Funding Successes and Challenges
Funding Successes and Challenges
Our funding journey has been shaped by both remarkable successes and ongoing challenges. Major milestones include securing vital National Lottery Heritage Fund support, which has powered key restoration phases of the Cotswold Canals. From our first fundraising events in the 1970s to today’s community-backed campaigns, public generosity has always been at the heart of our work.
Over the years, we’ve also welcomed royal visits, shining a national spotlight on our efforts. While significant progress has been made, sustaining funding remains a challenge – every donation helps us continue restoring and preserving this historic waterway for future generations.
Summary Timeline
May 1972
Stroudwater Society formed with 200 members. Threats to canal from various directions, mainly road interests.
May 1973
First sponsored walk raises over £1000 with CCT’s first Chair – Mike Ayland (pictured).
May 1974
Dumper and Jones Crane bought to assist Blunder Lock renovations (pictured).
April 1975
Society becomes Stroudwater, Thames & Severn Canal Trust Ltd and ST&SCT becomes a Registered Charity.
October 1982
BBC TV Appeal – Sunday teatime presented by Anthony Burton. 900 donors £7300 raised incl £10 from BBC’s Robin Day!
1982
Goliath was purchased as scrap for £115 to support the canal maintenance activities (pictured).
1986
First boat trips at Wallbridge raising funds for the restoration (pictured).
1988
First boat trips at Bowbridge raising funds for the restoration (pictured).
Summer 1990
Change of name to Cotswold Canals Trust.
April 1992
First visit by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales on a private visit to Eastington (pictured).
Spring 1998
First colour print of the Trow Magazine is distributed.
1999
Perseverance launched by Alex Lester. Offering public boat trips raising funds for the restoration.
1999
We start running the Santa Trips at Blunder Lock.
2000
Our chairman Bruce Hall is awarded an MBE for his charitable services to restore the Cotswold Canals (pictured).
May 2002
Cotswold Canals Partnership (CCP) formed.
Bruce Hall signs CCP agreement (pictured).
July 2003
Saul Junction Visitor Centre Opens.
July 2004
Lechlade boat trips launched naming the boat “Inglesham”.
January 2006
Funding announced for phase 1a – Stonehouse to Brimscombe including £6m from South West Regional Development Agency and £11.9m from Heritage Lottery Fund.
November 2007
80K funding for Brimscombe Port Walls from Peoples Millions Lottery voted on local ITV.
December 2008
Stroud District Council vote to be lead partner on Phase 1A.
March 2009
Stroud Valleys Canal Company (SVCC) set up. A charity to operate the canal, once restored, for the benefit of the public.
February 2010
Wallbridge visitor centre opens.
2011
Ryeford Double Lock restored including gates sponsored by Jon Lyons.
February 2012
H.R.H. Anne, The Princess Royal cuts ribbon at Stroud Brewery Bridge Bridge
August 2012
CCT fundraising benches go on sale.
2013-15
The Heritage Lottery Fund set Bowbridge, not Brimscombe, as the Phase 1A navigable limit. Volunteers remain committed to restoring the canal to Thrupp. A Phase 1A funding bid was submitted but declined.
2016
CCT Bookshop opens at Brimscombe
2016
STC Fund two mud hoppers Warp and Weft.
November 2017
Heritage Lottery Funding bid submitted for Phase 1b Stroudwater navigation connected.
November 2017
Heritage Lottery Funding monitors make first Phase 1A passage afloat – Stonehouse to Bowbridge.
February 2018
Phase 1A restoration celebrated in visit by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales cutting ribbon at Wallbridge Lower Lock, Stroud.
February 2018
Margaret workboat launches after a generous donation from Margaret – pictured.
2020
New trip boat Adventure bought for boat trips at Saul Junction.
October 2020
National Lottery Heritage Fund announce approval of funding for Cotswold Canals Connected. Phase 1b Saul to Stonehouse.
January 2021
A38 roundabout works complete thanks to £4m Grant from National Highways Environmental. Designated Funds Scheme.
August 2021
Queens Award for Voluntary Service awarded to CCT
2023
Cotswold Lakes visitor centre opens in collaboration with Cotswold Canals Trust.
September 2025
National Lottery Heritage Fund application submitted to restore the “missing mile” from Eastington to Fromebridge and ultimately reconnect the canal to Saul Junction.
Like to know more about the wider history and origination of the Cotswold Canals? View our Canals History Guide.