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Restoration Progress October 2009
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Monday 5 th October 2009.
DROITWICH JUNCTION CANAL LOCKS OPEN DAY, Hanbury Wharf
Droitwich Canals Trust is holding its annual Open Day on the restored lock flight at Hanbury Wharf on Sunday, 11th October between 11am and 4pm.
Free boat trips will be available throughout the day and there will also be information and sales stalls from Droitwich Canals Trust and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal Society.
Free canoe taster sessions sponsored by Sport England which will also be available. Active Communities Co-ordinator, Andy Pitt said “This is another chance for both children and adults to try canoeing on the Droitwich Canals. Just come along and give it a go.”
Following the opening of the towpath alongside the newly constructed section of canal, there will also be guided walks from the Hanbury Gateway site (at the junction of Hanbury Road and the road to Droitwich Rugby Club) at 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust said “The Open Days have proved very popular, and with the completion of the new section of the Junction Canal between the Gateway site and the M5 there is an added attraction this year.”
In May 2002, the late Tom Mayo, who was on the last boat down the Droitwich Junction Canal in 1929, skippered the first boat to navigate the locks nearly 75 years later. The Canals Trust has undertaken to make the locks available for navigation at least once a year until the whole length of the Droitwich Canals are restored. The restoration of the Junction Canal Locks was made possible by a grant of £100,000 from the Inland Waterways Association using the legacy of local waterway enthusiast Neil Pitts, and involved the restoration of the lock chambers and side ponds, the fitting of new paddle gear and lock gates.
The Hanbury locks are of particular historic interest as they exhibit the operation of a sophisticated water conservation system that was developed towards the end of the Canal Age. The restoration has retained the historic features, providing replica fittings where the originals have been lost, and maintained a high standard of workmanship.
Monday 30 th March 2009.
FIRST TRIP OF THE SEASON ON THE DROITWICH BARGE CANAL
The new season of boat trips along the Droitwich Barge Canal begins this week on Sunday 5 th April.
Up to 10 passengers will be taken between Droitwich Spa and the top lock at Ladywood, a distance of approximately 3 miles. Passengers will travel through the attractive scenery around Salwarpe, to the start of the locks which take the canal down to the River Severn. Refreshments will be served during the cruise. The boat has a chairlift to allow use by passengers with mobility problems.
This will provide an opportunity to see the progress with the restoration work on this section, which is currently being dredged prior to the anticipated opening of the canal to the River Severn at Hawford and Worcester Birmingham Canal at Hanbury Wharf next year.
The boat will leave Kidderminster Road (opposite the Railway Inn) at 2.00pm and the return trip takes about two and a half hours, allowing for a short stop at Ladywood. It is essential to book to ensure your place by ringing 07883 017818. The price is £5 for adults and £3 for accompanied children.
The boat can also be chartered with a full crew, for any reasonable times daytime and evenings, by prior booking; ring for prices and concessionary rates. Subject to transport arrangements at each end, larger parties can be catered for with one way trips.
Trust Chairman Margaret Rowley said “ Trips on the Pamela May have been very popular, but in the last few years we have struggled with the reed growth on the canal. This is now being removed from the centre of the channel which will give a new aspect to the trip. As well as seeing the local scenery from a different angle, passengers will hear about the history of the canal and how its restoration is being achieved.”
Trips are run every 1 st and 3 rd Sunday of the month between April and October. To book, please ring Don Winwood on 07883 017818.
Thursday, 2nd October 2008.
SEE THE NEW CANAL WORKS AT HANBURY LOCKS OPEN DAY
Droitwich Canals Trust is holding its annual Open Day on the restored lock flight at Hanbury Wharf on Sunday, 12 th October this year. Free boat trips will be available through the top two locks throughout the day and there will also be information stands about the Canals Trust and the Droitwich Canals Restoration Project. The event will last from 11am until 4pm.
Parking at the site is limited to orange badge holders only. A regular mini-bus park and ride service will run from Waitrose car park, Salt Way, Droitwich Spa.
A special feature this year will be guided walks to view the restoration of the Junction Canal. It will be an opportunity to view the major engineering works to construct four new locks and divert the Junction Canal under the M5 and into the River Salwarpe.
Walks will start from the top lock at 11:30am, 2pm and 3:30pm and end back in Waitrose car park in the centre of Droitwich, a distance of around one and a half miles.
Free canoe taster sessions will be available throughout the event. Wychavon’s Active Community Co-ordinator, Andy Pitt said “This is another chance for both children and adults to try canoeing on the Droitwich Canals. Just come along and give it a go.”
Refreshments can be bought at the Boat House Chandlery at Droitwich Boat Centre, Hanbury Wharf.
Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust said “The Open Days have proved very popular, and this year the new Droitwich Junction Canal can be seen to be taking shape. This is likely to be the only opportunity people will have to see the canal under construction. The work on the section between the Rugby Club and Swan Drive is likely to be finished by Christmas.”
For further information, ring Ivor Caplan on 07778 685764
Friday 26th September 2008
HISTORIC LOCK RE_OPENS ITS GATES
On Friday 26 th September, the Droitwich Canals Partnership will be celebrating the restoration of the 155 year old Barge Lock which links the Junction Canal with the Barge Canal in Droitwich.
Teams of Waterway Recovery Group volunteers from across the UK descended on the town during the summer to dredge the lock, re-point and repair the brickwork and install the necessary lock features (ladders and bollards) needed for it to become a working lock once again. Once completed, British Waterways installed the new lock gates.
The Waterways Trust and Inland Waterways Association led the campaign to raise the funds needed to restore the historic lock.
