Canal trust celebrates milestone with record attempt

A world record could be set this weekend for the number of people transported along an iconic stretch of waterway in six hours.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, in Wiltshire, which saved the canal from closure in the 1950s, is celebrating its 75th anniversary with events including the Great Devizes Descent on Sunday.

It is hoped that more than 300 passengers can be carried by the celebration boat, Hannah, through the 29 lock gates of the Caen Hill Locks.

The record attempt will begin at 10:00 BST, with people able to sign up or turn up at one of the lock gates on the day.

Trustee Ali Cannon said that the event celebrated the "popular" canal's development and its contribution to a slower, more peaceful way of living.

"The event is a huge opportunity to get people enjoying being out in nature, the calm way of proceeding along the canal. It keeps everything in perspective," Cannon added.

Chair of trustees Graham Puddephatt added that it was vital "new generations understand the importance of the canal to our lives and well-being."

Hannah can carry 12 passengers at a time. Those taking part will travel the length of a single lock before being replaced with new passengers.

The trust said it has 70 participants confirmed so far and is hoping others will turn up on the day, as it hopes to reach a total of 348 passengers.

Participants can sign up on the trust's website for one of three time slots:

• Devizes to the top of Caen Hill, locks 50-45 (10:00 BST-11:30 BST)

• Caen Hill central section, locks 44-29 (11:30 BST – 14:00 BST)

• Bottom of Caen Hill to Foxhangers, locks 28-22 (14:00 BST – 16:00 BST)

As well as the record attempt, Hannah is currently undertaking a journey from Great Bedwyn to Bristol, before heading to Reading, with public events along the route to raise awareness of the trust.

The canal, which runs from Bristol to Reading, was threatened with closure in the early 1950s after a long period of neglect.

Large stretches of the early 19th-century waterway were derelict, overgrown and unnavigable.

To save it, a group of volunteers came together, and following extensive work, the canal reopened in 1990

It is now home to a wide variety of wildlife and a flourishing community of canal boat owners.

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