250. A new canal? That'll be £100 million, please

Built in the late 1700s but abandoned in the mid-20th century, the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames & Severn Canal are currently undergoing a mammoth, volunteer-led programme of restoration. This is their story.

For those curious about the video title, a Trow was the type of boat that used to sail up the River Severn and along the Stroudwater Navigation to unload at Stroud, so the title is a gentle play on the phrase "True Believers" and references the dedication of all the volunteers making this project happen.

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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the YouTube music library

#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #narrowboats #canals #liveaboard

[loughkb]

You've really gotten very good at this. The quality of the photography, the scripting, pace, balance of information with entertainment value.
Your work exceeds the quality of many television documentaries I've seen.

[jimmclean]

David, It's good to hear your voice wafting over the air ways and the canals again. Good Show!

[Onegoldstarisenough]

Thank you David. 250 vlogs! Let’s take a moment to applaud that!

[jamesellsworth]

With the growing interest in narrowboats and the canal system, NOW is a good time to keep this project rolling. Your 'bully pulpit' is a good place to help.

[danhoppy]

Part of me misses your cruising videos, but when we receive such in depth documentaries as this, who would dare to complain? This is a daunting and complex venture, and it really does give an added appreciation for all of those wonderful volunteers!

[titankiller]

David your journalism is outstanding as always and I guarantee they're going to raise more money because of this documentary on the history and Canal restoration, from all of us here in Canada that watch you thank you😎👍👍

[tn]

Having watched your recent non cruising episodes it must be obvious to all that you were the star reporter when you worked for TV.

An absolute joy to watch ... and subject not bad either 😁.

[steveyountz]

As a retired camera jockey from the US I enjoy your videos and can comfortably
say that you and, anybody that helped, did an outstanding job. I also like the
way you folks seem to cherish your history as opposed to paving it over, the
way we do here.

[sidneybowerman]

Another great video that must have taken hours, days, even weeks to get it all organised and 'in the can' as it were. When it comes to interesting and educational videos David you are leading the field my friend.

[Spongman]

Quality journalism. Reminds me of the good old days when TV wasn't all just dramatic re-enactments of kitchen mishaps.

[dakotashea]

Don't even live in England. The way the world is going, I'll never see it..
BUT I'm totally donating from across the pond cause this historic restoration needs to happen!!

[slothrr]

I'd just echo the other comments on here: this is a superb piece of film-making. What a gift to the project!

[hazzalandy]

I volunteered on the Thames and Severn restoration a couple of years ago for a week. Best "holiday" I've had in my life, properly good fun

[ade]

The production quality on this video is second to none

[paulboden]

BBC used to be this good.
Fascinating and excellent work. Thank you David.

[Wessexshire]

To think that some of the volunteers will never see the canal complete in their life times, yet still put that time and effort into the project, makes me realise, that the civility of our nation is still very much intact despite all that has changed in the last 20 years or so. Thank you for your service to your local community’s and ultimately the nation as a whole.

[thegreatfatsby]

This a fantastic piece of filming and editing. A joy to watch. This is what the BBC used to be for. A great example of how enthusiasm coupled with professional knowledge and talent can make an absolute mockery of conventional terrestrial tv.

[spuriouseffect]

A good way to raise money would be to sell paver bricks with people's names one them. You could raise money from around the world, and people could be a part of history.

[robertteap]

Not a video... But a complete documentary, worthy of any TV station.. Excellent.
(Boat owner from Ireland)

[seanchambers]

I’m an American, and I think this is a wonderful idea! All we build is extra lanes on freeways.