Roger Hanbury , The Waterways Trust Chief Executive, said: “Restoration of the lock is fundamental to the plans to re-open the Droitwich Canals. We are extremely grateful to the Waterway Recovery Group for all their hard work and to the waterways enthusiasts from across the UK who have given their support to the appeal – both in time and money.”
John Fletcher, Inland Waterways Association Chairman, said: “The Inland Waterways Association is delighted to have been able to play such an active part in the restoration of the Barge Lock and to be able to help save this crucial piece of waterway heritage.”
Key facts
- The Barge Lock provides access to the River Salwarpe in Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire.
- It was constructed in 1854 from red brick with sandstone copings and is 4.9m wide and 24m long between corresponding pairs of gates.
- The construction of the lock and Junction Canal were hugely significant developments for the town as they provided a direct link from Droitwich to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and the inland waterway network of the Midlands.
- The lock was unusual in having two sets of gates at each end, arranged so that boats could rise or fall when entering the river depending on the relative level of the river.
- Through the restoration of the canals, a differential head of water between the canal and the river will be created so that the lock will only operate in one direction and thereby requiring only two sets of gates to be restored.
6th June 2008
CANAL PIONEER MASTERPIECE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE
Nearly seventy years after it was abandoned and after 35 years of local campaigning, one of the earliest canals from Britain’s industrial past is being brought back to life. The Droitwich Canals in Worcestershire, partially built by pioneering canal engineer James Brindley, are the latest of the nation’s historic waterways to be revived. It will once again bring prosperity to the spa town and the surrounding area – generating investment, attracting visitors and creating jobs.
In many parts clogged-up with vegetation and in places completely filled in, construction works to restore the Droitwich Barge and Junction Canals (the Droitwich Canals) has started. Partners in the restoration will complete the £11.5m project by the end of 2009. The project will see the waterway restored as a linear park for all to enjoy on the towpath and on the water, reconnecting Droitwich Spa to the rest of the nation’s inland waterway system.
The restoration of the Droitwich Canals is the culmination of the Droitwich Canals Partnership coming together to build upon the volunteer-led campaign to restore the canals which the Droitwich Canals Trust has been driving since 1973.Working a longside British Waterways, the Droitwich Canals Trust and The Waterways Trust, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council are major funders including Heritage Lottery Fund (£4.6m) and Advantage West Midlands (£3m).
Since the majority of funding was secured in 2005, the Partners are now over one third of the way to plugging the final £1m shortfall in funding required before the canal’s completed restoration.
To assist in raising the funds The Waterways Trust set up a restoration appeal on its website where donations are requested to help secure ‘a m etre of canal’, all donations are to be commemorated on a special plaque mounted on a 'Brindley' post in Vines Park.
In restoring the waterway British Waterways’ engineers will face challenges brought about through the dereliction of the canals. The first section of major works, which will take around six months, will include the building of four new locks (including two in the form of a ‘staircase lock’). The works will also include the construction of a new bridge on the Droitwich Rugby Football Club access road and the installation of a new footbridge over the canal. Whilst most of the seven mile length of the Droitwich Canals is still in existence, albeit overgrown with reeds in many places, a brand new stretch of canal will have to be constructed to align the Junction Canal to an existing tunnel under the M5 motorway, There will be 500m of new towpath constructed bringing the waterway closer to local peoples’ homes and providing direct access points for leisure and recreation.
This is the first of the major works packages, with work due to start on the A449 crossing of the canal at Hawford later in the year. Other work will include making the section of the River Salwarpe between Vines Park and Swan Drive navigable and restoring the locks between Vines Park and the River Severn.
When finally restored, the project will see the protection and restoration of over 40 historic structures including locks, culverts, by-weirs and transhipment basins, a key part of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s £4.6m grant.
Essential environmental works will temporarily move Great Crested Newts and reptiles into protected areas. The completed project has already led to the creation of a 3.1 hectare ecologically important reed beds, carefully planted by volunteers and contractors, which will provide an important habitat for wild birds and invertebrates.
Volunteering has played an important role during the countdown to the start of the restoration works, with local people giving up their spare time to be trained in many heritage and environmental skills, including traditional hedge laying, lock restoration, installation of soft bank protection and some have even been given training to lead guided walks around the waterways. Other local people have got involved with arts projects, having recently created a mosaic in Vines Park in the centre of Droitwich and 300 local school children will be visiting the canals to find out more about their historical importance .
Originally partially built by the great canal engineer James Brindley and once a gateway from the industrial heartlands of the Midlands to the rest of the world, the restored DroitwichCanals will generate over 320,000 new visits within five years and an additional spend of £2.75m per year in the local economy. The restoration will help put the spa town of Droitwich on the tourist map and will complete a 21 mile canal loop providing extended opportunities for holiday and leisure boating in and around the West Midlands.
Robin Evans, British Waterways chief executive, comments: “The nation is enjoying a second golden age of canals. They are increasingly becoming preferred places for people to live, work and spend their leisure time. The Droitwich Canals are very much illustrative of this and, once restored, will be a further jewel in the waterways’ crown.”
Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust said: “ Since the Trust was founded in 1973, volunteers have restored and maintained much of the Barge Canal and the locks at Hanbury Wharf. We are delighted that the job will now be finished.
Paul Middlebrough, leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “This phase of work has been long awaited and people will now start to see that planning and talking has brought about these real works.”
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Monday, 1st October 2007.
DROITWICH JUNCTION CANAL LOCKS OPEN DAY
Droitwich Canals Trust is holding its annual Open Day on the restored lock flight at Hanbury Wharf on Sunday, 7 th October. Free boat trips will be available through the top two locks throughout the day and there will also be information stands about the Canals Trust and the Droitwich Canals Restoration Project. The event will last from 11am until 4pm.
