Boat Rally : Russell Newbery Register

Usually one of the highlights of the year for RNR members is the annual rally. The rally takes place in a different location each year. In the past this followed a four year cycle of Midlands, South, Midlands, North. However with very few (almost none) suitable venues in the south of England, this pattern is not guarenteed.

2026 Rally - Stalybridge

Although the Bridgewater Canal remains closed following the New Year's Day 2025 breach at Little Bollington, we are continuing with our plan for this years Rally on the Huddersfield Canal at Stalybridge. But very modified because of various canal closures in the North West.

Revised Rally Activity Plan

As of Monday 17:30

Wednesday 24th June

Rally Day Out by train/tram/bus; Option 1 – Visit to the Greater Manchester Transport museum. A Hertigate bus will collect us from Fairfield Street near Manchester Piccadilly Station at 10:50.
Option 2 – RHS Garden Bridgewater at Worsley;
Option 3 – some of the numerous museums and attractions in Central Manchester.
For those moored at Bugsworth Basin, catch the 10:03 train from Whaley Bridge Station.

Thursday 25th June

No planned activities. No trains running on the East Lancs Railway due to the expected hot weather. Other day out options moved to Wednesday.

Friday 26th June

10.00 String pictures and greetings card craft session Part one. Lead by Babs. At Busgworth Bain.

10.00 Rope splicing. Lead by Eric. At Bugsworh Basin.

12:00 Rally Bar open In the Church Hall. To 13:30.

14:00 Breaches on the Northern Canals Presentation on some of the historic breaches along with lessons learnt (or not), with reference to recent breaches on the system. By Ian McCarthy. In the Church Hall. To 15:30.

18:30 Rally Bar open In the Church Hall. To 23:00.

19:30 "The Impossible Dream" History of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, in particular the restoration leading to the reopening in 2001. By Alan Sopper of the Huddersfield Canal Society. In the Church Hall. To 21:30.

Saturday 27th June

10.00 String pictures and greetings card craft session Part two. Lead by Babs. At Bugsworth Basin.

10:30 Solar panels and associated electrical systems for boats By Bob Lloyd, Blade Solutions. In the front part of the Church Hall. To 12:30.

12:00 Rally Bar open In the Church Hall. To 13:30.

14:00 Milltown Cloggies dance workshop A brief history of North West Morris Dancing and a demonstration. Concludes with a community dance, full instructions given! In the Church Hall. To 15:30.

16:00 Russell Newbery Register 2026 AGM In the Church Hall. To 17:00. [There is no charge if you are just attending for the AGM.]

17:00 Rally Bar open In the Church Hall. To 23:00.

17:30 "Pie & Pint" meal to celebrate the life of Andy Todd In the Church Hall. Booking required.

19:30 Still Reeling music and dance, a Lancashire based Ceilidh & Barn Dance band. The dances and music will be a variety of English, Irish, Scottish, American and European. In the Church Hall. To 22:00 approx.

Previous Rallies

Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) epidemic we cancelled the 2020 rally which was to be held at Circus Field Basin, Aylesbury - home of the Aylesbury Canal Society.

Autumn Gathering

In addition to the main rally, the Register organises an informal gathering usually in mid September. Members and guests can arrive by boat or any other means for a weekend of relaxation, eating and drinking.

The 2025 Autumn Gathering took place at the Stafford Boat Club at Wildwood on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal near Saafford. See our Autumn 2025 Newsletter for a report with pictures.