National Users' Forum
The April forum had poor attendance, with more CRT staff than other group representatives.
Water resources - due to reservoir issues, the Chesterfield, L&L, Macclesfield and Peak Forest, and Huddersfield Narrow canals will probably all suffer to some degree from restrictions this 'season'.
Review of works - 13 winter stoppages have overrun their March completion date, some caused by Covid, but also recruitment issues: several staff leaving and difficulty in attracting new staff. Gargrave, on the L & L, should reopen in May and the Caldon should reopen by June, but both canals will have stoppages again from this September to March 2023. Sheffield & Tinsley should reopen in June, but Daw Bank is closed until September. There will be more use of external suppliers and £60m has now been allocated for the next three years, rather than the expected £40m.
Crick Boat Show
Advance tickets are now on sale for the 2022 Crick Boat Show, saving up to 15% on the entry price. The event will be held across the Bank Holiday weekend celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (3rd – 5th June), with an extra ‘Trade & Preview Day’ on Thursday 2nd June. The Preview Day will offer a maximum of 1,000 pre-booked visitors the opportunity to talk in-depth with companies offering equipment and services for inland boating and to view the boats before everyone else. The show will be open from 10am to 6pm on Friday and Saturday and to 5pm on Sunday. Evening entertainment will run from 7.30pm to 11.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Daily prices for Friday, Saturday and Sunday adult tickets are £18.00 on the gate, £15.30 if purchased in advance. Entry is free for children aged 16 and under. Three-day adult tickets are £40.00 on the gate or £34.00 in advance. Tickets for the Thursday Trade & Preview Day, open from 12 noon until 6pm, are only available in advance, from February, and are £25.00 each. Preview Day visitors will have access to an online booking system for boat viewings, which will open in early May. Advance tickets can be ordered online or by phone and will be sent out in May. 350 camping pitches are available, priced from £45.00 for one night for a 6m x 6m pitch for a tent and car. Moorings for up to 100 visitor boats on the Grand Union canal start at £1.35 per foot. For more information and to book tickets, camping pitches and moorings, visit www.crickboatshow.com or call 01283 742970, Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.