Boat Rally at the Surrey Heath Show – Saturday 14th May
For the first time in the Surrey Heath Show’s history, the event will incorporate a boating spectacle along the adjacent Basingstoke Canal, as part of the delayed celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Canal’s re-opening in 1991. The Boat Rally of 20-30 canal boats along towpath beside Frimley Lodge Park and the Basingstoke Canal Canoe Club will provide a display of canoeing skills during the event.
Ian Moore added “The canal was built for navigation and therefore it is appropriate to rally a significant number of colourful narrowboats at this exciting event.”
See below information to aid preparations for local boat owners:
- All boats will need to register using a Boat Rally Form available from the Basingstoke Canal Authority info@basingstoke-canal.co.uk . Please add your M— Licence number and name of you boat. Registration fees do NOT apply for local boats.
- The deadline for registration forms to be returned to the BCA is 23rd April.
- Mooring will be along the towpath from the Guildford Road Bridge along the towpath beside the park. Two Harbour Masters will be available to direct mooring on a first come – first served basis; however if you have special requirements for access, please contact phil.hardyman@gmail.com as soon as possible, in advance of the event.
- There is no water supply at the mooring site. Please fill water tanks and empty toilets prior to mooring at Frimley Lodge. There are toilet facilities in Frimley Lodge Park during the day.
- Winding holes can be found east of Guildford Road Bridge and Mytchett Lake beyond Mytchett Bridge to the west. The distance between is approximately 1 mile.
- A long gang plank and mooring pins will be required.
Please contact me for further information or a copy of the Boat Rally Registration Form: heather.sloane@basingstoke-canal.org.uk
We will also have a membership stand at the show ground displaying archive photographs from the working canal and the canal restoration as well as more recent infrastructure improvements undertaken by Canal Society volunteers. We will also promote how the canal ecosystem provides an important haven for the community and the role our volunteers take in supporting boat trips for less able people.
The colourful stand will feature activities including the newly restored ‘Buzzer Box’ and canal art.
We need volunteers to help set up the stand and man it for an hour or two throughout the day. Please contact Sandie if you will like to be included: sandiedancey@gmail.com
Surrey Heath Show is planning to introduce more new attractions as well as a number of show favourites including the Classic Car Show, the Frimley Lodge Miniature Railway and the Show Arena. The Show is free to attend for visitors, with car parking for the day £5. To find out more about the event please visit www.surreyheathshow.org