Parking at the site is limited to orange badge holders only, with additional parking being available at Droitwich Rugby Club.
Free canoe taster sessions sponsored by Sport England which will be available between 11am and 4pm. Active Canals Co-ordinator, Andy Pitt said “This is another chance for both children and adults to try canoeing on the Droitwich Canals. Just come along and give it a go.”
There will also be a guided walk along the proposed new cut of the Junction Canal. Meet at the DCT stand at 2pm if you wish to follow the route.
Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust said “The Open Days have proved very popular, and with the start of major restoration work only a few months away we anticipate that there will be a lot of interest in the event this year. Come along on the day and find out more about the plans.”
In May 2002, the late Tom Mayo, who was on the last boat down the Droitwich Junction Canal in 1929, skippered the first boat to navigate the locks nearly 75 years later. The Canals Trust has undertaken to make the locks available for navigation at least once a year until the whole length of the Droitwich Canals are restored. The restoration of the Junction Canal Locks was made possible by a grant of £100,000 from the Inland Waterways Association using the legacy of local waterway enthusiast Neil Pitts, and involved the restoration of the lock chambers and side ponds, the fitting of new paddle gear and lock gates.
The Hanbury locks are of particular historic interest as they exhibit the operation of a sophisticated water conservation system that was developed towards the end of the Canal Age. The restoration has retained the historic features, providing replica fittings where the originals have been lost, and maintained a high standard
Monday 25th June 2007
Regretfully the Droitwich Spa Water Festival was cancelled due to the poor weather forecast for the weekend. This was a great disappointment and DDCT would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
WATER FESTIVAL
Droitwich Canals Trust has again organised a Water Festival which will be held in Vines Park next Sunday, July 1 st. The Festival is the first event in the two week Droitwich Spa Music Festival.
Music and dancing is to be provided by a Bassoon Choir from 2:15pm until 3pm, and the Appalachian step dance troupe Cast Off for two sessions (12:15pm – 12:45pm and 1:45pm – 2:15pm).
Plans and details about the Droitwich Canals restoration, including the current planning application, will be available from the British Waterways stand.
You can find out how the Junction canal will be reconstructed around the M5 and how the Barge Canal will be reconnected under the A449.
The Festival is a great time to sign up to the appeal to raise the final funding towards the restoration. The Waterways Trust will be at the event to help you sponsor a metre of canal and help the restoration happen.
The Droitwich Canals Trust stand will also have information about how you can help with the restoration as well as the usual range of DCT T-shirts, tea towels, book marks etc; model boats, jigsaws and other items for purchase.
Highlights of the day will be boat trips on the Pamela May and Nellie and the opportunity to enter your team of six in a fun obstacle race on katukanus.
The ever popular Duck Race on the River Salwarpe will be started by the Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Cllr Richard Morris at 3:15pm. Tickets will be on sale throughout the day from the Droitwich Canals Trust stall. Prizes are : first duck home (£50); second (£25); and third (boat trip tickets).
The event will finish with the presentation of prizes by the Mayor at 4pm.
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Monday 30th October 2006
VOLUNTEERS BRIEFING ON CANAL PROJECT
People interested in voluntary work on the restoration of the Droitwich Canals are invited to attend a meeting to be held at Droitwich Community Centre, Heritage Way on Thursday, 9 th November at 7:30pm.
Organised by Droitwich Canals Trust, the meeting will show potential volunteers the options on offer, with current volunteers on hand to talk about what has been achieved so far. There will also be an update on the restoration plans given by James Thompson, the British Waterways Project Manager.
Margaret Rowley, Trust Chairman, said “Community involvement with the canal restoration project is vital to its success. There are many tasks that are already being carried out by volunteers from practical maintenance work such as towpath mowing, litter picking and hedge trimming to crewing our trip boat and fundraising, helping with events and our regular market stall . We need more people to come along and get involved”.
Lucy Bowles, the newly appointed Droitwich Canals Restoration Partnership’s Volunteer and Community Involvement Co-ordinator, will be on hand to give further advice. Lucy added “Over the next few years we will be offering many different ways for people to get involved with the project. We will need help with setting up and running educational activities, producing newsletters, distributing information and for providing ranger services along the canals.
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Monday 25 th September 2006.
DROITWICH JUNCTION CANAL LOCKS OPEN DAY
Droitwich Canals Trust is holding its annual Open Day on the restored lock flight at Hanbury Wharf on Sunday, 8 th October. Free boat trips will be available through the top two locks throughout the day and there will also be information stands about the Canals Trust and the Droitwich Canals Restoration Project. The event will last from 11am until 4pm.
Parking at the site is limited to orange badge holders only, with additional parking being available at Droitwich Rugby Club.
Free canoe taster sessions sponsored by Sport England will be available between 11am and 4pm. Active Canals Co-ordinator, Andy Pitt said “This is another chance for both children and adults to try canoeing on the Droitwich Canals. Just come along and give it a go.”
An extra feature this year is a walk along the proposed new cut of the Junction Canal. Meet at the DCT stand at 2pm if you wish to follow the route.
Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust said “The Open Days have proved very popular, and with the start of major restoration work only a few months away we anticipate that there will be a lot of interest in the event this year. Come along on the day and find out more about the plans”.
In May 2002, the late Tom Mayo, who was on the last boat down the Droitwich Junction Canal in 1929, skippered the first boat to navigate the locks nearly 75 years later. The Canals Trust has undertaken to make the locks available for navigation at least once a year until the whole length of the Droitwich Canals are restored. The restoration of the Junction Canal Locks was made possible by a grant of £100,000 from the Inland Waterways Association using the legacy of local waterway enthusiast Neil Pitts, and involved the restoration of the lock chambers and side ponds, the fitting of new paddle gear and lock gates.
