Latest Posts in Brief « Kennet and Avon Boating Community Website

Support the Bristol Harbour boaters!

February 6th, 2023

Liveaboard boaters in Bristol Harbour are currently being faced with draconian new mooring fee increases of up to 177%. The Harbour Authority, Bristol City Council, plans to implement these new fees with just 3 months notice. There has been no consultation and no attempt to carry out even a basic impact assessment.

Invitation to BaNES Local Plan Workshop, Bath, 30th Jan

January 28th, 2023

We have received an invitation from Bath and NE Somerset Council (BaNES) to attend a workshop on the Bath Local Plan on Monday 30th January 2023 at 4.30-7.30pm. If you can attend and you want to put forward the views of the liveaboard boating community on the future of Bath and its environs, please sign up using this link https://forms.office.com/e/94cYJawJwB

Energy Bills Support Scheme grants – Interim update from the NBTA

January 19th, 2023

The National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA) has provided the following interim update and advice on applications for the Energy Bills Support Scheme – Alternative Funding (EBSS-AF) and Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP).

The Energy Bills Support Scheme – Alternative Funding (EBSS-AF) system may go live this week in the pilot areas of Wrexham, Chichester, Glasgow and West Sussex, with a full nationwide roll-out anticipated before mid-February.

Boat Fire Safety talk, this Weds 18th Jan, Honeystreet

January 16th, 2023

There will be a boat and vehicle fire safety talk this Wednesday 18th January 2023 at 7pm at the Barge Inn, Honeystreet SN9 5PS. Free fire safety packs will be available including free fire and CO alarms. It is organised by Julian House Travelling Communities Support Service with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Litania warm space this winter, first Thursday of the month

January 10th, 2023

Once again, nb Litania will be out on the water between Bath and Bradford on Avon with the Julian House Travelling Communities Support Service. The Boaters’ Cafe Club on Litania will provide a warm space on the first Thursday of every month, with free hot soup, tea and coffee and support from Julian House and Canal Ministries. Their next outing will be on 9th February. They may also provide this at other times.

Update – energy bills support not so clear cut

January 1st, 2023

To clarify the previous article, it remains unclear whether liveaboard boaters without a home mooring are to be included in the Government Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding. The National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA) is still in discussion with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to clarify the position and how it will be assessed after BEIS requested its input in early December. With the involvement of boaters and supporters across the country, NBTA is attempting to steer the Government towards a £400 payment that truly includes all off-grid households, including itinerant liveaboard boaters, and that this is made available as soon as possible.

Are you worried about short notice Caen Hill pumping station stoppage and water level dropping? Here’s a template letter to CRT.

December 28th, 2022

Many boaters were upset and angry to find out just before Christmas that CRT is planning to close the Caen Hill flight from 9th to 15th January to carry out a “stilling test” that will result in water levels in the Long Pound dropping significantly, and that boats were being told to travel down Caen Hill to avoid being grounded.

Energy bills support for off-grid households to go live in January 2023

December 21st, 2022

On Monday 19th December 2022 the Government announced that support with energy costs for off-grid households would go live in January 2023. The 900,000 households in England, Scotland and Wales without a direct relationship to an energy supplier will be able to apply for the £400 Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS) Alternative Funding and some would also be eligible for the £200 Alternative Fuel Payment. The announcement also covered support for all households in Northern Ireland.

The National Bargee Travellers Association (NBTA) and Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) held intensive discussions with the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to ensure that all off-grid households, including itinerant boat, caravan and vehicle dwellers without a fixed address, will be included.

Father Christmas to visit Bradford on Avon for canal kids, 16th December

December 14th, 2022

The Real Father Christmas will be coming to see the K&A canal kids at The Cellar Bar, The Swan Hotel, Bradford-on-Avon on Friday 16th December 2022, at 5:30pm to 8pm.

Pay It Forward for Fuel

December 12th, 2022

The Floaty Boat Fund runs the Pay It Forward scheme to provide fuel for liveaboard boaters between Bath and Wootton Rivers who are struggling financially. The scheme relies on donations to the coal and fuel suppliers for this to work. If you would like to make a donation to help other liveaboard boaters to keep warm this winter, please contact:

Kennet and Avon Boating Community Website