Ali Cannon first became interested in canals around thirty years ago when she found herself teaching a history project to a class of seven-year-olds.  At about that time, too, she became a leader in Girlguiding, and has held various positions over the years within the Rainbow, Guide and Ranger sections.
The two interests came together in 2015 when Ali took her Guides on the youth boat Falcon Adam on the Kennet and Avon Canal, and the following year she gained the Girlguiding Narrowboating Qualification.  She also started volunteering on the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust's trip boat Barbara McLellan, passing the MCA Boatmaster exam in 2020.  When time allows, she can be seen crewing boats for The Narrow Boat Trust, delivering coal on the River Thames and connected waterways.
The books about Victorian Canal Holidays were sparked initially by research into the history of the Kennet and Avon Canal during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, largely using the British Newspaper Archive.  Ali discovered that 19th century pleasure boating on canals was more prevalent than she had thought and that very little had been written on the subject.  She decided to start filling the gap...
The badges were primarily designed for Guides and Scouts (who always love a good badge!) as souvenirs of their trips afloat:  proceeds from the sale of badges will go towards supporting the two youth boats on the Kennet and Avon Canal, Falcon Adam and Lady Hilda.