Kennet & Avon 200 years old today

THE Kennet & Avon Canal is 200 years old today (28th December) and is still in being solely through the efforts of the Kennet & Avon Trust.

It was in the 1990's that the canal was saved by the work of the Trust, and then completed by a £25 millions grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund that eventually enabled the 95 miles long canal to be fully restored in 2002.

Caen Hill Flight

Many know and recognise the famous Caen Hill Flight, many boaters having travelled it, yet the picture shows its state before the work of restoration started.

Needless to say waterway enthusiasts are today celebrating this important anniversary of the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Mike Rodd, General Manager of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust  explains:

"The canal owes its current success to the dedication of a huge number of volunteers who over the years, have tirelessly campaigned to keep the canal open, and, in more recent years, helped maintain this wonderful waterway working together with British Waterways."