RBOA News Archive
CHANGES TO CANAL & RIVER TRUST LICENCE COMMUNICATIONS
The Canal & River Trust is making changes to the licence communications sent to boaters, to provide them with more clarity and advice around cruising […]
Fund Britain’s Waterways message to be delivered to Westminster at 14:11 on 14/11
Dear Members and Supporters The need to Fund Britain’s Waterways will be heard from the River Thames on 14 /11 at 1411 hours as boats gather off the […]
Invitation to attend ‘Towards Accessible Waterways’ event
The Canal & River Trust and the Accessible Waterways Association are hosting an event, in Birmingham on 2 December 2023, dedicated to accessibility and the […]
Wave 4 Self Harm & Suicide Prevention Engagement Project: Gypsy, Roma & Travellers
Good afternoon, Harmless and our partners are engaging with organisations that work with Gypsy, Roma & Traveller communities to better understand any identified support or […]
CANAL & RIVER TRUST PUBLISHES BOATER REPORT 2023
The Canal & River Trust has published its Boater Report 2023. It summarises the work undertaken to keep the canal network open and available for […]
COUNTING THE COST OF CLIMATE CHANGE: CANALS LEFT DAMAGED BY STORM BABET
23 October 2023 COUNTING THE COST OF CLIMATE CHANGE: CANALS LEFT DAMAGED BY STORM BABET The Canal & River Trust, the national canal charity, is […]
CAMPAIGN CRUISE TO THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER – INFORMATION FOR BOAT CREWS & SHORE-BASED PARTICIPANTS
CAMPAIGN CRUISE TO THE PALACE OF WESTMINSTER AND SHORE-BASED ACTIVITY AT WESTMINSTER BRIDGE TUESDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2023 Dear Supporter, 1. Please find attached detailed information […]
Notice – Suspension of Navigation Middle Level Acts 2018 – Section
Notice – Suspension of Navigation Middle Level Acts 2018 – Section 7 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: closure of navigation of or through the below […]
Toward Accessible Waterways
My name is Tracey. I am the Founder-Director of the Accessible Waterways Association (AWA). In partnership with the Canal and River Trust (CRT) we are […]
Changes to Canal & River Trust boat licence fees
Canal & River Trust is announcing changes to future boat licence pricing following a consultation with boaters. Alongside growth in income from other commercial and […]
Fund Gloucester’s Waterways Rally Flyer
Fund Gloucester’s Waterways Rally Flyer
NBTA Statement on Partial Energy Grant Victory
The Department for Energy and Net Zero has finally made the Energy Support Scheme – Alternative Funding Grant available to around 7000 liveaboard itinerant boaters […]
Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding
Hello, The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will be providing a £600 energy bills support payment to boat dwellers who were unable to […]
CANAL CHARITY ANNOUNCES PROGRAMME OF WORK TO HELP PROTECT THE NATION’S HISTORIC WATERWAYS
The Canal & River Trust has announced an £89m programme of engineering work, illustrating the scale of the resource required to protect and preserve the […]
Fund Britain’s Waterways warns against the Government’s latest Canal & River Trust funding offer
After months of waiting for DEFRA to announce its decision on future grant funding for the Canal & River Trust (CRT), and less than a […]
Government funding cuts put future of nation’s historic canals at risk
Canal & River Trust issues stark warning that government funding cuts mean the nation’s much-loved canal network is at risk of closures. The announcement comes […]
CANAL & RIVER TRUST MAKES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO ADVISORY GROUPS
The Canal & River Trust has made a new appointment to its Navigation Advisory Group (NAG), three appointments to the NAG sub-groups for moorings and […]
Fund Britain’s Waterways Campaign Cruise
FUND BRITAIN’S WATERWAYS, BIRMINGHAM CAMPAIGN CRUISE. 12/13 AUGUST 2023 A steering group representing IWA, NABO, AWCC, RYA BM and RBOA is progressing this campaign and […]
Important Boat Safety matters from the recent BSSAC meeting
In the May BSSAC meeting, two matters were of particular importance to members. The first is the on going situation around Calor’s discontinuation certain gas […]
National Boat Count 2023
3 May 2023 NATIONAL BOAT COUNT 2023 The Canal & River Trust’s annual National Boat Count has shown a 1.9% rise in boat numbers on […]
Caldon Canal has re-opened to boats while Hazlehurst Bridge rebuild continues
Canal & River Trust, the national waterways and wellbeing charity, has re-opened the Caldon Canal to boats, while the £2 million project to rebuild the […]
Bank Raising works Newsletter
The Middle Level district was reclaimed by drainage during the mid-17th century and covers 72,800 hectares. Click HERE to read more…