The Hanbury locks are of particular historic interest as they exhibit the operation of a sophisticated water conservation system that was developed towards the end of the Canal Age. The restoration has retained the historic features, providing replica fittings where the originals have been lost.
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Tuesday 1 st August 2006.
WALK OR CRUISE THE DROITWICH BARGE CANAL
Enjoy a guided walk along the towpath of the Droitwich Barge Canal and find out about its history and the exciting plans for full restoration
Droitwich Canals Trust volunteers will lead a guided walk along the Droitwich Barge Canal towpath on Sunday, 6 th August commencing at 2.00pm. Starting at St Richard’s statue in Vines Park (opposite Waitrose) and ending at Salwarpe village, walkers will take in the varied scenery from the parks, railway viaduct and playing fields of Droitwich Spa to the leafy surrounds of Salwarpe Church.
Important features of the original canal such as the Brindley spill weir will be highlighted, along with proposed restoration features such as one of the sites for additional reed beds. These will be constructed to replace the important wildlife habitat which would otherwise be lost when reeds are cleared from the canal. Walkers will hear about the timescales for the main restoration work (due to start later this year) and the new education resources which are being produced.
The distance from Vines Park to Salwarpe is about 2 miles and the return walk is expected to take up to 3 hours allowing for stops to view points of interest and hear about the history and restoration plans. Please wear appropriate shoes as the towpath may be muddy and bring wet weather gear.
There is also the option to travel on the Droitwich Canals Trust's trip boat Pamela May either on the outwards or return trip. The boat can take only take 10 passengers each way, so booking is essential. Please ring 078830 17818 to ensure your place. There is no charge for the walk but places on the boat are £5 for adults and £3 for accompanied children. Light refreshments will be available on the boat.
Further information from; Ivor Caplan Tel: 07778 685764
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Monday, 3rd July 2006
WATER FESTIVAL SUCCESS
Last Sunday’s Water Festival, held in Vines Park, was a great success. A good crowd turned out to enjoy the many entertainments that had been organised. The Festival was the first event in the two week Droitwich Spa Music Festival.
Music and dancing was provided by the Glamba Samba band and the Appalachian step dance troupe Soft Options. Musicians from both groups also combined to give an impromptu jam session.
Information about the Droitwich Canals Restoration Project was available from the British Waterways and Droitwich Canals Trust stands. British Waterways stand was on the site of the proposed Wych Barge the funding for which was raised by your votes for the People’s Millions project last year.
There were also stalls from other waterways organisations including West Mercia Search and Rescue Service and Alvechurch Waterways Holidays. Narrowboat trips were popular, and there was a display by an amphibious car. The Katakanoes were also in demand, although it was perhaps just as well that the planned world-cup style penalty shoot out was not needed!
The Duck Race on the River Salwarpe rounded off the day. The ducks were sent on their way by the Mayor of Droitwich Spa, Cllr Jan Bolton. Cllr Jean Dowty, Chairman of Wychavon District Council, also attended the event during the afternoon. The winning ducks were: 019 (£50); 477 (£25); and 501 (boat trip tickets).
The event was organised on behalf of the Droitwich Canals Partnership by Droitwich Canals Trust and sponsored by For Droitwich Spa, supported by Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council and Droitwich Spa Town Council.
Monday, 29 th May 2006.
TRAVEL THE DROITWICH BARGE CANAL ON THE PAMELA MAY
Following the launch of the Droitwich Canals Trust’s new trip boat, the Pamela May, in April there is a further chance to explore the soon-to-be restored Droitwich Barge Canal by boat this coming Sunday, June 4 th.
Up to 10 passengers will be taken between Droitwich Spa and the top lock at Ladywood, a distance of approximately 3 miles. Passengers will travel through the attractive scenery around Salwarpe, to the start of the locks which take the canal down to the River Severn. There will be a full commentary and refreshments will be served during the cruise. The boat has a chairlift to allow use by passengers with mobility problems. Previously owned and run by the Pamela May Trust, the boat was transferred to DCT last year. A grant of £2,500 from the Droitwich Spa Area Local Strategic Partnership has enabled the boat to be moved from Hanbury Wharf to Netherwich Basin and have a thorough overhaul.
The boat will leave Kidderminster Road (opposite the Railway Inn) at 11.00am and 2.00pm and the return trip takes about two and a half hours, allowing for a short stop at Ladywood. It is essential to book to ensure your place by ringing 07883 017818. The price is £5 for adults and £3 for accompanied children.
The boat can also be chartered with a full crew, for any reasonable times daytime and evenings, by prior booking; ring for prices and concessionary rates. Subject to transport arrangements at each end, larger parties can be catered for with one way trips.
Trust Chairman Margaret Rowley said “ Trips on the Pamela May are proving very popular. As well as seeing the local scenery from a different angle, passengers learn the history of the canal and how its restoration will be achieved.”
For bookings please ring; 07883 017818
Monday 1 st May 2006.
JOINT EFFORT IMPROVES TOWPATH
Dennis & Roger widening the towpath
Over the Bank Holiday weekend, 4 South Worcestershire Millennium Volunteers joined Droitwich Canals Trust volunteers in widening the towpath to the Droitwich Barge Canal at Salwarpe.
