A heritage canal junction has been the focus of a special anniversary celebration.
On Monday, June 15 at 11.30am, canal trusts gathered at Semington in Wiltshire to mark a shared milestone.
Volunteers from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust joined with members of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust for a celebratory “salute” as the narrowboat Hannah cruised eastward through the junction.
The event marked the 75th anniversary of the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust and also marked a shared commitment to preserving and restoring the region’s historic waterways.
The Semington junction is a significant part of Wiltshire’s industrial history.
It marks the intersection of the Kennet & Avon Canal, completed in 1810, and the former Wilts & Berks Canal, which connected Semington to the River Thames at Abingdon.
While the Wilts & Berks Canal was abandoned in the early 20th century, volunteers have spent decades working to restore sections for future use.
Today, the site serves as a reminder of the area’s industrial heritage and the value of community-led regeneration.
The Trust is currently working with Wiltshire County council and supporters on the Melksham Link, a new route that will connect further west than the original line.
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