It was a chance for the town to see and enjoy the benefits of having a canal — and people flocked to the event held on Sunday at a restored section of the Wilts & Berks Canal at Wichelstowe in south Swindon.
By Bob Naylor
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Swindon Mayor, Rex Barnett, takes a trip on the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust's new trip
boat to open the Wichelstowe Canal Fest in Swindon. Picture by Bob Naylor
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The event was opened by Swindon Mayor and Mayoress, Rex & Sandra Barnett who were on the first trip on a narrowboat in the town since the canal was abandoned in 1914.
They were on board the Trust's new trip boat Dragonfly, a 36ft narrowboat that was named recently by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at a ceremony on the site of the start of a new link to the K&A Canal at Semington near Melksham.
After the boat's trip with local dignitaries it was kept very busy all day carrying passengers — as were the Trust's other, smaller boats, Damsel Fly and Willow.They were on board the Trust's new trip boat Dragonfly, a 36ft narrowboat that was named recently by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at a ceremony on the site of the start of a new link to the K&A Canal at Semington near Melksham.
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| Passengers board the trip boats Picture by Bob Naylor |
There was plenty to entertain visitors — for Children there was a bouncy castle, trampolines, hopper races, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, henna art and fishing lessons. There was good food on sale, good weather, and plenty of trade and information stands. This event brought the canal home to Swindon.
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| Swindon Mayor Rex Barnett tries his hand at dousing Picture by Bob Naylor |
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| Swindon based canal artist Jane Clements showed visitors how she paints traditional roses and castles on canalware Picture by Bob Naylor |
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| Youngsters from local canoe clubs out on the water Picture by Bob Naylor |
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| Mike Rodd, right and David Inight of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust meet Swindon Mayor and Mayoress. Rex and Sandra Barnett Picture by Bob Naylor |
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