bruce Tunnel on the summit pound and on to Honey Street.  Yesterday they completed the journey to Devizes.

The team inspect Wootton Rivers Farm Bridge (109)
Picture by John Kirby©

Devizes celebrates its canal's 200th birthday

The parade of decorated and illuminated boats from Devizes and Pewsey Wharf Boat Clubs was led by a former BW work boat that has been restored by a group of volunteers of the Avon Vale Group who took the prize for the best dressed boat.

Devizes took its spectacular annual lantern parade to the K&A Canal wharf on Friday to wish the canal a happy 200th birthday.

The town wharf was packed with lantern carrying revellers who came to sing happy birthday to the canal, watch a parade of illuminated boats — and then escort Father Christmas back to the Market Place for the switching on of the Christmas lights followed by a firework display.
Pictures by Bob Naylor

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Firework fundraiser at Bridge Inn Horton

Canalside fundraising fireworks at the Bridge
Inn at Horton. Picture by Bob Naylor

The free firework party at The Bridge Inn at Horton near Devizes on Friday 5 November was a successful fundraiser for the the K&A Canal Avon Vale Workboat Group. 

The event was organised by Landlord and Landlady, Adrian and Nikki Softley who with members of Devizes Boat Club and the Avon Vale Workboat Group spent the evening flipping burgers and serving soup.They raised more than £250 towards the boat's funds.

The boat has been used for bankside work on Mondays since early this year and now the group has recruited a second team so they will be out working on Wednesdays as well.

If you would like to help with the Avon Vale and its bankside work get in touch with:

John Kirby: 

Tel. 07748 873280  or email: jhkoneandonly@aol.com

Adrian Softley: adrian.softley@bridgeinnhorton.co.uk

Fabulous free firework party

There will be a firework display and BBQ in aid of the K&A Canal Trust Avon Vale Group at the Bridge Inn at Horton near Devizes on Friday November 5th.

Bonfire lit: 6.30pm

Fireworks: 7pm

Free entry