Over the years, the steep slope ot the cutting below St Michael's Church at Salwarpe has encroached onto the towpath so that it was difficult for wheelchair users and family groups to use. Part of the restoration scheme for the canal is to increase accessibility for all users. To this end, the footpath down from Salwarpe Church has already been regraded by DCT volunteers. Last weekend’s project involved widening the towpath by supporting the earth behind it and placing wooden planks to prevent further slippage.
Lisa Buckley, placement Officer for the South Worcestershire Millennium Volunteers said “This is a great opportunity for young people to take ownership and pride in their local area. I’m hoping this is the first of many joint projects between Droitwich Canals Trust and South Worcestershire Millennium Volunteers”.
Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust, added “Although the main work in restoring Droitwich Canals will be carried out by contractors directed by the Droitwich Canals Partnership, there will still be plenty of work for volunteers. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact myself on 01905 345307 (evenings and weekends) or Adam Wright on 0780 8621833 (week days).”
Monday May 1st 2006
TRAVEL THE DROITWICH BARGE CANAL ON PAMELA MAY
Following the launch of the Droitwich Canals Trust’s new trip boat, the Pamela May, in April there is a further chance to explore the soon-to-be restored Droitwich Barge Canal by boat this coming Sunday, May 7 th.
Up to 10 passengers will be taken between Droitwich Spa and the top lock at Ladywood, a distance of approximately 3 miles. Passengers will travel through the attractive scenery around Salwarpe, to the start of the locks which take the canal down to the River Severn. There will be a full commentary and refreshments will be served during the cruise. The boat has a chairlift to allow use by passengers with mobility problems. Previously owned and run by the Pamela May Trust, the boat was transferred to DCT last year. A grant of £2,500 from the Droitwich Spa Area Local Strategic Partnership has enabled the boat to be moved from Hanbury Wharf to Netherwich Basin and have a thorough overhaul.
The boat will leave Kidderminster Road (opposite the Railway Inn) at 11.00am and 2.00pm and the return trip takes about two and a half hours, allowing for a short stop at Ladywood. It is essential to book to ensure your place by ringing 07883 017818. The price is £5 for adults and £3 for accompanied children.
The boat can also be chartered with a full crew, for any reasonable times daytime and evenings, by prior booking; ring for prices and concessionary rates. Subject to transport arrangements at each end, larger parties can be catered for with one way trips.
Trust Chairman Margaret Rowley says “ The regular passage of the Pamela May on the Barge Canal will be a great boost for the whole restoration. It will show both local people and visitors that full restoration is happening and will allow passengers, particularly those less able to walk the towpath, to experience the delights of this canal.”
Friday 14th April 2006.
DISCOVER DROITWICH BARGE CANAL
Enjoy a guided walk along the towpath of the Droitwich Barge Canal and find out about its history and the exciting plans for full restoration
British Waterways staff and Droitwich Canals Trust volunteers will lead a guided walk along the Droitwich Barge Canal towpath on Sunday, 23 April commencing at 2.00pm. Starting at St Richard’s statue in Vines Park (opposite Waitrose) and ending at Salwarpe village, walkers will take in the varied scenery from the parks, railway viaduct and playing fields of Droitwich Spa to the leafy surrounds of Salwarpe Church.
Important features of the original canal such as the Brindley spill weir will be highlighted, along with proposed restoration features such as one of the sites for additional reed beds. These will be constructed to replace the important wildlife habitat which would otherwise be lost when reeds are cleared from the canal. Walkers will hear about the timescales for the main restoration work (due to start later this year) and the new education resources which are being produced.
The distance from Vines Park to Salwarpe is about 2 miles and the return walk is expected to take up to 3 hours allowing for stops to view points of interest and hear about the history and restoration plans. Please wear appropriate shoes as the towpath may be muddy and bring wet weather gear.
There is also the option to travel on the Droitwich Canals Trust's trip boat Pamela May either on the outwards or return trip. The boat can take only take 10 passengers each way, so booking is essential. Please ring 078830 17818 to ensure your place. There is no charge for the walk but places on the boat are £5 for adults and £3 for accompanied children. Light refreshments will be available on the boat.
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Monday, 27 th March 2006.
SEE THE DROITWICH BARGE CANAL BY BOAT
Droitwich Canals Trust is launching its new trip boat, the Pamela May this Sunday, April 2 nd, with a special trip for members of the Trust. Public trips will then take place initially on the first Sunday of each month, with additional cruises depending on demand.
Up to 10 passengers will be taken between Hampton Road, Droitwich Spa and the top lock at Ladywood a distance of approximately 3 miles. Passengers will travel through the attractive scenery around Salwarpe, to the start of the locks which take the canal down to the River Severn. There will be a full commentary and refreshments will be served during the cruise. The boat has a chairlift to allow use by passenger with mobility problems. Previously owned and run by the Pamela May Trust, the boat was transferred to DCT last year. A grant of £2,500 from the Droitwich Spa Area Local Strategic Partnership has enabled the boat to be moved from Hanbury Wharf to Netherwich Basin and have a thorough overhaul.
The boat will leave Hampton Road at 11.00am and 2.00pm and the return trip takes about two and a half hours, allowing for a short stop at Ladywood. It is essential to book to ensure your place, price is £5 for adults and £3 for children. Membership of the Trust is £10 per year, family membership being available at £12. The boat can also be chartered with a full crew, for any reasonable times daytime and evenings, by prior booking, ring for prices and concessionary rates. Subject to transport arrangements at each end, larger parties can be catered for with one way trips.
Trust Chairman Margaret Rowley says “ The regular passage of the Pamela May on the Barge Canal will be a great boost for the whole restoration. It will show both local people and visitors that full restoration is happening and will allow passengers, particularly those less able to walk the towpath, to experience the delights of this canal.”
