Duchess takes the tiller

THE Duchess of Cornwall took to steering a narrowboat along a restored section of the Wilts & Berks Canal last week, to give publicity for an auction to raise funds for the canal Trust.

In addition, together with Prince Charles they have donated a Highgrove garden tour for this Thursday's auction (26th March) at the Angel Hotel, Chippenham, to raise money for the restoration of the canal near Chippenham, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Champagne tea

The donated two hours tour of their gardens at Highgrove will be followed by a champagne tea for two in the Orchard Restaurant, while being entertained by the resident pianist.

There will be more than 80 lots being offered at the auction, that will include a charter trip on the Trust's narrowboat Dragonfly.

The auction starts at 7pm with of course free entry.