Red Diesel – do you know the dos and don’ts?
Make responsible choices at the pump. 13 Apr 23 Heading into the new season, recreational boaters are reminded of their responsibility to ensure they make […]
Calor to continue to exchange and refill serviceable 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane
RYA advise recreational boaters not to miss the opportunity. 06 Apr 23 Further to its published decision in January to discontinue its small capacity LPG cylinders from […]
Over 1,000 people tried canal boating on Drifters national open day
On Sunday 23 April 2023, over 1,000 people tried canal boating for free at one of 16 Drifters open day events across England and Wales. […]
‘Dead Dog’ bridge re-opens in Camden with its original ‘Indian Red’ colour
***PHOTOCALL NOTICE*** When: 10.30am, Tuesday 18 April 2023 Where: Dead Dog bridge, next to the Interchange Warehouse on the Regent’s Canal in Camden, NW1 7DE […]
Canal & River Trust emergency number
The Canal & River Trust emergency 0800 47 999 47 phone number is now operating normally again. Thank you for you assistance sharing the alternative number […]
Canal & River Trust emergency number
We are aware of a problem with the Canal & River Trust emergency 0800 47 999 47 phone number which is related to an outage with […]
International Irish Traveller Day, and more!
Keep up-to-date with the latest info and events affecting Gypsies and Travellers in the UK. View this email in your browser Dear Friends and Colleagues, Earlier this […]
BCNS Social Meeting Thursday 6th April
The next social meeting will take place at Titford Pump House on Thursday the 6th April. The Society is pleased to announce that Paul Wilkinson, […]
Kennet & Avon Canal at Crofton re-opens to boats
The Kennet & Avon Canal has re-opened to navigation at Crofton today (31 March 2023), following five months of closure to allow the Canal & […]
CANAL & RIVER TRUST SURVEYS BOATERS’ VIEWS
Canal & River Trust has invited a third of boat licence holders to complete a short survey asking for views on the Trust and the […]
NEW SAFETY FILMS TO BENEFIT FIRST-TIME BOATERS
A new series of animated films designed to help boaters navigate the UK’s inland waterways safely have been launched by the Canal & River Trust […]
Leicester Riverside Festival 3 & 4 June 2023 Bede Park, Castle Gardens and Mile Straight, River Soar
Calling all boaters…Riverside Festival returns to the city on the first weekend in June. Spread over Bede Park, Western Boulevard and Castle Gardens, it features […]
Book Sale
The Easter Book Sale at the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port will be open during the Museum opening hours (10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.).
Two new energy grants to help with rising energy costs
The Government has released two new energy grants to help with rising energy costs, but Gypsies and Travellers living on roadside camps and itinerant Boaters have been excluded. […]
Introducing our new campaign
View in your browser Join Us | Donate | Volunteer INTRODUCING OUR NEW CAMPAIGN Dear Keith, IWA is deeply concerned about the threat to our waterways posed by funding cuts, […]
Celebrating 2,000 miles of national treasures at Crick Boat Show
Canal & River Trust, the national waterways and wellbeing charity, will be celebrating the 2,000 miles of national treasures in its care at this year’s […]
BEIS Energy Announcement Round-up: Alternative Fuel Payment & Prepayment meters
I just wanted to highlight a couple of announcements that have been made by BEIS during the last couple of days, concerning the Alternative Fuel […]
Navigation update: What’s the latest?
Click here to read more on the Navigation update
CANAL & RIVER TRUST ASKS BOATERS TO TAKE PART IN CONSULTATION ON BOAT LICENCE FEES
Canal & River Trust is carrying out a consultation with boaters to gather feedback on boat licence pricing over the next ten years to help […]
Floating towpath installed for vital canal bridge repairs in Camden
A new 65-metre floating walkway in Camden is keeping the busiest canal towpath in the country open for thousands of weekly visitors to the Regent’s […]
Hazlehurst Bridge rebuild update
Works by Canal & River Trust, the national waterways and wellbeing charity, to rebuild the historic Grade II Listed Hazlehurst Bridge are underway on the […]
UK canals ready-made to meet Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan
31 January 2023 In response to today’s announcement by the government about its Environmental Improvement Plan 2023, Richard Parry, chief executive at Canal & River […]
IHT thoughts on Mobile homes and House boats for succession planning
IHT thoughts on Mobile homes and House boats for succession planning

