Trust volunteers gathered at the The Boot at Sarratt for a festive meal at the beginning of December.

Chair Volunteer, Chris, highlighted that substantial improvements have been made across the site, IT systems and boats over the course of 2025.

He thanked volunteers for their efforts on “many Wednesday mornings” to knock down all the sheds, build retaining walls and prepare the new training room and workshop – all while keeping the boats clean and stocked.

“Our thanks to all the trainers Nigel, Mick, Ian, Paul and Nick who have trained the most people through their RYA Helmsman courses this year. We think we are now the largest RYA Inland Waterways centre in the South East,” Chris said.

The training room was sponsored by Althorp Trust. As well as a new booking system, card payments can now be processed for training bookings.

The journey to Aylesbury

A dedicated group of volunteers navigated rain, wind and delays caused by a rescue mission for a stranded muntjac to transport Dick’s Folly and Pickle’s Folly from Kings Langley to Aylesbury – where the boats will be painted in January to mid-March.

They came across an unexpected challenge during the three-day trip to Aylesbury when their progress was halted as Canal & River Trust staff attempted to rescue a muntjac that had become stranded in the pound.

After initial attempts to rescue the flailing animal were unsuccessful, the staff made the decision to drain the pound.

“Eric pulled it out and it jumped off,” he said.

The group came across five other muntjac in the canal that had sadly not survived.

“I think what must have happened is they leap the hedgerows and land in the water because they can’t see across to the other side,” Chris observed.

Volunteer, Nigel, expressed his gratitude for the efforts of crew and support team in helping to transport the boats to Aylesbury.

“Well done everyone for a great team effort over the past week – a dedicated crew onboard, including our latest volunteer, Louisa, and a great backup team recovering the weary crew after long days in the elements,” he said.

“With special thanks to Jane who was press-ganged into squeezing the damp crew into her new car,” Nigel added.

Looking ahead

In 2026, the regular weekly volunteer work group will switch from Wednesdays to Thursdays.

With both boats in Aylesbury until March, the focus will be on making improvements to the base itself. There are plans to add tables and chairs to the training room, put up new signage and renovate the toilet shed bringing it up to a modern standard.

“We wish Geoff good luck in becoming a new RYA accredited Trainer in 2026,” Chris said.

Bird of the month: the little grebe

Volunteer, Roger, who lives on the canal, awarded December’s Bird of the Month title to one of his “favourite neighbours” – the little grebe, or dabchick.

“Lots of people tend to think these are chicks of a larger bird. Despite being the smallest member of the grebe family, this tiny diver is full of character,” he said.

Roger noted that the little grebe has a rounded body, short neck and “beautiful chestnut-coloured cheeks during breeding season.”

“What makes them truly fascinating is their underwater agility. They can dive in a heartbeat, disappearing completely beneath the surface and reappearing metres away often leaving not a single ripple behind,” he said.

The little grebe Roger photographed for this month’s Bird of the Month gallery has been busy diving for food and patrolling its patch of water in December.

“Spending time quietly watching wildlife like this is one of the reasons I love living on the canal – it’s a front row seat to nature,” he reflected.