Old crane was given a new lease of life by enthusiasts
PART of Burton’s canal side history was removed in October 1977 so that it could live on for future generations.
The old crane at Horninglow Bason was removed one Saturday by waterways enthusiasts and loaded on to an open narrow boat for a short trip up the Trent and Mersey Canal to Fradley.
The intention was to restore and re-site the crane so that future generations could witness early innovations on the waterway.
The dismantling operation was carried out by members of the Trent and Mersey Canal Society and the Waterways Association’s Waterways Recovery Group.
A small group of enthusiasts from the groups gathered on the site of the former salt warehouse early one Saturday and set dismantling the crane.
The crane is thought to have been beside the canal at Burton since the canal’s birth and it certainly served the old salt warehouse which had only recently been demolished because of the poor condition of the structure.
Enthusiasts were thrilled with the condition of the crane which had stood the test of time. Aside from a slightly bent jib, all the crane needed was a stiff wire brush and some new paint.
The workers did notice however that the winding handle and hook were missing from the crane – it was hoped that another waterway enthusiast had taken these for safe keeping – they just didn’t know who and appealed for their safe return.
The main problem in preparing the crane for its boat trip was loading it into the open narrow boat – a job ideally suited for the crane which was being removed.
It was estimated the crane weighed around four tons and with far from ideal equipment, the structure was eventually safely loaded.
The exact history of the crane was sketchy but we do know it was made by J Slee and Co in Earlestown, Lancashire. The crane had a lifting capacity of 15 hundredweights – around 762kg in metric.
The last time it was used was probably when the old salt warehouse had been used by a Birmingham-based boat building company.
The enthusiasts believed the bent job was probably of a later period than the rest of the structure.
Visitors to Fradley may well recall seeing a canal side crane which is often photographed and turned into fridge magnets and gifts. Just remember this crane started life at Horninglow Basin.
Bird Dog
Start in a box position with your knees and hands at hip – and shoulder – width apart. Inhale as you lift opposite arm to opposite leg, creating a long straight line from fingertip to toe. Exhale and engage your core as you bring your hand in to touch your knee.
Do all of the repetitions on the same side before switching. If you’re struggling with pelvic girdle pain or keeping your balance, keep your foot on the ground and slide it along the mat instead.
Side plank twist
Lay on your side with your forearm flat on the floor, bottom elbow lined up under the shoulder, both legs bent, with feet together, and then lift your hips off the floor. Raise your other arm and then bring it down and twist it under your body. If you notice any doming in your core, make sure you’re bending both knees, and exhaling to engage your core as you twist gently. Repeat on the other side. Always check with your own doctor and midwife if you have any concerns about your health and before making any big changes to your exercise routine.