The Basingstoke Canal – An illustrated talk by Roger Cansdale

The Basingstoke Canal has had, to say the least, a chequered career. Completed in 1794, it was essentially a rural waterway intended to feed agricultural produce to London via the rivers Wey and Thames. Not the most lucrative marketing prospect. Unsurprisingly, commercial traffic virtually came to an end in 1910 and there followed a succession of owners including Harmondsworth and the New Basingstoke Canal Company, none of whom were able to a develop a viable business. Even the military had control of the Canal during the first Word War. So it was, that by the late 1960s, the Basingstoke was essentially derelict. However, its 31 miles and 29 locks presented a delightful leisure cruising, walking and fishing prospect along its attractive length. Enter the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society, many volunteers and the adoption of the waterway by the Surrey and Hampshire County Councils. Between them, navigation was restored. But the Basingstoke remains problematic, with water supply difficulties probably the most pressing.
Roger Cansdale has long been a leading member of the Basingstoke Canal Society and has written extensively on the waterway. He, perhaps more than anyone else, will be able to tell us the Basingstoke story.

[The photo shows boats taking part in the Rally of Boats and Inaugural Cruise at Ash Lock, Basingstoke Canal – by Dieter Jebens]