Canal & River Trust appoints new fundraising director
Waterways and wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust, whose ongoing mission is to protect and preserve 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales, has […]
UK boating holidays get top marks from holidaymakers
UK BOATING HOLIDAYS GET TOP MARKS FROM HOLIDAYMAKERS Free nationwide canal boating taster sessions on offer in April “There is nothing half so much worth […]
Canal & River Trust launches biggest ever appeal for volunteers
THE NATION’S CANAL CHARITY LAUNCHES BIGGEST EVER APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS 1,000s of activities to choose: from lock keeping to wildlife conservation Thousands of people are […]
Energy Bill Support Scheme grants – Interim update
The Energy Bills Support Scheme – Alternative Funding (EBSS-AF) system may go live this week in the pilot areas of Wrexham, Chichester, Glasgow and West […]
Statement on FFT Founder Steve Staines’ passing
Dear supporter, We are deeply saddened to hear of Steve Staines’ passing. Steve founded Friends, Families and Travellers over 25 years ago, in response to […]
Thoughts from an Established Residential Boater
Having lived on the waters of this great land for quite a number of years I feel life is now changing . I am afraid […]
Karen Bradley MP visits Hazelhurst Bridge rebuilding on the Caldon Canal
On Friday 11 November, MP for Staffordshire Moorlands Karen Bradley, visited Canal & River Trust’s £2 million project to rebuild the historic Grade II listed […]
NEW REPORT VALUES BENEFITS OF CANAL & RIVER TRUST WATERWAYS
The Canal & River Trust, the charity which protects and preserves 2,000 miles of inland waterways in England and Wales, today, at the All-Party Parliamentary […]
Canal & River Trust showcases to Parliament the importance of the nation’s waterways
The Canal & River Trust has hosted a week-long exhibition in the Houses of Parliament, setting out the importance of the nation’s inland waterways to […]
Chance to publicly ask your MP for the evidence behind policy decisions
Dear Royal boat owners association Evidence Week in Parliament is a great opportunity for people to ask politicians for the evidence behind policies and research […]
Energy Bills
The Energy Bills Support Scheme provides a £400 non-repayable discount to eligible households to help with their energy bills over winter 2022 to 2023. The […]
Support for households
The government has announced the following immediate, short-term action to support households. For the most part, this will operate in the same way for households […]
Attention. Share your voice in ensuring that boaters are not forgotten in Energy Support Payments
Hello Everyone We here at the RBOA would like to draw your attention to the petition which is soon to be handed in to Number […]
Canal & River Trust launches first Boater Census
CANAL & RIVER TRUST LAUNCHES FIRST ‘BOATER CENSUS’ The Canal & River Trust is launching the first ever Boater Census and is asking every […]
National Navigation Update – July 2022
Here is our latest quarterly newsletter, updating you on key areas of work and priorities that the National Navigation team are focussing on, which hopefully […]
UK Government launches new online platform for pleasure craft to register arrival and departure to and from the UK
The UK Government, via the UK Border Force, has developed a new digital reporting service, known as ‘single Pleasure Craft Reporting (sPCR)’, which pleasure craft […]
Southall Grand Union Canal Wellbeing Way project launching with information event
A £1 million two-year project to link together parks and green spaces in Southall via the Grand Union Canal will be launched on Monday with […]
CANAL & RIVER TRUST PROVIDES UPDATE ON NORTHERN WATER LEVELS
As the country faces prolonged hot weather, the Canal & River Trust is taking action to manage the very low water levels in the north […]
Hot weather on our canals
Hot weather Hello, Following the UK Health Security Agency issuing heat-health alerts across most of the country as temperatures rise this week, the Canal & […]
NATIONAL BOAT COUNT 2022
The Canal & River Trust’s national boat count, completed this spring and used to support the day-to-day work carried out by the Trust, has shown […]
Reservoir work and dry spring cause water-saving canal closure
The Canal & River Trust has taken the difficult decision to temporarily close locks, restricting navigation on the Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals from 24 […]
CANAL CHARITY COMPLETES £2 MILLION PROJECT ON LEEDS & LIVERPOOL CANAL IN YORKSHIRE DALES
Leeds & Liverpool Canal Society’s heritage boat ‘Kennet’ was warmly welcomed as the first boat through the newly repaired Grade II listed Eshton Road Lock […]
Pushing the boats out for the Platinum Jubilee
PUSHING THE BOATS OUT FOR THE PLATINUM JUBILEE As Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, national charity the Canal & River […]
Entering and Leaving France for Cruisers – An Update from The Cruising Association
Further to the update below released by the Cruising Association on Monday 16 May 2022, and demonstrating the dynamic nature of the process for Entering […]
Crick Boat Show, 5 June 2022 at Crick Marina (Up to 50% Off)
Click here to access the Crick Boat Show Ticket Offer link!
Entering and Leaving France for Cruisers – An Update from The Cruising Association
With the 2022 cruising season upon us and the pandemic restrictions eased for travel, the appeal of crossing the channel to France is attractive for […]
RBOA at Crick 2022
See us on stand WW58. We are available for all the show to discuss any points on Living afloat you may have plus the launch […]
Tingdene update
Hi everyone yet again, as you know we won in the First Tier Tribunal last November the decision was that Jan’s caravan on Hartford Marina […]
All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways – History and Architecture of the Waterways – Wed 11th May at 9.45am
Michael Fabricant MP, Chair of the Waterways APPG, invites you to attend a video meeting to hear about waterways heritage on Wednesday 11th May 2022 […]
Virtual briefings in May on Oxford transport proposals, for Residents’ and Community Associations
County and City council officers would like to meet representatives of your Residents’ or Community Association to talk about transport plans for Oxford including the […]
Stakeholder engagement review update May 2022
As we continue to move forwards with our Stakeholder Engagement Review, we are writing to update you on the key areas of progress since our […]

