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Since 1946 the Inland Waterways Association (IWA), a registered charity, and its over 17,500 members have campaigned for the conservation, use, maintenance, restoration and sensitive development of Britain's canals and river navigations. Founding members include the noted writers L. T. C. Rolt and Robert Aickman; the latter's autobiography, The River Runs Uphill, recounts the Association's beginnings.

The IWA works closely with British navigation authorities, other waterway bodies, a wide range of national and local authorities, voluntary, private and public sector organisations to raise funds, lobby for support and encourage public participation. The IWA also supplies voluntary labour through its subsidiary Waterway Recovery Group. The National Festival is run entirely by volunteers on behalf of the Association.

Through these efforts, more than 500 miles of derelict and unavailable canals and river navigations have been re-opened to public use since the Association was founded. Another 500 miles are currently the subject of restoration plans. And there is more left to do.

[edit] Recent developments

In November 2005 IWA signed a maintenance and operating agreement with the Administrator of The Company of Proprietors of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Ltd, whereby IWA will be responsible for the navigation in perpetuity. The Chelmsford Branch of the IWA worked closely with the C&BNCo from 1994 until it went into administration in August 2003.

IWA has formed a subsidiary company, Essex Waterways Ltd. (EWL) and, with support from local authorities the Association will operate and maintain this very popular river navigation for the benefit of the general public.

[edit] See also

• British Waterways
• Crick Boat Show
• Narrowboat
• David & Charles

[edit] External links

• IWA Site.
• IWA National Festival Site.

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