For bookings please ring; 07883 017818
Monday, 17 th October 2005
CANALS TRUST TAKES UP THE CHALLENGE
With the complete restoration of Droitwich Canals about to go ahead, it might be thought that the role of Droitwich Canals Trust had come to an end . This is far from the case.
The Trust is a member of the Droitwich Canals Partnership which has been promoting the restoration over the last 5 years, and has been a member of the main partnership board during this time. Now work is starting, there are also a number of sub-groups looking in detail at the restoration plans. These include volunteering, arts and interpretation, education (liaising with local schools) and funding.
Some of the work on the canal will be done by volunteers, and fundraising will also be an important role for the Trust, working in conjunction with The Waterways Trust. £10mhas so far been secured from Advantage West Midlands, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Worcestershire County Council, Wychavon District Council, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Liveability) and Sport England. An extra £1m is still needed.
A bid to the Peoples Millions will be televised on ITV Central News on Tuesday November 1 st.
Margaret Rowley, Trust Chairman, said “Community involvement with the canal restoration project is vital to its success. Joining the Trust is a way for people to support the project and also to become more involved. Members receive a regular magazine with updates on the restoration as well as being able to participate if they wish in practical maintenance and restoration work, organising events and raising funds.”
Former Droitwich Spa Mayor and Trust Director Anne Taft added “On Tuesday 25 th October we are holding the first of a series of meetings where members will hear the latest information from British Waterways Manager James Thompson. We then want to hear what members think.”
The meeting will be held in the Community Centre, Heritage Way at 7:30pm. Members and anyone interested in becoming a member of the Trust are welcome. Refreshments will be available. Enquiries about membership can be made to the Trust Secretary, Ivor Caplan on 07778 685764 or Margaret Rowley on 01905 345307.
27 th September 2005
DROITWICH JUNCTION CANAL LOCKS OPEN DAY
Droitwich Canals Trust is holding its annual Open Day on the restored lock flight at Hanbury Wharf. Free boat trips will be available through the top two locks on Sunday, 9 th October. There will also be information stands about the Canals Trust and the Droitwich Canals Restoration Project including the recently launched Active Canals Project. The event will last from 11am until 5pm.
The community boat Pamela May will again be used to give free trips down the first two locks throughout the day. Parking at the site is limited to orange badge holders only, with additional parking being available at Droitwich Rugby Club.
An extra feature of the Open Day this year will be free canoe taster sessions sponsored by Sport England which will be available between 11am and 4pm. Active Canals Co-ordinator, Andy Pitt said “This is another chance for both children and adults to try canoeing on the Droitwich Canals. Just come along and give it a go.”
Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust said “The Open Days have proved very popular, and the canoes are another example of how restored canals provide different leisure opportunities for local people. Come along on the day and find out what is planned.”
In May 2002, the late Tom Mayo, who was on the last boat down the Droitwich Junction Canal in 1929, skippered the first boat to navigate the locks nearly 75 years later. The Canals Trust has undertaken to make the locks available for navigation at least once a year until the whole length of the Droitwich Canals are restored. The restoration of the Junction Canal Locks was made possible by a grant of £100,000 from the Inland Waterways Association using the legacy of local waterway enthusiast Neil Pitts, and involved the restoration of the lock chambers and side ponds, the fitting of new paddle gear and lock gates.
he Hanbury locks are of particular historic interest as they exhibit the operation of a sophisticated water conservati
on system that was developed towards the end of the Canal Age. The restoration has retained the historic features, providing replica fittings where the originals have been lost, and maintained a high standard
The Waterways Trust Press Release - 9 September 2005
WEST MERCIA POLICE SUPPORT NETHERWICH ARTS PROJECT
West Mercia Police have put their hands in their pockets to kick start fundraising efforts for an innovative young persons’ arts project along the Droitwich Canal.
The £40,000 arts project will play an integral part in the regeneration of the area surrounding the canal.
Kim Chester , Development Manager for The Waterways Trust, a registered charity responsible for ensuring that all members of the community reap the benefits of newly restored canals around the UK, said:
“The Netherwich Young Persons’ Art Project has been developed with the help of Droitwich High School, Droitwich Youth club and youth workers in the Westlands Estate.
“Up to fifty young people will work with professional artists using poetry, paintings, sculpture and atmospheric lighting to transform two railway arches situated in the centre of the town and at one of the main gateway sites to the canal.
“We would like to thank West Mercia Police for their donation which starts us on the path to turning this fantastic idea into reality.”
PC Lloyd Buffery, from West Mercia Police, said: “The great thing about this project is that it is about getting young people to work together to improve their surroundings. They will be working with professionals, learning new skills whilst making a positive contribution to their community and environment.”
Cheryl Thrasher, Youth Worker, said: “There has never been anything like this kind of project for young people in Westlands. It will provide a fantastic opportunity for them to expand their horizons and to challenge their understanding of the environment around them.”
“This project will give these young people an opportunity to showcase their talents, learn about different art forms and contribute creatively to the restoration project. It will also bring young people from different backgrounds together to learn about their shared heritage while helping break down the social and physical isolation they currently experience”
The Droitwich Canal restoration project, which is managed by British Waterways in partnership with Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council, The Waterways Trust and Droitwich Canals Trust, aims to bring back to life the historically important canal for the first time in 65 years. The first stage of the restoration is due to start in November 2005.
The scheme is one of the biggest regeneration projects in the region for many years and is expected to bring major benefits to the whole community, including the 77,000 people living along the canal corridor and thousands of new visitors expected each year.
To find out more about the Droitwich canal restoration project visit www.britishwaterways.co.uk/droitwich/index or contact Kim Chester on 01452 318098 for details of how to make a donation towards the Netherwich Arts Project.
