The Tiverton Canal Co has been congratulated on winning a Devon Tourism Award, which has been hailed as a win for Tiverton, Mid Devon and The Grand Western Canal.
The family run company, which is renowned for operating one of the last horse-drawn barges in the country, picked up the Bronze Award in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2023/24 category at the recent Devon Tourism Awards.
It’s the first time in the company’s 49-year history that it’s been named as one of the best tourist attractions in the county, and the owners are sharing the success with Devon County Council’s team at the Grand Western Canal and Country Park.
Philip Brind, of the Tiverton Canal Co, said: “A big thank you must go to everyone that has worked with us, both past and present, to make this award possible. This award for our tourist attraction, would also not have been possible if it wasn’t for Canal Manager Mark Baker, as well as rangers Craig Saunderson, Jo Roberts and the volunteers that help make up the Ranger Service at the canal. We very much see this award as a win for them too, as they work so hard to keep the canal working, which is so vital for us to be able to run the horse drawn barge successfully.
“We also see this award as a win for Tiverton, and we would like to thank everyone that’s visited the canal over the years and for those that continue to support us and the horses. As this attraction is so very rare in Great Britain, it is our goal to keep the horse-drawn barge going for future generations and the recognition of this impressive tourism award will certainly help us to do just that!”
Councillor Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said:
“Congratulations to the Tiverton Canal Co on winning this highly prized Bronze Award at the Devon Tourism Awards. The sight of the horse-drawn barge is synonymous with the Grand Western Canal and it’s a fantastic achievement that it is officially among the best visitor attractions in the county. The rangers and everyone involved with the canal and country park should also take great satisfaction in their role in making this success possible.”
Councillor Colin Slade, County Councillor for Tiverton East, said:
“This is such good news and a well deserved win for Phil and his team, including their beloved horses! As one of the last remaining horse-drawn boats in the country they really do deserve the recognition. Of course, this is also an early opportunity to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2024. 50 years in which they have provided a great deal of pleasure to both local people and tourists. I congratulate them on their award and wish them continued success in the years to come.”
Councillor Les Cruwys, Chair of the Canal’s Joint Advisory Committee and Mid Devon Councillor for Tiverton Cranmore, said: “This is a fantastic result for the Brind family after nearly 50 years of loyal and dedicated work on the canal. The attraction they have created is not only unique in the country but the main visitor attraction in Tiverton. When the late Bill Authors suggested restoring the canal to something like its original glory many were doubtful if the cost would be worth it, but his forethought has seen the derelict area turned into a fantastic country park. The arrival of the horse-drawn barges doubled the public interest.
“The canal and the barge company work hand in hand to keep this attraction popular with locals and visitors alike. This award is very well deserved and Tiverton congratulates them on their achievement. The partnership between the canal and the barge company has been a great success and we look forward to the special events that will take place at the canal next year to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary.”
Councillor Ray Radford, County Councillor for Willand and Uffculme, said:
“This is fantastic, we always knew this was one of the best attractions in Mid Devon and now they have been deservedly rewarded. Of course, these things don’t just happen, it requires dedication from all concerned. The Brind family, who I have known for all these years, could well pick up the gold award. Well done, keep up the good work.”
The Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve is owned by Devon County Council and managed by its Ranger Service.