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The charity making life better by water

New chair for the Kennet & Avon Partnership

Tamsin Phipps has been appointed the new chair of the Kennet & Avon Waterways Partnership, a voluntary group that shapes our local policies.

Together with her colleagues on the Partnership, Tamsin will play a crucial role in enabling people to have a say about how their local stretch of the Kennet & Avon Canal and Bridgwater & Taunton Canal is run.

Having been a member of the Partnership for two years, Tamsin begins her new role this week. After qualifying as a teacher, she spent six years in the army as an Officer before working in the construction industry and the NHS as a management development professional. Based in Reading, she has worked in her current role for the British Canoe Union since 2004, promoting the health, rural growth and community benefits of the sport. She is a keen narrow-boater, canoeist, cyclist, Guide Leader and dog walker.

Ten year plan

Tamsin said: "I'm delighted to take on the role. The Kennet & Avon and Bridgwater & Taunton Canals are among the most beautiful in the country, they are already enjoyed by so many people and we want to see even more benefit from all they have to offer. Over the coming months we'll be finalising a ten-year plan for how we can help more people get involved with their local waterway, whether that's through boating, cycling, walking or volunteering on one our heritage and wildlife projects."

Waterway partnerships are a key part of the governance of the Trust. Reporting to the chair of trustees and council, the chair of the Partnership is a lead ambassador for the waterway and with colleagues champions partnership working with local community, youth and voluntary sector groups.

Mark Stephens, manager of the Kennet & Avon waterway, said: "The Kennet & Avon stretches from Reading, through Wiltshire and all the way to Bath. It's unique - a haven to relax in, a gym, a classroom and a museum all in one. We want more people to benefit from it and it's great to work with local volunteers like Tamsin who have the experience, enthusiasm and expertise to help us to do so."

Find out more information about the Kennet & Avon Canal Partnership

Last Edited: 17 June 2013

photo of a location on the canals
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