A much-loved horse-drawn barge attraction that has welcomed visitors for decades is preparing for a new chapter, as the family behind the historic canal business announces it is handing the reins to the next generation.
Philip Brind and his wife Jacquie Brind, who have run Tiverton Canal Co for decades, have confirmed they will step aside and pass the business to their daughter Becky and her husband David Poxon.
Phil said: “Jacq and I have been here now since the mid-80s, and my father before me once said, ‘Boy, with a lifestyle job like this, you either leave on a high, or you never leave and die in the pull.’
“Well we could not get much higher than the last three years, with the fantastic 50th anniversary of the horse-drawn barge, which Jacq and I were so proud to host, as well as being winners of Devon’s Best Small Attraction of the Year Award 2024, alongside winning Travellers Choice Award now for three years in a row.”
Phil added: “Jacq and I have had a really wonderful time in our more than 40 years and met some truly wonderful people. We have had the best of times, but as they say, time waits for no man or woman.”
The couple first began working on the barge in 1986 for Phil’s parents, Pat and Ray Brind, before buying the business from them in 2006.
They say the transition marks the continuation of a family tradition, with Becky becoming the third generation of the Brind family to run the canal attraction.
Phil said Becky and David were the “very best choice” to carry the business forward.
“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 for the future.”
Becky and David will begin their first season running the attraction on April 1.
As they step down, Phil and Jacquie also paid tribute to those who have supported the canal over the years.
Jacq and Phil said: “We would like to take this final opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us over the years.
“Special thanks must go to Mark Baker, Jo and Craig and the ranger service, as they are an amazing and essential team that have kept 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, and to thank you for your friendship and kind words over the years.
“If it was not for you, there would be no horse-drawn barge in Devon.”
They added: “Thank you.”
