CANAL lovers in Bradford on Avon have taken part in possibly the first harvest thanksgiving service afloat on a British waterway.
The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust hosted a service on Friday, October 6, for 50 boating people and trust members on board its boat, the Barbara MacLellan.
John Sanke, bookings manager for the canal trust in Bradford, said the idea stemmed from a conversation with home evangelism minister Peter Atwill, who lives and works on the canal from his boat the Gospel Belle.
Mr Sankey said: "It was a very successful evening and we are sure it must be the first on the whole of the waterways network.
"It was such a success it is now going to be marked permanently on the calendar."
Mr Atwill, who is known as the canal chaplain and was previously a minister on land for 22 years, now spends his time travelling up and down the waterways with his wife Lin.
His work is supported by the Boaters Christian Fellowship and Home Evangelism.
Mr Atwill said: "I work with people who live, work, walk and fish on the canal all sorts. I am here when people have problems or bereavements, and I have even done one wedding."
The harvest thanksgiving trip went from Bradford Wharf to Hilperton Marina and back.
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