Devon County Council has welcomed the Tiverton Canal Company’s announcement that a third generation of the Brind family will be taking on the running of the living heritage attraction based at the Grand Western Canal.
The owners of the company, Philip and Jacquie Brind, are handing over the reins to their daughter Becky and her husband David Poxon, who she met when he was working as a horseman with the barge around 20 years ago.
The attraction was launched in 1974 and then bought by Pat and Ray Brind in 1985. Their son Philip and his wife Jacquie started on the barge in 1986, before buying the business in 2006.
Philip Brind said: “Jacq and I’ve had a really wonderful time in our 40 odd years, and met some truly wonderful people! We’ve had the best of times, and we are very excited to announce it’s time for our daughter Becky with her husband Dave to take the business into the future.
“In our opinion, Becky and Dave make the very best choice to continue the company’s success, as they both understand the importance of keeping this very rare horse-drawn barge heritage attraction alive for future generations. We of course wish them both all the very best.
“We would like to take this final opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. Special thanks must go to Mark, Jo and Craig in the Canal Ranger Service, as they are an amazing and ‘essential team’ that keep the canal running and maintained, without which we would not be able to run our business.
“But most of all, we thank ‘you’ for visiting the canal and the horse-drawn barge, some every year! Thank you for your friendship and kind words over the years. If it wasn’t for ‘you’, there would be no horse-drawn barge in Devon.”
The Grand Western Canal Country Park is owned and managed by Devon County Council with support from Mid Devon District Council. The Tiverton Canal Co operates in the Country Park under a lease with the County Council.
Becky and Dave will begin their new season on Wednesday 1 April. They’ll be taking over at a time when the attraction has been celebrating some major achievements.
In 2024, The Tiverton Canal Co celebrated its 50th anniversary of the horse-drawn barge, as well as winning Devon’s Best Small Attraction of the Year Award in that same year. It has also won the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award three years in a row.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:
“The Grand Western Canal and the horse-drawn barge are synonymous with each other, so it’s fantastic news that another generation of the Brind family will be taking on the company. The horse-drawn barge is one of many reasons our award winning Canal and Country Park is such a popular destination. I’m sure the family will continue their great work with the attraction which brings the heritage of the canal alive for visitors.”
Councillor Simon Clist, Vice-Chairman of the Grand Western Canal Joint Advisory Committee and County Councillor for Willand and Uffculme, said:
“I’m delighted that the third generation of the Brind family will be taking over the reins of operating the horse drawn barge on the GWC. This facility on the canal is a huge draw for tourists and a vital resource to our local economy. The experience of this method of transport is a relaxing and highly enjoyable opportunity to view the local countryside and wildlife whilst unwinding from the rigours of everyday life. I wish them every success and my best wishes.”
Councillor Neale Raleigh, County Councillor for Tiverton East, said:
“I’m delighted that the Tiverton Canal Company is moving into its third generation, with Becky Brind and her husband Dave now taking on this much loved heritage attraction. The Brind family has dedicated decades to keeping the Grand Western Canal’s iconic horse drawn barge alive, and their continued commitment is wonderful to see. Becky and Dave begin their new season on 1 April, following a year of major milestones including the barge’s 50th anniversary and recent tourism awards. This handover ensures that the unique heritage of the canal remains in safe hands for future generations to enjoy.”
