THE VOLUNTEERS on the Montgomery Canal at Llanymynech are fundraising for the upkeep and refurbishment of their wheelchair accessible boat, the George Watson Buck.
Based at Llanymynech Canal Wharf its boat trips are a regular attraction, Janet Friend reports.
Low water levels
However, during 2025, low water levels on the canal meant that volunteers were unable to offer as many boat trips as usual.
Graham Deakin, one of the volunteers at the wharf, explained:
“Boat trips during the summer is one of the ways we raise funds to keep our lovely narrowboat running. Last year, we were unable to run trips for much of the summer, so our income from trips was significantly down.
“We are hoping that we will be able to run trips throughout 2026 at weekends and bank holidays from Good Friday to the end of September, and the boat will also be available for private hire.”
The wharf is run by volunteers from the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust charity.
Refurbish the boat
It is aiming to refurbish the boat at the end of 2026 and are looking for any local businesses or individuals who would like to talk about raising funds.
This year the boat will be about 30 years old and it is estimated it will need a spend of at least £10,000 to keep it in good condition for future generations.
If you could help support the George Watson Buck in 2026 or would like to find out more visit https://themontgomerycanal.org.uk/llanymynech-canal-wharf.
The boat was named after an early engineer of the Montgomery Canal.