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The annual BCN Society Icicle Cruise returns, jointly organized this year with the Fund Britain's Waterways campaign.
 
Meet and socialize at Moorcroft Junction on the Friday afternoon/evening, then cruise to Walsall town basin on the Saturday.
Most boats are likely to spend the night there and disperse on Sunday morning.
We have usually had 15-20 boats but are hoping for a few more this year.
 
This is a free event but an entry form is required for insurance reasons.
The form is attached; return details by email or post are on it.
 
Icicle cruise 2026.pdf

This rally was started in 2024 when at very short notice the huge Rickmansworth Festival was cancelled. The Waterspace team decided to keep the boat gathering but as a much smaller event. With some enthusiastic parters it was a huge success in 2024.
 
So Next year as an appropriate "Theme" for the times we are Calling all GUCCCo, FMC, Severn & Canal boats.particularly those built in 1935 as next year the Batchworth Boat Rally would like to see them all gathering at Batchworth in Rickmansworth to celebrate their 90 years. 
The rally will take place on 17/18th May, two weeks after the cavalcade at Little Venice.
Please put the date in your calendar for next year and drop us an email then we will make sure to include you on the mailing list when bookings open in January.
batchworthboatrally@gmail.com
 
Facebook Link
https://www.facebook.com/groups/786470951841729/?ref=share_group_link&exp=8ce3
 

The BCN Challenge returns for 2026!
 
Start anywhere on the Birmingham Canal Navigations and take any route you like to Titford Pumphouse.
Earn points for locks, miles, decoration and strange trivia questions!
Chase bonus photos and get stuck in places you'd never have gone to otherwise!
Make a detailed plan and tear it up as you go along!
 
There are 30 hours between the start and end times, with 6 hours of rest to be taken whenever you wish. This makes it viable to enter with a hire boat (or if you dislike boating in the dark) and some usually appear.
The scoring attempts to compensate for length, draught, towing a butty etc. so all boats are welcome and should be in with a chance.
 
It's not all about winning - you can go all-out for every point, or potter about visiting interesting places and get a good night's sleep.
The finish coincides with the BCNS May Rally where beer, commiserations and tall stories will be available.
 
The 2026 rules aren't out yet but as an example the 2024 rules can be found at
https://bcnsociety.com/bcns-marathon-challenge/
 
To register your interest email Jon at bcnschallenge@gmail.com
 
Entry fee is likely to be ~£25, to include a plaque.