WHAT’S ON IN APRIL
If you want your event listed in our free monthly What’s On section email your entry to editorial@towpathtalk. co.uk or use the events form at www.towpathtalk.co.uk/events Please check with organisers whether the event is going ahead before setting out on your journey.
March 30-April 1
Chesterfield Canal Trust: Easter trips from Hollingwood Hub, Worksop and Ranby, for details visit www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk
March 31-April 1
Leawood Pumphouse: Open day from noon to 4.30pm. In steam – the pump will be fully operational. Entrance free but donations are encouraged, especially in view of the current cost of coal. High Peak Trail, Whatstandwell, Matlock DE4 5HN, access is as per High Peak Junction.
Until April 7
Maria Harryman: Life is not still – Florigeum exhibition of lino prints, paintings and quilts inspired by the wild plants and changing seasons on the Kennet & Avon Canal. West Berkshire Museum, Gallery 5, Newbury RG14 5AS. Open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am-4pm. Admission free.
Until April 27
Stafford Riverway Link: Display of artefacts unearthed by SRL volunteers from the canal at Baswich. Stone Library, Market Square, Stone ST15 8AT, April 7 IWA Towpath Walks Society: Regent’s Canal: King’s Cross – Hitchcock’s Hackney. Meet King’s Cross by taxi queue sign next to Pret a Manger at 2.30pm. Nominal charge £15; concessions, students and accompanied children 16 and over £10; 8-15 £5; under-8s free. Prior booking recommended, contact London Walks: 0207 624 3978 or emaillondon@walks.com
April 9
IWA Northampton Branch: Three Men on the BCN (Birmingham Canal Navigations) with Tom Stewart, with Paul and Kevin Cousins, 7.30pm. The meetings are held in the upstairs conference room at The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne, NN12 7SB. All are welcome, not just IWA members. There is a car park, and refreshments are available. A £2 donation towards expenses would be appreciated.
April 10
Leawood Pumphouse: Open day from noon to 4.30pm. Static. Entrance free but donations are encouraged, especially in view of the current cost of coal. High Peak Trail, Whatstandwell, Matlock DE4 5HN, access is as per High Peak Junction.
April 12
North Staffordshire & South Cheshire IWA: The Birmingham Canal Navigations with Phil Clayton. Stoke-on-Trent Boat Club, Endon Wharf, Post Lane, Endon, Stoke-on-Trent ST9 9DU, 7.45 for 8pm start. Non-IWA members welcome; admission free (donations to waterway causes welcome), refreshments available. Contact socialsec.nssc@waterways.org.uk April 15
Friends of the Cromford Canal: AGM followed by Progress at Beggarlee and the Future by honorary engineer Chris Broome. Ironville Church Hall, Casson Street NG16 5NN, car parking at rear, 7.30pm. Admission £2.50, tea, coffee, bar and raffle. Non-members always welcome. April 17
Pocklington Canal Amenity Society: AGM followed by digital update on the PCAS project to restore the section of canal between the Bielby Arm to Coates Lock. Melbourne Village Hall YO42 4QJ, 7.30pm. April 19
IWA Lichfield Branch: Steam narrowboat President, illustrated talk by Nick Haynes, Friends of President. Darwin Hall, Heathcot Place, Lichfield WS13 6RQ, 7.15 for 7.30pm. waterways.org.uk/lichfield
April 20-21
Roving Canal Traders Association: Floating market at Willington.
April 21
Grantham Canal Society: Spring Craft Fair at Woolsthorpe Depot (behind Dirty Duck pub) NG32 1NY, 10am-3pm. Crafts, games, cakes and boat trips. www.granthamcanal.org
April 22
Friends of Cromford Canal: The Birdswood Story by founder member Mike Kelley. Gothic Warehouse on Cromford Wharf starting at 7pm. Admission £5 including refreshments. Seating is limited and booking can be made at www. cromfordcanal.org
April 27-28
Roving Canal Traders Association: Floating market at Marsworth. Advance notice Etruria Industrial Museum: The 2024 Etruria Canals Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 1-2 at Stoke-on-Trent will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the reopening of the Caldon Canal to navigation. For further information visit www.etruriamuseum.org.uk or @EtruriaMuseum on Facebook and X.