The Port of London Authority (PLA) tries to define houseboat – By Hilary Pereira
Like other non-commercial boats on the tidal Thames, residential boats do not need to be licensed or registered, which may help explain why the Port […]
RBOA Water Spaces Document
Water Spaces report copy landscape . draft 1.
Environment Agency Consultation on charges
You need to have your individual input as well as our group submission. https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/environment-and-business/nav-boat-reg-charge
Anglian Pass Now Available

Government’s plans to criminalise trespass Cruising Boaters Beware
Click to see the government’s plans to criminalise trespass

Changes to drinking and bulk water supply points at River Thames lock sites
COVID-19: Latest Government Update
Government COVID Update March 2021 RBOA has received the following update on 23rd February from Fran Read, CRT’s National Press Officer: Following the Government’s update […]

The Boat Safety Scheme- Survey of Boat Owners 2021
The Boat Safety Scheme – Survey of Boat Owners 2021 *** SURVEY CLOSES ON APRIL 9th *** Have your say Click HERE to complete the […]
Census 2021
How live aboard boaters can participate in the Census This year, the Census will be run mostly online. To participate and make your Census return […]

Thames Navigation Users Forum Meeting, 20 October 2020
Meeting Minutes Download the Thames Navigation Users Forum Minutes of Meeting, 20 October 2020 (PDF) Actions Downlaod TNUF Actions Table

Can you help?
Users of the Thames have been long concerned about river quality in the Thames, but the EA have been unable to provide any data to […]

CRT Launches Citizen Science Project
The Canal & River Trust has teamed up with partners, including King’s College London, and is appealing for people aged 16 or over to take […]

Lobbying DEFRA for £20,000,000 Support Package for Waterway Businesses. Can you help with answers to a few questions?
We hope RBOA members who are involved in waterways-based businesses will respond to the following request: Dear Waterway Business Owner – Thank you again for […]

