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The Waterways Trust releases annual accounts

26th Nov 2009

National charity The Waterways Trust (TWT) has today (Thursday 26 November) released its 2008/09 review and accounts at its annual meeting held at National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port. It has also announced its plans for the future, including its development of a youth engagement strategy.

Frances Done CBE, chairman of TWT comments: “Since 1999 The Waterways Trust has worked to enrich people’s lives through waterways, directly raising over £15 million for waterway-based projects. We’d like to thank the many individuals and organisations whose support has made our work possible, including the hundreds of volunteers who support us across the country.

“After 10 years, we are reflecting on our achievements and looking forward to how the Trust can continue to contribute to the renaissance of the UK waterway network.”

Roger Hanbury, chief executive of TWT explains: “In the last year, we have secured over £1.5 million for waterway-based projects. We have continued to unlock the benefits of the nation’s waterways by building regeneration partnerships, developing and delivering projects focused on the environment, activity and health, by engaging new audiences and by encouraging volunteering and learning opportunities. We’ve also continued our work to conserve our museum collections and build a sustainable future for all three museums.”

At the Trust’s annual meeting the chairman and chief executive summarised the Trust’s work over the past year, highlights of which have included:

• Raising funds to establish a new Heritage Boat Yard at Ellesmere Port
• Launching an appeal with Waterways World to raise money for its fleet of historic boats at Ellesmere Port.
• Along with British Waterways, securing £300,000 funding for a major new youth volunteering project in the North West.
• Launching the ‘Green Action’ volunteer training programme for 16-24 year olds in Falkirk.
• Organising the third annual Rochdale Canal Festival, celebrating the benefits of the restored canal and attracting over 2,500 people, and the first Bigman Canal Festival at Maryhill Locks in Glasgow.
• Reaching fundraising targets of £459,000 for the Droitwich Canals restoration and opening the new Droitwich Canals Gateway Park at Hanbury Locks.

A copy of the Trust’s 2008/09 report, along with their key aims for the future, can be seen at www.thewaterwaystrust.org.uk.

Last updated: 26/11/2009