70th anniversary of the Stratford upon Avon Canal Society

Summary

That this House congratulates the Stratford upon Avon Canal Society on the occasion of its 70th anniversary; notes that the Society, founded in 1956, is widely regarded as the oldest canal restoration society in the United Kingdom; recognises the extraordinary efforts of volunteers who successfully challenged plans to close the southern section of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal; pays tribute to John Pinder and Michael Fox, whose historic challenge to the proposed abandonment of the canal helped establish the modern inland waterway restoration movement and ultimately contributed to the creation of the Avon Ring; further recognises the leadership of David Hutchings, whose vision, alongside HM Prison Service volunteer labour and support from the Armed Forces, made possible the restoration of the canal; further notes that the restored canal was officially reopened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in July 1964; acknowledges the vital role the Society has played over seven decades in preserving and promoting the nation’s inland waterways heritage; welcomes the Society’s anniversary celebrations on 17 November 2026; and wishes the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal Society every success in its continued work to protect, restore and champion the waterways for future generations.

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Timeline

1. 10 November 2026

   Early Day Motion

   That this House congratulates the Stratford upon Avon Canal Society on the occasion of its 70th anniversary; notes that the Society, founded in 1956, is widely regarded as the oldest canal restoration society in the United Kingdom; recognises the extraordinary efforts of volunteers who successfully challenged plans to close the southern section of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal; pays tribute to John Pinder and Michael Fox, whose historic challenge to the proposed abandonment of the canal helped establish the modern inland waterway restoration movement and ultimately contributed to the creation of the Avon Ring; further recognises the leadership of David Hutchings, whose vision, alongside HM Prison Service volunteer labour and support from the Armed Forces, made possible the restoration of the canal; further notes that the restored canal was officially reopened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in July 1964; acknowledges the vital role the Society has played over seven decades in preserving and promoting the nation’s inland waterways heritage; welcomes the Society’s anniversary celebrations on 17 November 2026; and wishes the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal Society every success in its continued work to protect, restore and champion the waterways for future generations.

   Source: Early Day Motion

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Sponsors

• Manuela Perteghella · Liberal Democrat · Primary sponsor

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