The slipway at Snarestone Wharf will be closed from Wednesday Sept 2nd to Wednesday Sept 9th.

In spite of the unseasonly cool weather for May, and the occasional heavy shower on the Sunday, it was a productive, busy and successful Moira Canal Festival for the ACA, with much interest shown in the canal. A sizeable amount of bric a brac was also sold.

The ACA held their AGM at Measham Leisure Centre on 14th April 2026 with 20 people in attendance. Chairman Peter Oakden reviewed the past year whilst Treasurer Bob Taylor outlined the financial position. The ACA committee had earlier proposed to raise the annual subscription rates for the first time in eleven years and these rate increases were ratified by those attending.

The AGM lasted 30 minutes and it was followed by an informative and witty talk by historian John Parry on Burton’s Trent Navigation in the 18th Century. Through the short-lived Bond End Canal, of which now only Horninglow Basin is in water, there was to be a direct connection with the original proposed route of the Ashby Canal.

The AGM of the ACA will be held at Measham Leisure Centre on Tuesday 14th April 2026 starting at 7 pm. This will be followed at around 7:30 pm by a presentation by John Parry entitled “The 18th Century Waterways Started in Burton”.

Please come and give the ACA your support and learn about our plans for the future.

To celebrate this occasion the ACA will be holding a Diamond Gathering at Snarestone Wharf between 10 am and 6 pm on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September 2026.

Entry and parking for the event will be free, and all are invited to come. There will be a number of trade and working boats, some trade stalls, food and soft drinks. RAM will be carrying passengers along a short section of the canal at various times of the day.

It promises to be a good day out for all the family. Watch this space, and Spout, for further details as they are finalised.

Audrey Boston

13th May 1932 — 12th Nov 2025

Audrey BOSTON (Of Market Bosworth, formerly of Cadeby), former ACA Committee member and long time supporter passed peacefully away at home on 12th November 2025. Reunited with her beloved Husband Rev. Teddy Boston.

A much loved Godmother of Wendy, James and Sarah, Aunt and a friend to many who will be sadly missed.

Funeral service to take place at All Saints Parish Church, Cadeby on Thursday 27th November at 2.30pm.

Flowers are welcome or donations can be made in memory of Audrey via www.gseller.co.uk/obituaries

All enquiries to G. Seller Independent Funeral Directors, 75 Upper Bond Street, Hinckley. Tel 01455 637457

Unfortunately there was an error at the printers when producing the Autumn 2025 edition of SPOUT that we did not pick up on until after some copies had been posted. We emailed members to inform them of this issue so if you did not see this please check your ‘SPAM’ folder and ensure that we have your correct email by contacting clive.walker@ashbycanal.org.uk (our Membership Secretary), and/or making sure that we have your correct details when you renew your membership.

Our supplier is printing a new batch which we will post out as soon as we receive them so do not fear, you will be able to enjoy the conclusion to the History of Electricity article and the pages that follow very soon!

The Chair of North West Leicestershire District Council, Paul Lees, accompanied by the Deputy Chair of NWLDC, Jenny Simmons, were in attendance for the official opening of the restored shop at Snarestone Wharf.

The shop front has been given a fresh look and made more sturdy with double-glazed windows and wooden panels, following storm damage earlier this year. The work has been carried out entirely by volunteers with the materials generously supplied by local businesses.

Before opening the shop Paul took time to admire the display of Buy-a-Bricks and find the brick donated by NWLDC.

After the ribbon had been cut the dignitaries, now accompanied by Wendy May, Principal Economic Development Officer for NWLDC, retired to the on-site office for a brief talk on the restoration by Peter Oakden and Orest Mulka from the ACA.

21 members and 4 non-members attended the AGM at Measham Leisure Centre. Chairman Peter Oakden outlined the current situation and gave a summary of the events that had taken place in the past year, assisted by the Honorary Life Member and former Treasurer, John Roddis, who was standing in the for absent Secretary.

The 30 minute AGM was followed by a return visit by Shirley Horton from The Magic Attic in Swadlincote. She gave a witty and informative presentation titled “Another One for the Road”. As the name suggests it was largely about local pubs and inns, the origins of their names and how they came to be located where they are.