The Towpath Talk

Jack Dalby presented at the East Challow Scout Hall, details of the history of the Wilts & Berks Canal, which was created to improve regional access to coal and agricultural markets. The project struggled with high costs, railway competition, and water shortages, leading to its eventual decline and formal abandonment in 1914.

Jack Dalby, widely considered the "Godfather" of the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration, was instrumental in reviving the abandoned waterway. After surveying the canal's remains in 1969, he authored a definitive historical book in 1971 that ignited interest in its preservation. His 1977 slide show sparked the creation of the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group, where he served as...

Laura and Matthew’s podcast covers the Spring 2026 Dragonfly, framing restoration as "two steps forward, one step back." They celebrate successes like the Top Lock Bridge and Swindon’s Badgers Bridge, contrasted with funding delays at Bottom Lock. The episode highlights rare wildlife sightings, such as the water shrew, and the strategic threat the White Horse Reservoir poses to the Thames connecti...

This podcast highlights the Trust's 2025 "momentum," celebrating over 40,000 volunteer hours worth more than £1 million. Key milestones include the first complete clearing of Uffington Gorse in a century and new water-filled sections in Swindon. The hosts also address the SESRO reservoir threat, which risks £25 million in annual benefits, while championing the 70-mile "Blue-Green Corridor". ⁠⁠Jour...

In this captivating re-enacted interview, William Ainsworth recounts his transition from a 15-year-old grocer's apprentice in 1870 to his challenging tenure as the Manager of the Wilts & Berks Canal starting in 1891. Ainsworth provides a firsthand account of his "spirited attempt" to resuscitate the decaying 68-mile waterway, detailing his efforts to combat mud, weeds, and vandalism while faci...

In this episode, your hosts Laura & Matthew explore the life of William J. Ainsworth, described as “The Last Canal Manager,” tracing his journey from a determined boy walking six miles to school, through his apprenticeship and rise into canal management, to the demanding role of overseeing the Wilts and Berks Canal during its long decline. Using archival details, this episode paints a vivid po...

In this episode, we explore the life of William J. Ainsworth, described as “The Last Canal Manager,” tracing his journey from a determined boy walking six miles to school, through his apprenticeship and rise into canal management, to the demanding role of overseeing the Wilts and Berks Canal during its long decline. Using archival details, this episode paints a vivid portrait of a man whose work b...

This episode traces the modern history of the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration from the formation of the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group in 1977 through to today's ambitious plans for a fully restored waterway. It explores how a handful of enthusiasts grew into the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, now leading one of the UK's largest canal restoration projects. We follow early campaigners li...

In this episode, Matthew takes us back to October 1991 and the Waterway Recovery Group’s legendary “Big Dig” on the Wilts & Berks Canal near Wantage. Drawing on contemporary reports from Dragonfly magazine issue 44 and his own organiser’s-eye view, he tells the story of how more than 1,000 volunteer navvies descended on the Seven Mile Pound for a single, extraordinary weekend. We relive the bu...

In this episode, we reflect on a year of remarkable progress for the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust in 2025. Volunteers across the branches achieved historic restoration milestones—from clearing canals at Uffington Gorse and extending waterways at Wichelstowe to advancing biodiversity projects and improving towpaths. The Trust faced strategic challenges like the SESRO reservoir proposal but stood f...

In 2008, the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust experienced a landmark year of restoration and community engagement. Despite facing extreme weather conditions and wildlife-related delays, dedicated volunteers achieved significant engineering milestones, including the completion of Lock 4, the Chaddington spillweir, and major progress on Steppingstone Lane Bridge. Furthermore, the opening of a highly succ...

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust's restoration efforts in 2007 demonstrated remarkable resilience and community spirit. Despite the major setback of losing a £12 million Big Lottery grant for the Cricklade Country Way, dedicated volunteers continued to push forward. They battled severe weather to rebuild locks, poured concrete for spillweirs, and engaged in creative local fundraising. Simulta...

