Open day to discover how to keep a canal working

THE CHANCE TO WALK ON THE BOTTOM OF A DRAINED LOCK

THE Canal & River Trust, the national waterways and wellbeing charity, is inviting the public to step down into the drained Grand Union Canal at Cowley Lock in Uxbridge on Saturday, for a chance to see what it takes to keep the 200-year-old historic canal working.

Visitors will be able to walk along the bottom drained lock, seeing up close one of the finest examples of working heritage in the world.

They’ll be able to inspect the repaired lock gates while learning about how the charity looks after this busy section of canal and challenges it faces.

They will also be able to take part in free fishing taster sessions and have the chance to try canoeing with Sharks Canoe Club.

There will be children’s activities onboard the trust’s boat Jena, which will be moored near the lock.

Additionally, the Arthur Daily trip boat will be offering a water taxi service from the Swan & Bottle pub to the Malt Shovel pub next to Cowley Lock.

Visitors can pre-book, there will also be slots for visitors who turn up on the day.

Charlotte Wood, regional construction manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “We’re delighted that we’re able to hold an open day on this beautiful part of the canal on the outskirts of London, it’s really exciting to be able to show everyone all the hard work that’s gone into these repairs.

“The canal offers an amazing, tranquil space, where everything slows down even in the city centre.

“We know from research that people are happier and more relaxed when they are by water, and the activities the canals support means they can help contribute to improving people’s mental and physical wellbeing.”

It’s important the trust carries out these vital repairs to ensure the canal that goes through London is kept in great working order for everyone who loves and uses it. It’s a busy lock and last year it saw over 2,500 boats travel through it.

The works to the Grand Union Canal in London are being carried out as part of the Canal & River Trust’s £38 million, five-month programme of repairs to England and Wales’ waterways between November 2018 and March 2019.

The Cowley Lock open day is one of 10 free public open days across the country this winter, offering the chance to see a part of the nation’s ‘hidden history’ and some of our most extraordinary waterway locations as you have never done before.

To find out more about the Open Day programme and the events happening near you visit canalrivertrust.org.uk.

To book a boat trip on the Arthur Daily trip boat go to: www.arthurdailytrips.com