HIGH AND MIGHTY

Acorns make the perfect store food for jays’ larders

TAKING THE PLUNGE

Why Chris and Sarah Atkin will never forget tying the knot

LABELLED WITH LOVE

Helen Tidy enjoyed one weekend moored next to The Beer Boat ... simply the perfect solution to collecting bottle tops for her next project

MIDDLE THAMES

In the second part of our guide, we follow the Thames upstream from Reading through the steep sided Goring Gap and quieter countryide to reach Oxford

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Robert Davies recalls childhood memories of a popular holiday destination and uncovers a reminder of the golden age of canals

FIT FOR PURPOSE

Terry Hibbard from Harworth Heating offers his expert opinion following our feature on onboard stove safety

BUCKING UP...

We join Waterway Recovery Group’s first canal restoration working party in six months - as WRG’s volunteers help the Buckingham Canal Society get the project back on track after lockdown

ART ON THE WATER

Graphic artist Katie Ruby lives and works on 32ft narrowboat Poppy

GO WITH THE FLOW

What makes a boat truly stand out from the crowd? Sometimes you just need a little finesse and a taste for adventure

A GLASS HALF-FULL AT BUCKBY WHARF

Tim Coghlan raised a glass on the Grand Union Canal as The New Inn reopened to the relief of regulars

The Waterways Heritage Spotter: Stop Planks And Stop Gates

They’re useful for draining a canal for work, or protecting it in an emergency - but can also be a piece of canal heritage

Is There Anybody Out There?

As the lockdown eased with canals partially reopened, Tim Coghlan collected a brokerage-narrowboat in Oxford and brought it to Braunston Marina. He recalls an eerie experience: the canal was almost empty of boats and boaters....

WATCH THIS SPACE

Extending the cabin does not mean losing the traditional appeal

Wey & Arun Trips resume

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust’s trip boats are pictured awaiting their next tour of duty on the restored length of the canal at Loxwood as public boat trips resumed operation after a four-month break due to the lockdown.

WELCOME WAVES

Liveabord Emma enjoys being back in the swim as boaters return

Gifford's new owner

Historic wooden tanker narrowboat and Ellesmere Port Waterways Museum exhibit Gifford has a new owner - but won’t be moving away.

IT'S TIME TO SHINE

The spindle tree picks its moment to take centre stage

FROM BEDROOM TO MORE ROOM

Earlier this year, we featured Liz and Andrew Ford on board their new boat Stannator with its cunning folding bed.

FANCY A PUNT?

Canal converts Steve and Bex Brew are ready to move on after a long restoration – but their completed project will not be going up for sale.

CREATE A STIR WITH A SIMPLE CLASSIC

For a dish that relies solely on the simple, basic combination of rice, stock and cheese for success, risotto has a ritual-laden reputation that can be rather off-putting to the novice cook.

Beautiful Plummage! A Prickly Customer

Beware the Scots’ secret weapon to defeat invading armies

IT'S CHILDSPLAY

Onboard games to keep the young passengers happy

SOUTH LONDON'S LOST CANALS

Following up last month’s history feature on the ill-starred Surrey and Croydon canals, Martin Ludgate goes exploring - and finds there’s plenty still to be seen of both waterways

WE'RE ON THE MOVE

Liveaboard Emma welcomes a new dawn

WE'RE UNLOCKED

Stuart and Naila Laundy discover post-lockdown life and freedom

MY BLUE HEAVEN

Determined owner navigates restrictions to ensure launch

SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL

In the second part of our guide, we leave the deep cuttings and high embankments behind for the gentler northern lengths leading to historic Chester and Ellesmere Port

GOING DUTCH

Calling fans of the distinctive David Thomas boats

LOCK DOWN TRAVELS

Bumble Hole Netherton to Merry Hill 3.5 miles BY ROBERT DAVIES

ALL FIRED UP

It’s not all plain sailing for Louis Darling but an engineer partner makes it happen