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Celebrate the life of Tom Rolt in music

17th Feb 2010

To mark the centenary of the birth of Tom Rolt, co-founder of the IWA and author of the hugely influential book Narrow Boat, British Waterways (BW) is teaming up with the IWA and The Waterways Trust to deliver a programme of youth engagement in Summer 2010. The music-led celebrations will culminate in Tom Rolt inspired musical workshops and performances at the IWA’s Tom Rolt Centenary Rally in Chester on 26 and 27 June.

The Rolt festival and workshops will be led by Waterways Action Squad youth volunteers – building upon the successful launch of Waterways Action Squad in October 2009.

Robin Evans, BW chief executive, comments: "The publication of Tom Rolt’s book Narrow Boat together with his formation of the IWA was unquestionably the turning point for the salvation of the nation’s canals and rivers. Engaging the next generation in our waterways has to be a fitting legacy for such an influential man.

Must engage next generation with the waterways

"Importantly, the idea of waterway inspired music isn’t my idea or that of anyone else who has traditionally been involved in the waterways. It is what young people say is the way they want to engage with their local waterway."

Waterways Action Squad will organise a series of themed workshops in the run up to the Rolt Centenary Rally – working with various groups of young people and professional musicians to write pieces of music inspired by Tom Rolt and the waterways. The groups will visit the National Waterways Museum and other key sites to gain inspiration and meet with IWA members who will share their experience, skills and enthusiasm for the waterways. In addition, Waterways Action Squad will work with the IWA in the North West on engaging with and supporting young waterway volunteers.

In addition to the celebrations in Chester on 26 and 27 June, a whole host of events are taking place throughout 2010 marking Tom Rolt’s contribution to the nation’s industrial heritage. A number are listed here on waterscape.com. If you have a Tom Rolt event that you’d like listed, please email all details to feedback@waterscape.com.

Learn more about the life of Tom Rolt at www.ltcrolt.org.uk. For more information about the Tom Rolt Centenary Rally, visit www.waterways.org.uk/events.

Last updated: 18/02/2010

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