ROBERT AICKMAN

Co-Founder of the IWA

                Of all the names that are associated with the founding of the IWA and the subsequent battles to save Britain's unique waterways Robert Aickman's is the one that occurs most frequently during the early years. Inspired, it is said, by the book "Narrow Boat" he arranged to meet the author, Tom Rolt, and together with others such as Charles Hadfield eventually decided to form an organisation to combat the rapid decline of the mainly canal network that was occurring since the end of WW II. Robert's policy of "fighting for every mile of canal" has over the years been modified by subsequent IWA administrations, but at the time it was the only way to show authority that they were serious and did care. Whilst in may seem to many that the IWA is now less effective in campaigning there has sprung from it the hundreds of restoration projects that are now in progress throughout the country. The most successful in the public's mind being the "Kennet and Avon".

Recommended reading.............

• The River Runs Uphill.......Robert Aickman
• Race Against Time............David Bolton