RBOA Facebook Group
All members are encouraged to join our facebook group “Living afloat with the RBOA” The link is https://www.facebook.com/groups/278960266341053/ This can be used in addition […]
Environment Agency Update No 8
General update First of all, we would like to thank you for your patience over the past few months as we have responded to the […]
Show consideration to all waterway users
RBOA Officers were concerned to hear of a case where boaters had moored together, with little regard for social distancing, to hold a BBQ on […]
Transforming the Grand Union Canal from Paddington to West Drayton – upcoming improvement works
Following recent restrictions on our work due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Canal & River Trust is starting to get back to our planned programme of […]
HMRC consultation on Red Diesel Use in Private Pleasure Craft – government response
RBOA has just received the following from HMRC: Thank you for your contributions, and those of your members, to last year’s HMRC consultation on the […]
Latest Government Changes on Coronavirus from CRT
Although aimed at leisure rather than live-aboard boaters, readers may find the following information helpful. Note that there are differces in Wales. 23 June 2020 […]
Survey of Liveaboard Boaters – Will you help?
Our names are Dr Agatha Herman and Professor Richard Yarwood, and we are geographers at the Cardiff University and the University of Plymouth respectively. We […]
CRT calls on public to stop a million pieces of plastic being washed into the ocean
Latest EA Guidance to Boaters 5th June, 2020
Plan your journey We have put in place measures to protect you and our staff. This means you may have to allow extra time especially […]
EA Coronavirus Guidance Note 6
General update We are glad to see boaters getting back out and enjoying the waterways. Thank you to all of our waterway users for their […]
CRT Update on Summer Navigation – Leeds & Liverpool, Peak Forest & Macclesfield Canals
The Canal & River Trust regrets to confirm that navigation opportunities along the Leeds & Liverpool, Peak Forest and Macclesfield canals this summer will be […]
Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding – guidance for local authorities
Included below is the link with reference to grants for smaller businesses which have been unable to obtain grants as they are not in the […]
EA Guidance Note 5 re Covid-19
We are keen to get people boating as soon as we can. We currently have teams out along our waterways making preparations safely and swiftly. […]
Response to EA from Thames Recreational Powered Boating Organisations
Five organisations representing recreational powered craft users on the non-tidal Thames have agreed to join forces to encourage greater engagement and co-operation with the Environment […]
EA Update on Coronavirus Situation
Following our updated guidance note which we issued yesterday, I wanted to clarify for you our decision to continue to ask boaters to avoid all […]
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Urgent Update for Boaters from EA
May 2020: Guidance Note 4 Following the Government announcement on 10 May about plans to relax some of the restrictions put in place to prevent […]
Coronavirus update from Canal & River Trust – Boat Movement Inbox Inbox Inbox x The Government have issued clarification this morning, 13 May to […]
Government confirms that private boats can use Broads waterways
Alan Wildman, RBOA Development Officer for the Broads, has been in constant communication with the Broads Authority, who have just issued the following Press Release: […]
Boat Safety Scheme – BSS COVID-19 Suspension – Planning for Changes – NR 20.005
It is our firm intention to re-start Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Examinations as soon as possible, and following the Government announcements about the next phase […]
CRT launches appeal to support small charities across its network
5th May, 2020 The Canal & River Trust has today, 5 May 2020, launched a fundraising appeal to help support the dozens of small waterway-based […]
Canal & River Trust: National Boat Count Numbers
30 April 2020 The Canal & River Trust’s annual national boat count shows that licence compliance on its waterways remains high with 96.2% of boaters […]
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Update for Boaters – April 2020: Guidance Note 3 from EA
RBOA has received the following udate from the Environment Agency: Following our last communication we wanted to expand on some of the measures we are […]
Coronavirus: Canal & River Trust to extend boat licences by one month
24 April 2020 The Canal & River Trust is extending all boat licences by one month in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The situation […]
We’re here if you need us!
At this very difficult time for us all, the RBOA Officers are aware that some of our members may be finding the lack of contact […]
Stay at Home this Easter and support the NHS says Canal & Rover Trust
Ahead of the Easter weekend, waterways & wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust is calling on people to follow Government guidance to stay at home. […]
Temporary Suspension of BSS Examination Activity extended to 30 April, 2020
As the representative of RBOA on the Boat Safety Scheme Advisory Committee, I have received the following information from the National Navigation Users’ Forum’s Andy […]
Update from the EA Thames Waterways Office – 08 April, 2020
Dear River Users and Friends of the River Please see below the answers to questions about local issues in response to the message sent out […]
EA Urgent update for boaters – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
April 2020: Guidance note 2 These are fast changing times and following our last communication we wanted to expand on some of the measures we […]
Covid-19 Update from Middle Level Commissioners – 30 March, 2020
EMERGENCY CLOSURE/SEVERE RESTRICTION OF ALL ASSISTED PASSAGE (MANNED) LOCKS UPDATED VERSION – Alignment with EA notice. In line with the actions being taken by the […]
Emergency Closure of all Assisted Passage (Manned) Locks: Salters Lode & Stanground
In line with the actions being taken by the Environment Agency and following the Prime Ministers announcement on 23 March 2020 about the UK’s heightened […]
Latest Update from EA on Coronavirus (Thurs. 26 March)
Please follow the link below to access urgent update for boaters on the Coronavirus (COVID 19) situation from Alice Mayne, EA National Deputy Director for […]
Update from NNUF re EA Waters – Coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Urgent update for boaters Dear Customer These are unprecedented times and here at the Environment Agency we have been working hard to make […]
Broads Authority – Information on impact of coronavirus
If you live on a boat on the Broads, go to https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/news/coronavirus-covid-19 for local information on how coronavirus impact will affect you.
A CRT Statement by Richard Parry
A statement from Richard Parry Following the most recent announcement from the Prime Minister regarding the UK’s response to the coronavirus crisis, we are asking […]
Coronavirus – A message from the Environment Agency
From the Chief Executive, Environment Agency ‘Coronavirus is causing concern across the country for everyone, both personally and professionally. I want to let you know […]
Update of current Covid-19 situation
On Monday (17th March 2020) the Government issued updated advice about the current Covid-19 situation. The guidance for those who are vulnerable, those who are […]
Covid 19 – Advice from CRT
RBOA has received the following information from CRT’s Matthew Symonds. “Yesterday the Canal & River Trust issued a statement regarding the Coronavirus, you can see […]
Marina Offers Advice to its Moorers
The following information was sent out by Robert Neff, General Manager at Mercia Marina, to all their boaters. It not only reiterates the general […]