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24 June 2005
ADVANTAGE WEST MIDLANDS APPROVES £3m FUNDING FOR DROITWICH CANALS RESTORATION
The £11 million restoration of the Droitwich Barge and Junction Canals in Worcestershire is now secure following today’s confirmation of £3 million funding from Advantage West Midlands. The funding was the last remaining major hurdle to overcome and will now allow British Waterways to get underway with the 7.5 mile canal restoration.
The restoration of the Droitwich Canals, which in the late 1700’s served the area’s salt trade, will play a key role in the regeneration of Droitwich Spa town centre and will generate an additional spend of £2.75m per year within the local economy.
Investment in the Droitwich Canals is the latest good news for Britain’s canals which, following a period of dereliction and decline, are now a valued national leisure and tourism resource responsible for over £2bn of urban and rural regeneration in the last ten years.
Once restored, the Droitwich Canals will complete a 21 mile canal loop linking the Worcester & Birmingham Canal in the East to the navigable River Severn in the West. Officially closed in 1939, the 7.5 mile canal restoration will include the cutting of approximately 1,000 metres of new canal, four new locks, restoration and improvement to over 30 historically significant structures and environmental conservation works.
Mark Pearce, director for Worcestershire at Advantage West Midlands said: "This is fantastic news for Droitwich and the wider region. The development of the canal will bring visitors and new businesses to the area. It will also provide an exciting new opportunity for local people to learn bygone skills in canal building."
James Thompson, British Waterways’ project manager comments: “ This is brilliant news for everyone – volunteers, local communities and businesses - who have all worked hard to make the restoration of the Droitwich Canals a reality. We now have an amazing £10m secured which will allow the project to begin and we’re very positive that we will be able to find the remaining £1m match funding during the delivery of the project. This funding will ensure that these waterways can reach their full leisure, wildlife, heritage and economic potential, boosting the local economy and regenerating the surrounding areas. We expect the new cruising ring to attract over 320,000 new visits to the Canals and Droitwich Spa within five years, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Worcestershire and helping to place Droitwich Spa at the forefront of the region’s growing tourism industry .”
The Heritage Lottery Fund pledged £4.6m for the restoration in 2004. Regional manager for the West Midlands Anne Jenkins said: “Our industrial heritage is something we can all take pride in, not only in the West Midlands but across the UK. I’m delighted that together we can guarantee the preservation of this canal which is a prime example of our industrial legacy. The work will ensure that our children and our children’s children can learn about the importance of the industrial revolution on our heritage.”
Martin Jennings Leader of Wychavon District Council and Chairman of the Droitwich Canals Restoration Partnership said: “The grant of £3m from Advantage West Midlands is wonderful news for the Partnership. AWM’s cash will now allow the project, which has been talked about for over 30 years, to finally happen. Wychavon District Council is grateful that AWM recognise the importance of this project in improving leisure and tourism facilities in the Droitwich area and also in creating new employment opportunities.”
Councillor Alwyn Davies, Cabinet Member for Economic Development for Worcester County Council, said: "This whole project has been a great partnership between all the organizations involved. This will be an asset for Droitwich, Wychavon and Worcestershire and I'm delighted the AWM link of the chain is now in place.
"We can now get on with the scheme and the £1m we and Wychavon have put in can bear fruit."
Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust, said “This is tremendous news. Droitwich Canals Trust was set up by local canal enthusiasts in 1973 to work towards the restoration of the Droitwich Canals. Their early work in maintaining the line of the canals and promoting the idea of full restoration, which has been continued by many volunteers over the last 32 years, has kept the vision of the full restoration alive. We are all delighted that this vision will now become a reality and look forward to seeing the full benefits the restored canals will bring to the local area and the waterway network.”
Peter Luff, Member of Parliament for Mid Worcestershire, said: “The professionalism of British Waterways has led both to the generous Heritage Lottery Fund grant and to today's marvellous news from AWM. It is right, though, that we should also thank the hard working members of the local community, especially in the Droitwich Canals Trust, for all they have done to turn the dream of re-opening the canals into reality. Bringing this fascinating part of Worcestershire's heritage back to life will bring benefits in terms of regeneration, access and recreation to large parts of the county, and we all owe a great debt to those who have worked so hard over many years to get to this point."
The AWM funding will be combined with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant for £4.6m, pledged funding of £2m from Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council and a number of smaller funders. The Waterways Trust is helping to raise the oustanding funds still required. To find out more about how you or your organisation can support the Droitwich Canals restoration project, contact The Waterways Trust on their Fundraising Hotline 0845 0700 710.
11th October 2004
HLF ANNOUNCEMENT BOOSTS LOCKS OPEN DAY
Droitwich Canals Trust’s ‘Open Day’ on the restored lock flight at Hanbury Wharf last Sunday (10th October) attracted a considerable number of visitors. The announcement of the Heritage Lottery Fund grant two days earlier had raised interest in the Canals Trust and the Droitwich Canals Restoration Project. The grant should open up the funding for the full restoration of the Barge and Junction Canals.
Open Day Gallery
Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust said “ We were delighted with the response to the event, which was well attended. Several new volunteers and members signed up. The Junction Locks had been restored by local volunteers and the nationally organised Waterway Recover Group with help and advice from British Waterways in 2002. Costings for the complete restoration assume more work such as this will be carried out by volunteers, so we were particular pleased to sign up several new members and volunteers.”
The Hanbury locks are of particular historic interest as they exhibit the operation of a sophisticated water conservation system that was developed towards the end of the Canal Age. The restoration has retained the historic features, providing replica fittings where the originals have been lost, and maintained a high standard of heritage brickwork. This mechanism was operated correctly on Sunday and explained to visitors.
