This podcast highlights the Trust's 2025 "momentum," celebrating over 40,000 volunteer hours worth more than £1 million. Key milestones include the first complete clearing of Uffington Gorse in a century and new water-filled sections in Swindon. The hosts also address the SESRO reservoir threat, which risks £25 million in annual benefits, while championing the 70-mile "Blue-Green Corridor".

⁠⁠Journals/ Magazines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illustrated History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this captivating re-enacted interview, William Ainsworth recounts his transition from a 15-year-old grocer's apprentice in 1870 to his challenging tenure as the Manager of the Wilts & Berks Canal starting in 1891. Ainsworth provides a firsthand account of his "spirited attempt" to resuscitate the decaying 68-mile waterway, detailing his efforts to combat mud, weeds, and vandalism while facing insurmountable competition from the Great Western Railway. Beyond the canal's eventual abandonment and his 1906 testimony to the Royal Commission, he discusses his diverse later career as an auctioneer, his service during World War I, and his eventual return to Bath. It is a poignant look at a life defined by professional resilience, religious faith, and a tireless commitment to public service.

⁠Journals/ Magazines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illustrated History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, your hosts Laura & Matthew explore the life of William J. Ainsworth, described as “The Last Canal Manager,” tracing his journey from a determined boy walking six miles to school, through his apprenticeship and rise into canal management, to the demanding role of overseeing the Wilts and Berks Canal during its long decline. Using archival details, this episode paints a vivid portrait of a man whose work blended physical stamina, practical management, legal disputes, and civic responsibility, while also revealing his wider life as a family man, entrepreneur, preacher, political activist, and volunteer. It’s a thoughtful and engaging look at endurance, change, and the human story behind the end of Britain’s canal age.

Journals/ Magazines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illustrated History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we explore the life of William J. Ainsworth, described as “The Last Canal Manager,” tracing his journey from a determined boy walking six miles to school, through his apprenticeship and rise into canal management, to the demanding role of overseeing the Wilts and Berks Canal during its long decline. Using archival details, this episode paints a vivid portrait of a man whose work blended physical stamina, practical management, legal disputes, and civic responsibility, while also revealing his wider life as a family man, entrepreneur, preacher, political activist, and volunteer. It’s a thoughtful and engaging look at endurance, change, and the human story behind the end of Britain’s canal age.

Journals/ Magazines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illustrated History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode traces the modern history of the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration from the formation of the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group in 1977 through to today's ambitious plans for a fully restored waterway. It explores how a handful of enthusiasts grew into the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, now leading one of the UK's largest canal restoration projects.

We follow early campaigners like Neil Rumbol and Jack Dalby as they set out the original aims in the first Dragonfly journal, look at landmark events including the 1991 "Big Dig", the opening of trailboat-ready sections at Templars Firs and Royal Wootton Bassett, and the creation of new connections such as Jubilee Junction on the Thames and the restored Double Bridge at Reybridge. Along the way, we highlight the role of volunteers, local councils and national partners in keeping the line protected through planning policy.

In the final part of the episode we bring the story up to date: the Wichelstowe and Studley Grange re‑watered sections, the Melksham Link proposals, and the Wiltshire, Swindon & Oxfordshire Canal Partnership's long-term strategy. We also introduce some of the key figures and everyday volunteers who have turned "it would be nice" into real miles of restored canal, showing how the project delivers heritage, wildlife, leisure and economic benefits for communities along the route.

⁠Journals/ Magazines⁠ | ⁠Illustrated History⁠ | ⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠

In this episode, we reflect on a year of remarkable progress for the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust in 2025. Volunteers across the branches achieved historic restoration milestones—from clearing canals at Uffington Gorse and extending waterways at Wichelstowe to advancing biodiversity projects and improving towpaths. The Trust faced strategic challenges like the SESRO reservoir proposal but stood firm in advocacy and planning. We also celebrate the incredible dedication of thousands of volunteer hours recognized at the Tony Davy awards. Join us as we look ahead to a promising 2026 and the Trust’s 50th anniversary celebrations.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Journals/ Magazines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illustrated History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Matthew takes us back to October 1991 and the Waterway Recovery Group’s legendary “Big Dig” on the Wilts & Berks Canal near Wantage. Drawing on contemporary reports from Dragonfly magazine issue 44 and his own organiser’s-eye view, he tells the story of how more than 1,000 volunteer navvies descended on the Seven Mile Pound for a single, extraordinary weekend.

We relive the build-up and nervous preparations, meet some of the key characters from WRG, the East Vale Branch, local councils and landowners, and walk the line from Stockham to Childrey as the scrub comes down, bonfires roar and the canal begins to re-emerge.

Matthew reflects on what the Big Dig actually achieved on the ground—two miles of cleared canal, rewatering at Stockham, better access along the towpath—and, just as importantly, what it did for relationships with landowners, local authorities and partner organisations. He also shares some hard-earned lessons about publicity, logistics and working with nature, and asks what this kind of “all‑in” volunteer effort can still teach today’s restoration projects.

⁠Journals/ Magazines⁠ | ⁠Illustrated History⁠ | ⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠

In this episode, Matthew narrates a landmark year for the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group. The Group celebrated the official opening of Chaveywell Wharf, unveiling a restored and vibrant riverside site at Calne. Their transition to a Limited Company was finalized, strengthening organizational foundations and governance. The establishment of regional branches enhanced local restoration efforts, while a significant grant from Grove Parish Council supported ecological improvements at Elm Farm. Guided by a comprehensive restoration strategy, the Group balanced hands-on work with strategic planning and community engagement. Despite ongoing challenges, 1989 marked a year of resilience, collaboration, and hopeful strides toward reclaiming this historic waterway.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Journals/ Magazines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illustrated History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