First narrowboat

THOUGH the old Gravesend & Rochester Canal is now mainly a railway track, the first narrowboat in 80 years was launched at the end of March.

The Thames & Medway Canal Association that is engaged in its restoration, held an open day for the event when a 26ft narrowboat was launched on the restored section, Alan Tilbury tells us.

Restored swing bridge

This was made possible by the restoration of a swing bridge, with even the local mayor, Councillor John Caller on hand to cut the ribbon and swing open the bridge.

The association is working to further extend the canal, and to this end holds a working party every Tuesday on the waterway.