30th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Canal

Posted on by Mel Lewis

To all Members, Volunteers and Friends of the Canal.

Please join us to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Restoration of the Basingstoke Canal

Please come and join us on Saturday 14th May to celebrate the delayed 30th Anniversary of the restoration and reopening of the Basingstoke Canal. We are joining in the Surrey Heath Show during the day by organising a colourful Boat Rally along the towpath adjoining Frimley Lodge Park. We hope to have up to 30 boats, as well as displays of canoe and kayak skills from two local canoe clubs:

  • The Surrey Heath Show will be open from 10.00am to 4.00pm and will feature a classic car show, dog show, dancing and arena displays from local clubs and groups, as well as a variety of food stalls. Entrance to the show is free, but there will be a charge of £5 to park your car at Frimley Lodge. 
  • The Society will have their membership stand, a display of photographs of the canal restoration and current projects. We will also have the ‘Buzzer Box’ to try your hand at, colourful canal art and other attractions.

In the early evening the Basingstoke Canal Society have our own 30th anniversary BCS celebration for members, volunteers, friends of the canal and visiting boaters. This will take place at the Canal Centre, Mytchett Place Road, GU16 6DD and will start with the AGM is at 5.00pm and then a social gathering from about 5:30pm with a barbecue, a quiz and live music.

The BBQ has now sold the maximum number of tickets but please email heather.sloane@basingstoke-canal.org.uk in case we have any cancellations.

Similarly, if you have any specific dietary needs, please contact Heather as above.

There will be lots going on with an opportunity to meet new and old members of the Society and welcome visitors from the Byfleet Boat Club and the Cotswold Canal Cruising Club. There is a band and you can take part in a quiz, with prizes for the winners and the most creative answers! The evening will finish at 9.00pm

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday 14th of May for our 30th Anniversary celebrations at the Canal Centre at Mytchett.