The Waterways Trust facts for kids
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Formation | 1999 |
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Type | Charitable trust |
Region served
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England, Wales and Scotland |
Key people
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The Prince of Wales (Patron) |
Main organ
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Board of Trustees |
The Waterways Trust was a special group that worked to protect and celebrate the canals and rivers in England, Wales, and Scotland. It was a registered charity, meaning it was set up to help others and not for profit. The Trust started in 1999.
Their main goal was to make sure these waterways were supported, valued, and enjoyed by everyone. They worked with many partners to achieve this. In July 2012, the Trust's work in England and Wales joined with a new group called the Canal & River Trust. The part of the Trust that worked in Scotland then changed its name to the Scottish Waterways Trust.
Contents
What Was The Waterways Trust?
The Waterways Trust was an independent charity. It focused on the network of canals and rivers across England, Wales, and Scotland. They wanted to make sure these important waterways were looked after. They also wanted more people to enjoy and appreciate them.
Helping Our Waterways
The Trust worked hard to keep the waterways in good condition. They also helped people learn about the history and importance of these areas. Their efforts helped to make the waterways a better place for both people and wildlife.
Who Supported The Trust?
The main supporter of The Waterways Trust was British Waterways. This organization helped provide the money needed for the Trust's projects.
The Trust also had important people who supported its work. The Prince of Wales was their Patron. This means he was a special supporter who helped promote their goals. Well-known people like John Craven, Miranda Krestovnikoff, Sonia Rolt, David Suchet, and Timothy West were also Vice Presidents.
Looking After History
The Waterways Trust also took care of a very important collection of items related to inland waterways. This collection tells the story of how canals and rivers were used in the past.
They looked after several museums where these items were displayed. These included:
- The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port
- The Waterways Museum Gloucester
- The Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne
These museums helped people learn about the history of canals and boats.
Special Projects
The Trust ran a Small Grants Scheme. This scheme gave small amounts of money to projects that helped the waterways. It supported local groups and their efforts.
They also helped run the annual Waterways Renaissance Awards. These awards celebrated the best projects that improved waterways and the areas around them. They worked with the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) on these awards.