The community boat Pamela May was used to give free trips down the first two locks throughout the day, and many visitors took advantage of this. The Trust has recently completed a parking area and ramp giving access to a mooring on the Junction Arm for the Pamela May, which incorporates a lift for disabled people.
Workparties of volunteers are organised from Monday to Saturday. Anyone wishing to help should contact either DCT Volunteers Co-ordinator Denis Pike on 07870 939 121 or James Aylward on 01905 610289 or 07739 447951.
8th October 2004
Heritage Lottery Fund approves £4.6million funding for
Droitwich Canals Restoration
Peter Luff MP celebrates the news with DCT Directors
Margaret Rowley, Pam Davey and Denis Pike
The £11.2 million programme to restore the Droitwich Barge and Junction Canals took a huge leap forward today (8/10/2004) as partners in the proposed restoration learned that the bid for £4.6million Heritage Lottery funding has been approved.
The bid sought well over a third of the funding for the creation of a unique 21-mile cruising ring, linking the Worcester & Birmingham Canal in the East to the navigable River Severn in the West. The restored Droitwich Canals are expected to generate an additional spend of £2.75m per year within the local economy, and will play a key role in the regeneration of Droitwich Spa town centre with the development of a 2-acre canalside site and marina. Property values are expected to increase by up to 15%.
Commenting on the awards, HLF’s regional manager for the West Midlands Anne Jenkins said, “Our industrial heritage is something we can all take pride in, not only in the West Midlands but across the UK. I’m delighted that this award will enable the preservation of this canal which is a prime example of our industrial legacy. The work will ensure that our children and our children’s children can learn about the importance of the industrial revolution on our heritage.”
The project is backed by a strong community partnership made up of organisations including British Waterways; The Waterways Trust; The Droitwich Canals Trust; Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council.
James Thompson, Droitwich Project Manager for British Waterways says
“This is brilliant news for everyone – volunteers, local communities and businesses - who have all worked hard to make the restoration of the Droitwich Canals a reality. We now need to secure the remaining match funding for the programme so that these waterways can reach their full leisure, wildlife, heritage and economic potential, boosting the local economy and regenerating the surrounding areas. We expect the new cruising ring to attract some 330,000 new visits to the canals and Droitwich Spa within five years, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Worcestershire and helping to place Droitwich at the forefront of the region’s growing tourism industry.”
Martin Jennings, Leader of Wychavon District Council said:
“The award of £4.6M from the Heritage lottery Fund is fantastic news, it means that the restoration of the Droitwich Canals is now one step closer to happening. Wychavon District Council has already agreed to give £1M towards the project as it will create major social, environmental, heritage and economic benefits for the community. We now look forward to the remaining funding being confirmed so that we can actually start the restoration works.”
Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member Alwyn Davies welcomed the HLF announcement:
“The restoration plans offer a complete package of benefits for Worcestershire: week-end boating breaks, canal-side regeneration, a linear park and new wildlife habitats. This announcement is the good news we have been waiting for and will have spin-off economic benefits for a wide area of the county as well as Droitwich.”
The Droitwich Canals Trust is a voluntary body set up to restore and promote the Droitwich canals. Chairman, Margaret Rowley adds:
“The canals lie at the heart of the community in Droitwich Spa and local people are playing a pivotal role in helping to restore them to full working order. This is a unique opportunity to restore something of lasting value for future generations to enjoy. Full restoration will be a climax to the dedicated work carried out by the Trust’s volunteers over the last 30 years.”
In addition to providing a boost for the local economy, the canal restoration will create over 6 hectares of new reed beds and habitat improvements to benefit important species such as otters, birds, water voles and amphibians. There are over 40 structures of heritage importance along the canals, which will be sensitively restored and conserved.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant for £4.6million will be combined with pledged funding of £2million from Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council.
Works will not start on site until 2nd stage approval for £3million is received from Advantage West Midlands (AWM) for the Droitwich Junction Canal. This currently has a 1st stage approval and a decision is expected in December 2004. The AWM funding would secure the creation of a 21-mile ring between Droitwich and Worcester.
DROITWICH JUNCTION CANAL LOCKS OPEN DAY
Droitwich Canals Trust is holding an ‘Open Day’ on the restored lock flight at Hanbury Wharf. Free trips will be available through the top two locks on Sunday, 10th October. There will also be a information stand about the Canals Trust and the Droitwich Canals Restoration Project. The event will last from 11am until 4pm.
In May 2002, the late Tom Mayo, who was on the last boat down the Droitwich Junction Canal, skippered the first boat to navigate the locks nearly 75 years later. The Canals Trust has undertaken to make the locks available for navigation at least once a year until the whole length of the Droitwich Canals are restored. If funding is confirmed, this full restoration should be completed by 2009.
The restoration of the Junction Canal Locks was funded by a grant of £100,000 from the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) using the legacy of Neil Pitts, and involved the restoration of the lock chambers and side ponds, the fitting of new paddle gear and lock gates.
Margaret Rowley, Chairman of Droitwich Canals Trust said “ We hope that people will take advantage of the opportunity to take a trip in one of the boats we will be running and find out more about the canal restoration project. The Open Day was very popular last year, and this year we also have the trip boat Pamela May available which can take people in wheel chairs down the locks.”
The Hanbury locks are of particular historic interest as they exhibit the operation of a sophisticated water conservation system that was developed towards the end of the Canal Age. The restoration has retained the historic features, providing replica fittings where the originals have been lost, and maintained a high standard of heritage brickwork.
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