Press Release

FBW was launched at the end of June 2023 in response to the inadequate funding and deteriorating state of Britain’s network of canals and navigable rivers. Despite the widespread appreciation of the value of this unique and well-loved national asset and the benefits it delivers, the Government appears intent on significantly reducing its funding. Through FBW more than 110 organisations are campaigning together for national and local government to act now and protect the public benefit and natural capital of our waterways.

FBW’s activities to date have focused on raising awareness of the challenges facing our canals and rivers and the message that increased and sustainable funding is needed. Three well-reported Campaign Cruises were held in 2023, in Birmingham, Gloucester and past the Palace of Westminster on the Thames. In 2024 there will be a weekend of action over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (4 to 6 May 2024). This will comprise a series of events across the country on waterways managed by different inland navigation authorities, in addition to IWA’s annual Canalway Cavalcade at Little Venice in London. It will culminate in a second Campaign Cruise past the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 8 May, when Parliamentarians will be invited to view the event and express their support for the continued maintenance of the waterways.

At the same time as campaigning for increased funding for navigation authorities, FBW recognises the importance of those navigation authorities being able to explain how they are making the best possible use of funds for the waterways. FBW will therefore be holding sessions with major navigation authorities, starting with the Canal & River Trust on Wednesday 10 April 2024.

The sessions will be chaired by FBW and live streamed to FBW members, with a recording and written notes of the meeting to be made publicly available at a later date. FBW members are invited to submit detailed written questions, which will be collated and submitted to each navigation authority two weeks in advance of its meeting. FBW will then ask the questions in the meeting and the navigation authority will provide detailed answers, both in person in the meeting and also in writing.

Les Etheridge, Chair of FBW said “By arranging these sessions we are enabling FBW members to ask questions on any area including those where reservations are publicly expressed.  These will be positive and constructive sessions which we hope will benefit both the navigation authority and FBW”   

About Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW): FBW brings together a wide range of organisations with the sole purpose of campaigning collectively for an increase in government funding of Britain’s inland waterways to avert their decline, and to promote awareness of the huge economic, environmental and social well-being value they provide. Established in June 2023, it already has over 110 members representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways.

Contact:

For further information about Fund Britain’s Waterways, or to submit a question for the Canal & River Trust session (by 13 March 2024), contact info@fundbritainswaterways.org.uk

William Walker, a long serving and devoted, retired employee of British Waterways (now Canal & River Trust) will be given a most fitting send off when he makes his last waterborne journey aboard the Phoenix narrowboat on Friday 21^st July 2023.

Departing from Whaley Bridge at 10am, William’s coffin will be transported on a last trip afloat, in traditional style, to Bugsworth Basin, one of his favourite places on the Peak Forest Canal where he was foreman for many years. The boat will be captained by William’s good friend Ian Braine.

Bugsworth Canal Basin, the head of navigation of the canal, was the largest and busiest inland port on Britain’s narrow canal system and the only one to survive intact. William was fascinated by its restoration and complete transformation with an abundance of wildlife, true escapism and tranquillity. 

William resided at Wharf Cottage in High Lane for over 40 years and was a highly valued member of the adjacent North Cheshire Cruising Club, where he would regularly be seen presenting local history talks, quizzes and film nights.

He had recently been made a director and was looking after the archives as well as a special event to commemorate the club’s 80^th Anniversary, which will still be going ahead as a tribute to William in September.

An extremely passionate local historian, William cared so much about educating people of all ages, about lost crafts and traditions and the important history and heritage of canals, mills and working life during and after the war.

Friends from William’s extremely diverse life will be represented as passengers on board the Phoenix together with his close family.

A long-serving member of Stockport Harriers, William successfully completed several London marathons and other significant runs in Europe, including Austria, Germany and the Netherlands   and he was a pioneer in raising funding for a professional track at Woodbank Park in Stockport.

One key thread ran throughout the entire life of William’s adventures – to always be learning, sharing knowledge, giving people reasons to smile and living life to its full.

He was certainly the sunshine in everyone’s life and he has left behind an amazing and rich legacy of memories to be cherished by many future generations.

The Life of William

William Henry Walker was born in Edgeley neighbourhood in 1939 and grew up with his three sisters and one brother and derived an early passion for motor vehicles which later inspired him to undertake a 7- year apprenticeship.

He became a fully officiated rally driver and a specialised mechanic in performance racing cars.

In his thirties, William engaged in a new hobby that often found him knee deep in mud and debris and up against much political opposition when he joined ASHTAC and was involved in restoring the Ashton Canal.

This experience inspired a complete career change and William was delighted when he was offered a job with British Waterways in 1979.

The new role was William’s absolute niche in life and he became a greatly admired “Friend to the waterways” where he excelled in “Making a difference” which he described as his “Raison d’etre” in life. 

When he officially retired from his last role as Project Officer in 2004, William could not resist but to return to a part-time job as License and Moorings Officer, where once again his delightful smile and chivalrous, influential manner ensured that lots of boaters’ unpaid fees soon got paid.

A True Waterways Stalwart with Unique Persona

Stuart Mills, Canal & River Trust chief investment officer, said: ““I have very fond memories of working with Bill in his role as a trades union representative and of his deep passion for the waterways. I know that he has been a dedicated waterways supporter for over 40 years and his commitment has been remarkable.

“His passion for local history and the canal network has meant that he has served tirelessly as a volunteer, both before and after his retirement, including managing the heritage boat Ibex and later being involved with the Saturn Project.

“In 2000, I can recall that William successfully put the canal network in the spotlight when he delivered barrels of Royal Ale, “mashed” in person by Queen Elizabeth II, from Bass Brewery in Burton-upon-Trent to Camden Wharf aboard our heritage boat.

“I personally greeted the small volunteer crew upon arrival of the boat at Camden and, destined for delivery to Buckingham Palace, the barrels were transferred to the Royal Family horse and dray. It took three weeks to complete the journey from Burton-upon-Trent and William volunteered for this opportunity in his own time.

“William could often be seen in a traditional boatman’s costume, making a lasting impact with the younger generation and keeping historic boating traditions alive. He will be greatly missed.”

The Funeral

Following William’s “Last Journey Afloat”, a historic tradition, the funeral procession will depart from Wharf Cottage at 1pm for a service in Rowan Chapel at Stockport Crematorium at 1:45pm.

Friends and family are warmly invited for refreshments and reminiscences afterwards at High Lane Conservative Club from 2:30pm.

Jeremy Unsworth’s Funeral Directors, New Mills are taking care of funeral arrangements and have organised previous bespoke funerals for canal enthusiasts who want to follow the boating traditions as their last wishes.

The Phoenix. The Phoenix started her life as a live aboard narrowboat. In the mid 2000’s, most unfortunately, she was vandalised and set on fire. The subsequent sinking would have meant the end for most boats, but not for Phoenix. The previous owners re-floated the vessel, repaired the damage and undertook modifications to turn her into a day hire boat. Phoenix didn’t exactly rise from the ashes, she rose from the mud.

Ian Gilman the owner of Phoenix is proud to be enabling the family and friends to take William on his “Last Journey Afloat”

Phoenix Day boat Hire