Maintenance (Summer 2026 & on)

The Basingstoke Canal Society (The Society) needs your time and enthusiasm as a member of our Maintenance teams.

The Society wants volunteers to keep our iconic canal boats in top condition and help bring joy to hundreds of passengers!

We are looking for volunteers to be part of our Weekly (Cruising Season) and/or Winter Maintenance teams.

Weekly (Cruising Season) Maintenance:

A number of routine jobs need to be carried out when the boats are working during the cruising season. Jobs include:

• restocking the galley (John Pinkerton boat only)
• refuelling
• filling the water tank
• pumping out
• basic engine checks (Kitty boat only).

A small team of volunteers meet at Colt Hill in Odiham as required to do this.

Winter Maintenance:

During the off-season (winter), the boats need to be serviced. It is also the opportunity to carry out any necessary repairs, modifications or repainting.

For the John Pinkerton boat, a team under leadership will meet as and when is required to complete this work, usually during November to January.

If you’d like to help support the Basingstoke Canal by maintaining the John Pinkerton II please contact The Society.

Similarly, for the Kitty boat, a team of volunteers are needed to assist with as required off-season servicing, repairs, modifications and repainting which is likely to take place between February and April, and of course with any emergency repairs.

If you would like to be involved with Kitty maintenance, please contact The Society for more information.

The Society are the guardians of the canal which runs through Surrey and Hampshire.  It works alongside the councils’ managing authority and its overarching aim is to ‘keep the canal alive’.

The canal is a vital local amenity with virtually its whole length designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It provides a great range of leisure activities, including boating, running, walking, cycling and angling.

What skills do I need?

What We’re Looking For:

• Some knowledge of mechanical or diesel engines
  
• Ideally, experience with boat systems (not essential)
  
• Comfortable with basic tools, repairs, and team collaboration
  
• Reliable and willing to get hands-on.

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Flexible time commitment required.