In 2006, the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust transitioned into a highly professional organization, marking the hundredth edition of its magazine. Guided by new leadership, volunteers achieved remarkable restoration milestones, most notably opening the Jubilee Junction to connect the canal to the River Thames. Through successful lottery bids, wildlife conservation, and extensive infrastructure rebuildi...

Throughout 2005, the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust achieved significant restoration milestones driven by dedicated volunteers. Major accomplishments included rebuilding Chaddington Lock, restoring the River Key Aqueduct, and establishing a heritage museum at Lackham College. Looking ahead, the Trust launched an ambitious ten-year plan targeting 2014. To achieve this, they pursued massive funding app...

In 2004, the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust experienced a pivotal year of transition and progress. Despite the tragic passing of Chairman Tony Davy, the Trust pushed forward, opening a new headquarters in Wootton Bassett and gaining crucial recognition as a Priority Two project in British Waterways' Vision 2025. Dedicated volunteers achieved major restoration milestones at sites like Chaddingto...

During 2003, the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust made significant strides in their restoration efforts. Volunteers tackled dramatic physical challenges, most notably safely disposing of an unexploded World War Two bomb at the River Key aqueduct. The Trust also completed high-profile awareness events, including the historic voyage of a 104-year-old skiff to Westminster. Concurrently, vital engineerin...

In 2002, the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust celebrated its 25th anniversary, marking a year of significant progress. Volunteers dedicated thousands of hours to challenging restoration projects across the branches, overcoming muddy conditions, broken equipment, and unexpected wildlife. The Trust successfully hosted the spectacular Wiltshire Waterways Festival to raise crucial funds. Alongside physical...

In 2001, the Wilts and Berks Canal Amenity Group faced major setbacks when the foot and mouth epidemic halted all restoration efforts. Unable to dig, dedicated volunteers shifted their focus to repairing machinery and strategic planning. Despite these rural restrictions, the year became a pivotal turning point. The organisation launched a powerful new Canal Partnership, officially rebranded as the...

In 2000, the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group experienced a pivotal turning point in their restoration efforts. Boosted by major corporate funding and Landfill Tax Credits, volunteers successfully rebuilt historic structures like Beavens Bridge while navigating persistent equipment failures. They also battled invasive weeds and expanded their reach by forming the new Cricklade branch. Recogni...

Dedicated volunteers made significant strides in restoring the historic Wilts and Berks Canal. Relying on ingenuity, local branches floated heavy bridge beams into place and constructed makeshift water flow meters from scrap metal. To finance these efforts, the community engaged in robust fundraising by selling custom tea towels and professionally narrated videos. Balancing intense labor with envi...

1998 proved to be a transformative year for the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration efforts. A key feasibility study confirmed the project’s technical and economic viability, predicting significant tourism revenue and job creation. Major highlights included the successful National Trail-boat Festival and recognition of "The Dragonfly" magazine with the IWA Tom Rolt Award. Dedicated volun...

1997 marked "the end of the beginning" for the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration. This pivotal year saw the official formation of the Canal Trust and the commissioning of a professional feasibility study. Significant financial boosts from the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme supported major works at Moredon Aqueduct and Shrivenham’s new pocket park. As membership reached record highs, the co...

During 1996, the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group transitioned toward professional status by forming a Canal Trust to gain authority support. Key achievements included completing the Calne spillway, restoring Moredon Aqueduct, and launching a volunteer trip boat. High-profile events, like the Territorial Army's excavator rescue and celebrity-led jigsaw launches, boosted publicity. Despite bur...

The Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group transitioned from a volunteer "mud-plugging" club into a professional organization. Led by Chairman Graham Johnson, the Group prioritised professional feasibility studies to secure political and financial support. Landmark achievements included re-watering the canal at Wootton Bassett during its bicentenary and gaining crucial backing from North...

During the early 1990s, the Wilts and Berks Canal Amenity Group evolved into a professional organization, marked by the appointment of its first Project Officer and the publication of the comprehensive Allen & Harris study. Despite consistent funding rejections from the Department of the Environment, the Group achieved significant milestones, including receiving a Queen’s Award and completing...