Foxton Locks opens its gates to the public
Month of free public open weekends begins on Saturday 15th February Visitors can step down into a drained lock to learn about the important maintenance […]

Entries Open for the ‘Oscars of the Waterways’
Categories range from construction and environment to culture, education and community The search is on for the best schemes, projects and initiatives that are helping […]

CRT to tackle “improper” mooring and make waterways safer
The Canal & River Trust is reaching out to boaters who have moored their boats in a way that could be dangerous or cause problems […]

Inland Waterways Accessibility Forum
RBOA recently received an interesting communication about a new Facebook forum, which has a focus on waterways users with accessibility issues, from Tracey Clarke who […]
CRT London & South East Bulletin
The latest Bulletin for London & the South East has been published – do take a look. Topics covered: Paddington pre-bookable moorings open for 2020 […]
RBOA attending Crick Boat Show
RBOA attending Crick Show, 2020. See us in the Boating Marquee and on the Quayside Mercury & Dr Feelgood to headline at Crick Boat Show […]
Canal & River Trust Offer ‘Trust Aware’ Stickers
24 January 2020 Work continues to help boaters who need extra support The Canal & River Trust is to begin providing ‘Trust Aware’ permits to […]
NEW WAVE: PLAY YOUR PART IN THE SECOND GOLDEN AGE OF CANALS
NEW WAVE: PLAY YOUR PART IN THE SECOND GOLDEN AGE OF CANALS 16 January 2020 Community spirit is alive and well on the nation’s canals […]
Season’s Greetings
The Officers of the Residential Boat Owners’ Association would like to wish all members, friends and business acquaintances a very happy Christmas, and send best […]
Proposed Port of London Harbour Revision Order – Initial Consultation
The RBOA urges any members who have an interest in moorings within the PLA to read the following document, received from your Area Representative for […]
Entries Open for the ‘Oscars of the Waterways’
Categories range from construction and environment to culture, education and community The search is on for the best schemes, projects and initiatives that are helping […]
CRT to tackle “improper” mooring and make waterways safer
The Canal & River Trust is reaching out to boaters who have moored their boats in a way that could be dangerous or cause problems […]
Inland Waterways Accessibility Forum
RBOA recently received an interesting communication about a new Facebook forum, which has a focus on waterways users with accessibility issues, from Tracey Clarke who […]
How can you VOTE in the December elections?
The following information is based on information on the website of The Electoral Commission. The deadline to register to vote in the UK Parliamentary general […]
CRT Boat Licence Fees for 2020-21
The Canal & River Trust is today announcing that headline private and business boat licence fees will rise by 2.5% from 1 April 2020. As […]
Message to RBOA Members – We’d value your input!
The RBOA will be holding its AGMs at Great Haywood, Staffs. on 23rd November. We really hope a lot of members will come along, as […]
BCN Explorer Cruises, 2020
BCN Explorer Cruises organised by Birmingham Canal Navigations Society 5th May – 13th May & 18th May – 25th May After the success of our […]
BCN Explorer Cruises, 2020
BCN Explorer Cruises organised by Birmingham Canal Navigations Society 5th May – 13th May & 18th May – 25th May After the success of […]
Canal & River Trust Publishes Heritage Report for 2017 – 2019 18 October 2019 The Canal & River Trust has published a report into the […]
Middle Level Act 2018 and Navigation Byelaws 2019
The Middle Level Commissioners are the navigation authority for the Middle Level river system which comprises approximately 100 miles of navigable waterways in Cambridgeshire and […]
Canal & River Trust to hold Elections for New Members of Governing Council
1 October 2019 The Canal & River Trust is calling on individuals to stand for election to the charity’s governing Council with nominations opening on […]
RBOA Annual General Meeting Venue Details Date: Saturday 23rd November, 2019 Time: 11.00 a.m. Place: Clifford Arms, Main Road, Great Haywood, Stafford, ST18 0SR. By […]
Consultation on use of red diesel on private boats
Members should already be aware that a consultation on red diesel is being conducted by HMRC as they have been directed to respond to the […]

Activities Perfect for Canal Boat Holidays
Featured image of Llangollen Canal. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Llangollen_Canal_UK.jpg Known for their tranquil settings and slow-pace, canal holidays have become a popular holiday choice. However, there’s much […]
CRT Fixing “Beating Hearts” of Kennet & Avon Canal
Restrictions to navigation at Caen Hill Flight The Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for the Kennet & Avon Canal, has announced restrictions […]
CRT Updates on Water Saving Measures
The Canal & River Trust is updating boaters on water saving measures on the Leeds & Liverpool, Oxford, and Grand Union Canals following the rainfall […]
Canal & River Trust Extends Customer Service Opening Hours
From 7 July 2019, customers will be able to get in touch with the Canal & River Trust’s customer service team seven days a week. […]
EA River Restrictions for the Thames
Please find attached an Environment Agency Harbour Master’s notices for the following events. N.B. Additional restrictions have been added in chroniological order. River restrictions When: […]

