National Chair, Mike Wills, opened the event, expressing gratitude to members, volunteers and staff for their continued support and contributions to the Association as it celebrates its 80th year.
Charlie Norman, IWA’s Campaigns & Public Affairs Director, outlined the Association’s campaigning priorities heading into 2027: continuing to develop IWA’s unique Risk Index as an evidence base for campaigning action, supporting local micro-campaigns such as the water supply to the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and the re-opening of the Wendover Arm, along with delivering political impact through the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).
Before the formal proceedings, presentations were delivered on restoration achievements and the new Restoration Panel, and the Sustainable Boating Group’s new Lithium Battery Installation Guide.
AGM Business
Members approved the minutes of the 2025 AGM, received an update on financial statements, and confirmed the reappointments of existing Trustees Peter Marlow and Paul Strudwick as well as welcoming six new Trustees: Alexander Barty, Tiffany Gale-Haynes, Christopher Knell, David Morgan, Matthew Rogers, and Jess Van der Drift.
National Chair Mike Wills said “While IWA is 80 years old, it looks forward with pride and purpose. The diversity of ages, backgrounds, and the variety of experiences, offered by our new trustees will add a fresh perspective our approach. It is an exciting time to be part of IWA.”
Recognising Excellence
The AGM also hosted the presentation of the IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Awards and IWA National Awards.
IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Awards 2026
Non-Commercial Award: Fulham Reach Boat Club – or undertaking a range of environmental and sustainability initiatives including introducing electrically propelled coaching and safety boats, running a water quality testing programme and organising river clean-ups.
Commercial Award: Landamores Ltd – For being the leading constructors, converters and maintainers of electric boats on the Broads for some years and introducing sustainable propulsion and other innovations into a very traditional boat building market.
Highly Commended: Circular Revolution Co-Op: For pioneering the collection and disposal of solid waste from separator toilets on boats.
IWA National Awards
Richard Bird Medals: Tony Clarke, George Rogers, Andrew Shepherd, Debbie Shepherd
Christopher Power Prize: David Carter
Branch Achievement Award: IWA South Wales Branch
John Heap Salver: Bob Williams
Cyril Styring Trophy: Paul Waddington
“These individuals and groups exemplify the knowledge and dedication that keep our waterways alive,” said Wills.
Attendees also enjoyed an afternoon visit to Diglis Island to learn about the history of this man-made island in the River Severn, the impact of the river’s industrial use on wildlife, and the work being undertaken to restore river connectivity for migrating fish.
IWA extends its thanks to everyone who joined this year’s AGM and to the volunteers who made the event a success.
