30 April 2025
A flotilla of more than 30 boats will be travelling in convoy up the River Thames and standing off the Palace of Westminster in one more push from Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) to urge government to review waterways funding.
The journey began with a group of six boats who set off from Strawberry Island Boat Club in Doncaster on 29 March 2025 marking the start of the major FBW campaign cruise to and beyond the heart of government, culminating outside the Palace of Westminster on 7 May before continuing to the east of England.
The initial group of boats will take 21 days to cover the 278 miles and 172 locks to London.
They will join the tidal River Trent at Keadby on 1 April and progress upstream where boats from the Chesterfield Canal at West Stockwith will join the flotilla (approx. 08.30). The combined flotilla will then pass through Gainsborough around 10:00, where they will be greeted by more boats and supporters on land (Please note: this is a "passing through" event due to tidal schedules), so make sure to be at the river pathways near the bridge in Gainsborough by 9:30 a.m. If you’re able, you could also visit West Stockwith at 8:00 a.m. to catch the flotilla as it sets out.
Support the FBW flotilla along the way
The Gainsborough event is the first of many leading up to the main Campaign Cruise at Westminster. Details of the schedule will be updated at https://waterways.org.uk/fbw-campaign-cruise.
You can follow progress by joining the Facebook group Fund Britain’s Waterways – Cruises for 2025.
Then on Wednesday 7 May 2025 the complete flotilla is scheduled to arrive in Westminster from 10:30 a.m., with the main gathering off the Palace of Westminster at 11:00 a.m. Supporters, including British Marine President, Robert Parton, will also be gathering on Westminster Bridge and as many people as possible are encouraged to join them.
From Westminster the FBW flotilla will continue its journey north and cross the Wash to the Anglian waterways, drawing attention across the country to the ongoing need for investment and support for Britain’s inland waterways. The initial group of boats is scheduled to return to Doncaster in August, 20 weeks after setting off.
The FBW Campaign
The FBW campaign was launched in 2023 to highlight the severe underfunding and deteriorating condition of the country’s network of canals and navigable rivers. The campaign continues to seek support of parliamentarians and the general public to secure the necessary resources for the upkeep of these vital waterways.
This year’s flotilla is led by Hazel Owen, Chair of the AWCC (Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs) and a member of the FBW steering group. Hazel comments: "The need for greater investment in our waterways has never been clearer. This flotilla is not just about boats; it represents the voices of everyone who cares about the future of our canals and rivers. We must show Parliament that we are serious about safeguarding these precious resources."
There is still the chance to join the flotilla and take part on a boat in the flotilla. For details please contact Andrew Phasey by emailing: info@funbritainswaterways.org.uk or call 07850 753633.