Top 5 UK Canal Routes for Viewing Landmarks and Scenery
Article courtesy of BWML. The UK is home to over 2,000 miles of canals – that’s a lot to choose from, which makes narrowing down […]
Do you enjoy fishing?
29 May 2019 CANAL & RIVER TRUST WATERWAYS WANDERERS PERMIT AVAILABLE ONLINE The Canal & River Trust has launched a new online system allowing anglers […]
Environment Agency Harbour Master’s Notice – Update
River restrictions on the Thames When: Sunday 9 June 2019, from 8am to 6pm. Where: Sunbury reach – Desborough Channel. What’s happening: Weybridge Ladies Amateur […]
Come and see us at Crick Boat Show this weekend
The RBOA has a stand at the Crick Boat Show this weekend. Friday 24th May is a Trade/Preview Day, with pre-booked tickets. Saturday, Sunday and […]
EA Navigation Notice
Please find attached an Environment Agency Harbour Master’s notice for the following event. River restrictions When: Sunday 26 May 2019, 6:30am to 10am and Sunday 14 July […]

6 unregistered boaters ordered to pay more than £4,300
Article from www.gov.uk. From Environment Agency. First published 8th May 2019 The Environment Agency is reminding boaters that not registering their vessels is breaking the law […]
Environment Agency Harbour Master’s notices
River closures When: Sunday 1 December 2019, from 9:45am to 11:15am. Where: Teddington reach What’s happening: Royal Canoe Club 10@10. The River Thames between Trowlock […]
CRT National Boat Count Numbers
2 May 2019 The Canal & River Trust’s annual national boat count shows that licence compliance on its waterways remains high with 96.5% of boaters […]
Environment Agency Notices
River restrictions When: Saturday 25 May 2019, from 1pm to 5:30pm and Wednesday 29 May to Saturday 1 June 2019, from 10:30am to 7pm. Where: […]

4 New Forest River Wildlife Hotspots
Famous for its stunning rural landscapes, towering woodland and scenic coastline, The New Forest is teaming with diverse habitats to welcome all kinds of wildlife. […]

9 Toddler-Friendly Wildlife Activities to Introduce Little Ones to Nature
Instilling a sense of wonder and exploration in our children is something all parents strive for, but exactly how often do you let your children […]

From cradle to grave – RBOA is here for you
Whether you are thinking about making your home on a boat, or are already living aboard, the Residential Boat Owners’ Association is here to help […]
CRT Publishes New Boater’s Handbook
18 April 2019 The Canal & River Trust has launched a new edition of the Boater’s Handbook in partnership with the Environment Agency. First published […]

Stay Safe this Easter in and around the Thames
Article from https://www.gov.uk. Published 15 April 2019. From: Environment Agency and The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP School’s out for Easter, and there is no […]
BCN 250th Anniversary Cruise
November 2019 will see the 250th anniversary of the canal reaching Birmingham. This was an important event in the making of the city as an […]
Canal & River Trust Surveys Boaters’ Views
8 April 2019 C The Canal & River Trust is introducing a new monthly survey to get boaters’ up-to-date feedback on the waterways they cruise. The […]
E.A. River Restrictions
Please find attached an Environment Agency Harbour Master’s notice for the following event. River restrictions When: Saturday 6 July and Sunday 7 July 2019 from 8am to 6pm […]
Carbon Monoxide Alarms are now Mandatory
Boat Safety Scheme: Carbon Monoxide AlarmsFrom 1 April at least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm became a requirement on nearly all private and non-private boats […]
Environment Agency – River Restrictions: Thames
River restrictions When: Monday 8 April to Friday 12 April 2019 Where: Romney Lock What’s happening: Romney Lock pedestal upgrades (rescheduled). We are installing a completely […]
Canal & River Trust’s Dredging Plans for 2019-2020
3 April 2019 CANAL & RIVER TRUST’S DREDGING PLANS FOR 2019-20 The Canal & River Trust is spending £8 million on dredging in the financial year […]

