Boat crew

About Kennet and Avon Canal Trust

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust was formed in 1962 (having been an association since 1951) when the canal had become derelict along most of its 87½ mile length. Having prevented government plans to formally close the canal, the Trust set about restoring it. This was achieved by lobbying, fund-raising, millions of hours of volunteer work and partnerships with British Waterways and the local Councils. The passion was sustained for 28 years and the volunteers were finally rewarded when HM the Queen re-opened the canal in 1990. Work continued in close partnership with British Waterways (now the Canal & River Trust) to complete the work needed to assure the future of the K&A. With the aid of a £25m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, this was achieved in 2003. The restoration has been a huge success and today the canal is used by all members of the community, including walkers, cyclists, anglers, canoeists, boat enthusiasts, and nature lovers.

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust now aims to ‘Protect, Enhance and Promote’ the canal. It is organised in 8 branches which together run 5 passenger boats, 4 boats specially designed and built for disabled users, a youth training boat, the historic Crofton Pumping Station featuring the world’s oldest working Beam Engine, 3 cafes, a museum and an archive of the canal’s heritage.

The Trust has 3 staff and around 400 volunteers and there are currently 10 trustees. Total income in 2024 was £564,762 and total funds at the end of 2024 were £1.267m.

Expressed in the language of the Charity Commission, we have 4 objects:
1. promote, facilitate, and assist in the conservation, protection and improvement of the Kennet and Avon Canal and its associated watercourses, towpaths, structures and buildings;
2. advance the education of the public in general of the significance of the Kennet & Avon Canal and its associated structures
3. protect and conserve, objects, sites and buildings of archaeological, architectural, engineering or historic interest on, in the vicinity of, or otherwise associated with the Kennet & Avon Canal
4. promote and facilitate recreational use of the Kennet and Avon Canal by a wide section of the community in order to improve conditions of life for the public

What skills do I need?

When is this role available?

This is a flexible role available on various days/times.

Details

Time commitment: Our public trips take place on a Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. These run all season, March to October. Themed trips are on different days, but these normally take place over a week or so. The boat can also be chartered and these may be at different times. There is no set commitment. We appreciate we are all volunteers and would only ask that enough time is put in to be able to work on the boat with no issue.

Where does this role take place?