Here's a little further information on the Kennet & Avon Canal, which celebrates its 200th anniversary, today: Extract from The Bristol Avon: A Pictorial History (2005) This waterway was constructed in three sections. The Kennet Navigation, from Reading to Newbury, was built between 1718 and 1723, while work on the Bristol Avon Navigation, between Bath and Bristol, took place between 1724 and 1727. The middle section of the waterway, from Newbury to Bath, was completed in 1810, thus opening up a route from London to Bristol by water. However, after the arrival of the railways, trade on the canal declined. By the mid-20th century, the canal was in such a poor state of repair that it eventually closed as a through route. Restoration of the waterway took place during the second half of the 20th century. The reopening of the route, from Reading to Bristol, was commemorated on 8 August 1990 when Queen Elizabeth II reopened the flight of 29 locks at Caen Hill, Devizes. -- Josephine Jeremiah www.ianandjo.dsl.pipex.com