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The group was founded in 1977 as part of the Kent and East Sussex Branch of the Inland Waterways Association. It became independent three years later and has grown to become one of the most successful restoration groups in the country.
We have members all over Britain and a few from other countries. The group consists of a hardcore of between 20 and 30 members who regularly attend weekend working parties, once a month, to do all types of work involved with waterway restoration, e.g. bricklaying, piling, landscaping, chamber clearance, concrete mixing, painting etc.
Our skills were obtained from working on the Basingstoke Canal which reopened adding 32 miles and 29 locks to the navigable waterways of Britain. An important part of our activities is the passing on of these skills to new volunteers.
Aged from 16 to 60 with an almost equal mix of the sexes, everyone can contribute to the groups success. No previous experience is necessary as full training is provided. Not all of the work is physical, as with all organizations the administrative tasks are the hardest to find volunteers for. We also have a successful sales stand that attends a number of events. If you want to join working parties but prefer a cleaner environment, our catering team will welcome your help.
We are very safety conscious and operate within the Health and Safety at Work guidelines. Hard hats must be worn on sites and ample safety equipment is provided. All volunteers are covered by the IWA/WRG Insurance scheme.
Anywhere that requires our assistance. Canals worked on include Basingstoke, Droitwich, Montgomery, Huddersfield, K & A, Wilts & Berks, Wey and Arun, Chichester, Sleaford and many more.
For weekend working parties we normally use a local village hall or scout hut. On work camps which vary from one week to two weeks we ensure that shower facilities are provided and tend to use sports halls or schools.
Just £6 for a weekend. Includes accommodation, a cooked breakfast and packed lunch (on site), for both days, and a cooked evening meal on the Saturday. Canal camps are priced at £5.00p per day with a discount for those booking for full weeks. Three meals a day are provided and we guarantee you will not go hungry.
Enable the group to undertake major projects, such as the rebuilding of bridges. A concentrated effort for one or two weeks enables volunteers to see the results of their efforts very quickly. Our Civil Engineer provides detailed plans and together with the local organizations we can really make a significant impact on a restoration project.
It is not all work however, a full social programme is arranged, including swimming, boat trips, barbecues, visits to mobile theatre groups and other canals.
Camps provide the ideal means for young volunteers, participating in the Duke of Edinburgh's Gold award scheme, to qualify for the residential part of the programme.
Our main camp is held over the last week in July and the first week of August.
Working with KESCRG is fun. You meet people from different areas, with different occupations and of all ages. We have a social life as well. Not just on working weekends, social evenings are arranged in central London. Members organise boating holidays and activities together. Our Bonfire party and Christmas party set the standards for others to achieve.
Getting involved is very easy:
The first thing to do is to complete the enquiry form attached to this web site and send it to me at this address:-
I will then send you a free information pack giving dates and details of the groups activities.
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