CATEGORIES
HIGH AND MIGHTY
Acorns make the perfect store food for jays’ larders
TAKING THE PLUNGE
Why Chris and Sarah Atkin will never forget tying the knot
LABELLED WITH LOVE
Helen Tidy enjoyed one weekend moored next to The Beer Boat ... simply the perfect solution to collecting bottle tops for her next project
MIDDLE THAMES
In the second part of our guide, we follow the Thames upstream from Reading through the steep sided Goring Gap and quieter countryide to reach Oxford
THE GOOD OLD DAYS
Robert Davies recalls childhood memories of a popular holiday destination and uncovers a reminder of the golden age of canals
FIT FOR PURPOSE
Terry Hibbard from Harworth Heating offers his expert opinion following our feature on onboard stove safety
BUCKING UP...
We join Waterway Recovery Group’s first canal restoration working party in six months - as WRG’s volunteers help the Buckingham Canal Society get the project back on track after lockdown
ART ON THE WATER
Graphic artist Katie Ruby lives and works on 32ft narrowboat Poppy
GO WITH THE FLOW
What makes a boat truly stand out from the crowd? Sometimes you just need a little finesse and a taste for adventure
A GLASS HALF-FULL AT BUCKBY WHARF
Tim Coghlan raised a glass on the Grand Union Canal as The New Inn reopened to the relief of regulars
The Waterways Heritage Spotter: Stop Planks And Stop Gates
They’re useful for draining a canal for work, or protecting it in an emergency - but can also be a piece of canal heritage
Is There Anybody Out There?
As the lockdown eased with canals partially reopened, Tim Coghlan collected a brokerage-narrowboat in Oxford and brought it to Braunston Marina. He recalls an eerie experience: the canal was almost empty of boats and boaters....
WATCH THIS SPACE
Extending the cabin does not mean losing the traditional appeal
Wey & Arun Trips resume
The Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s trip boats are pictured awaiting their next tour of duty on the restored length of the canal at Loxwood as public boat trips resumed operation after a four-month break due to the lockdown.
WELCOME WAVES
Liveabord Emma enjoys being back in the swim as boaters return
Gifford's new owner
Historic wooden tanker narrowboat and Ellesmere Port Waterways Museum exhibit Gifford has a new owner - but won’t be moving away.
IT'S TIME TO SHINE
The spindle tree picks its moment to take centre stage
FROM BEDROOM TO MORE ROOM
Earlier this year, we featured Liz and Andrew Ford on board their new boat Stannator with its cunning folding bed.
FANCY A PUNT?
Canal converts Steve and Bex Brew are ready to move on after a long restoration – but their completed project will not be going up for sale.
CREATE A STIR WITH A SIMPLE CLASSIC
For a dish that relies solely on the simple, basic combination of rice, stock and cheese for success, risotto has a ritual-laden reputation that can be rather off-putting to the novice cook.
Beautiful Plummage! A Prickly Customer
Beware the Scots’ secret weapon to defeat invading armies
IT'S CHILDSPLAY
Onboard games to keep the young passengers happy
SOUTH LONDON'S LOST CANALS
Following up last month’s history feature on the ill-starred Surrey and Croydon canals, Martin Ludgate goes exploring - and finds there’s plenty still to be seen of both waterways
WE'RE ON THE MOVE
Liveaboard Emma welcomes a new dawn
WE'RE UNLOCKED
Stuart and Naila Laundy discover post-lockdown life and freedom
MY BLUE HEAVEN
Determined owner navigates restrictions to ensure launch
SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL
In the second part of our guide, we leave the deep cuttings and high embankments behind for the gentler northern lengths leading to historic Chester and Ellesmere Port
GOING DUTCH
Calling fans of the distinctive David Thomas boats
LOCK DOWN TRAVELS
Bumble Hole Netherton to Merry Hill 3.5 miles BY ROBERT DAVIES
ALL FIRED UP
It’s not all plain sailing for Louis Darling but an engineer partner makes it happen