The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust can regularly be seen at Wichelstowe, helping to maintain the sections of canal owned by Swindon Borough Council and undertaking repairs. They have a number of small works areas along the canal but the most prominent is the landing stage outside Waitrose which is home to the Dragonfly boat and the starting point for boat trips. You can find out more about the Canal Trust and its ambitions to restore and reopen the canal at their website linked below.
Dragonfly has hosted a number of famous visitors including Queen Camilla who officially opened the landing stage in July 2015.
Dragonfly is a purpose-built steel narrowboat, 36ft long & weighing 9 tons; the front doors are wider than normal to allow wheelchair access.
In December Dragonfly has regularly been called into service by Father Christmas who often uses the narrowboat to meet children and join them on their boat trips.
You can find out more about the Canal Trust here.
