Hard work paying off

Jan 30 2008 By Emma Cullwick

VOLUNTEERS who spent years tirelessly restoring an historic canal through the Midlands have gathered to see new work being carried out.

The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal Society was formed in 1956 by dedicated volunteers after the southern section of the canal running from Lapworth, near Solihull, to Stratford nearly closed.

The campaign proved a success and, with the help of the National Trust, the section of the canal was restored and re-opened by the Queen Mother in 1964.

The campaign's success gave fresh impetus to many other restoration schemes and was credited for boosting interest in the use of canals for pleasure cruising.

Yesterday, some of those originally involved in the restoration met up with British Waterways staff to view the canal at Wilmcote Locks, which have been drained for repair work to be carried out.

Clive Henderson, secretary of the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal Society, said: "This was a rare opportunity for us to be able to view our original work and see how methods of repair and maintenance are moving on in the 21st century.

"Since the society was formed we have maintained a watch over the entire canal running from Kings Norton right through to Stratford.

"We are always keen to help, both practically and financially, with many different projects, from basic hedge trimming to weir building and other constructional works," Mr Henderson added.

FACTFILE

* The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal runs for 25 miles from Kings Norton, in south Birmingham, to the River Avon in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire;

* The canal has 54 locks and takes a boat two or three days to navigate. ..SUPL: