New home for canal society

THE Aylesbury Canal Society will be relocating in 2013 to its new home 'Circus Field' on the outskirts of the town alongside the canal at Broughton.

The way is now clear for the society to proceed and work is expected to start soon on the construction of a new basin with up to 40 moorings and a new clubhouse complete with dry and wet docks for boat maintenance, Mike Thompson tells us.

Responsible for use

The society, formed in 1971 to encourage use of the canal and prevent closure, has occupied the present canal basin off Walton Street for the past 40 years and has been largely responsible for the continued use and growth of the Aylesbury Arm which connects to the Grand Union Canal at Marsworth.

Countless boats have visited the town over the years and should continue to do so. The society's move to Circus Field will enable the final stages of the Aylesbury Vale District Council Waterside development to proceed.

Best inland moorings

Aylesbury Canal Society Chairman Bryan Barnes explained:

"We have waited a very long time for this with many challenging problems resolved and no doubt many more to come! The Circus Field Basin will provide the Aylesbury Canal Society with some of the best inland waterway moorings in the country and we expect to attract more members and boats.

"The Society here in Aylesbury has long been recognised as one of the most welcoming places for visiting boaters and we intend to continue this tradition with up to two weeks free secure moorings for visiting boats at Circus Field.