Click on a picture to see a bigger version

Elaine Kirby writes:-

The Kennet & Avon Canal was blocked for 24 hours at Devizes wharf from 12 noon Saturday 25^th November until 12 noon Sunday 26^th November by over 50 narrowboat's, widebeams, liveaboards, continuous cruisers, marina based and linear moorers of various shapes sizes.

The event was visited by at least 200 people including cyclists and paddlers.

The petition protesting about the cuts just grew & grew, it was even signed by the local traffic warden.

The Mayor of Devizes stayed for some considerable time, enjoying a pint of real ale, and the chairman of 'The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust' was in attendance with his air horn and placard.

The event was organised by the Devizes Boat Club (chairman Adrian Softley) who's members attended in numbers with & without boats, and ran the hot dog and burger stall and the bar, also the evening do in the Wharf rooms where 70 people had supper and where entertained by Tinkers Bag. The Wharf Theatre opened for teas & coffees all day Saturday & the morning on Sunday. The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust loaned us their building facilities for the day & evening, and paid for two of our banners.

Members of the public plus boaters produced many clever placards of their own and those supplied by the IWA were used. Also in attendance where members of The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, The Wilts & Berks Canal Society, The Taverners Boat Club, The Pewsey Wharf Boat Club, representatives of AWCC and IWA and members of the public including dogs of a variety of breeds many with their own placards.

We were extremely pleased with the support we achieved.