5 Amazing UK Canal Travel Routes to Try in 2019
This article was provided by BWML. Image source – http://www.matlock.co.uk/cromford-canal/ The UK is now home to over 2,000 miles of canals – that’s a lot […]
Canal & River Trust Updates Online Mooring olicy
18 March 2019 CANAL & RIVER TRUST UPDATES ONLINE MOORING POLICY The Canal & River Trust has updated its Online Mooring Policy following a consultation […]
Mooring Challenges Below Sunbury Lock
Yesterday RBOA received the following from the River Thames Alliance: Please Note; This has been circulated to all subscribing members for information – it is […]
Canal Lockage Feels Last Summer’s Heat
The Canal & River Trust has published its Annual Lockage Report for 2018 which summarises the recorded usage of the locks across its 2,000 miles […]
Families Living with Children on Boats
RBOA has received the following request: I work as a television producer for Renegade Pictures – the production company behind Our Yorkshire Farm and Ben Fogle’s […]
Changes to Boater Facilities at Sawley Marina
Notice Alert Upper Trent Location: Sawley Marina Friday 1 February 2019 07:00 until further notice Type: Advice Reason: Information Original message: We have been made […]
EA Harbourmaster’s Notice
Please find attached an Environment Agency Harbourmaster’s notice for the following events. River restrictions When: Saturday 19 January 2019, from 9am to 4:30pm Where: Sunbury […]
Canal & River Trust Finalises Sale of BWML
17 December 2018 The Canal & River Trust has finalised the sale of its wholly-owned marina subsidiary, BWML, in a transaction that sees LDC invest […]
Report floating pennywort this winter, says Environment Agency
Report floating pennywort this winter, says Environment Agency Reminder issued after EA removes 1,000 tonnes of the invasive species from the Anglian region’s rivers Published […]
Canal & River Trust announces plans to conserve water on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
20 November 2018 The Canal & River Trust has announced that part of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal will be available for use by boaters […]
Environment Agency announces increases to charges for boaters
The Environment Agency will increase the cost of boat registrations on its waterways from 2019 to help ensure a sustainable service that covers the cost […]
Canal & River Trust begins consultation to move greater resource into regional customer-focussed roles
6 November 2018 As part of its waterways and wellbeing strategy, to improve customer service and to engage with local communities, the Trust has today […]
RBOA AGM, held on 6th October, 2018
Press Release: 10th October, 2018 RBOA Annual General Meeting The Residential Boat Owners’ Association (RBOA) held its 55th Annual General Meeting at The Nadee, Findern, […]
Waterways Ombudsman issues Annual Report
T H E W A T E R W A Y S OMBUDSMAN Press release: Waterways Ombudsman issues Annual Report The Waterways Ombudsman and the […]
AGM of the River Thames Alliance (RTA)
The River Thames Alliance AGM, Henley Rowing Museum, was held on 4th September. Rex Walden represented the RBOA, and reports as follows: The start of […]
Eco-mooring Zone in Development in Islington
8 October 2018 The Canal & River Trust and Islington Council are creating an ‘eco-mooring zone’ for visiting boats between York Way and Danbury Street […]
New Boater-led Boat Maintenance Services at Stonebridge Lock
3 October 2018 The Canal & River Trust is letting boaters know about its plans for Stonebridge Lock. Following a significant amount of work, much […]
E.A. – Windsor Area
Please find attached an Environment Agency Harbourmaster’s notice for the following event. River restrictions When: Friday 12 October 2018 Where: Old Windsor Reach What’s happening: […]
Canal & River Trust hosts its Annual Public Meeting
27 September 2018 CANAL & RIVER TRUST HOSTS ITS ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING The Canal & River Trust yesterday (26 September) held its Annual Public Meeting […]
Canal Charity makes Key Appointments to realise full potential of West Midlands Waterways
25 SEPTEMBER 2018 CANAL CHARITY MAKES KEY APPOINTMENTS TO REALISE FULL POTENTIAL OF WEST MIDLANDS WATERWAYS The charity that cares for the West Midlands’ famous […]
Canal & River Trust Publishes Winter Moorings Information
5th September, 20018 The Canal & River Trust is today publishing the list of sites it will be offering for winter moorings in 2018-19. Matthew […]
E.A. River Restriction
Please find attached an Environment Agency Harbourmaster’s notice for the following event. When: Saturday 15 September 2018 from 9:30am to 5:30pm Where: Iffley Reach What’s […]
Photographic Exhibition in Birmingham
Many of you may know Kevin Maslin. He has been a member of the BCN Society for many years, edited Boundary Post and taken […]
Canal & River Trust prepares for further dry weather
3 August 2018 The Canal & River Trust is putting measures in place to prepare for the possibility of further dry weather. June was the […]
Boaters’ Views Sought in Consultation in Proposed EA Charges
20 July 2018 Boat owners who keep or use a boat on waterways managed by the Environment Agency are being encouraged to have their say […]