Journey into history of canals

CANAL-LOVERS were given an expert insight into the waterways systems dating back hundreds of years around Burton and South Derbyshire at a free informative event.

Intrigued families were invited to an informative session on Sunday, November 4, organised by the Canal and River Trusts ‘explorers’ education programme.

The event was aimed at teaching children about canal systems near them and how they can be enjoyed safely.

Families were able to learn how canal systems push water up hills and work horses could be moved from one side to another.

The day included models being used to show different types of bridges, along with a guided walk to a lock.

Sarah Bicknell, education co-ordinator for the Canal and River Trust, said: “Two hundred years ago those that built the canals will have been faced with some interesting challenges and without the computer wizardry we have today, it was up to ingenious engineers to come up with ways around them.

“With more and more people using canals as places to de-stress and keep active, and more boats on the water than at the height of the industrial revolution, it shows that their ideas have really stood the test of time.”

Anybody interested in finding out more can do so by emailing sarah. bicknell@canalrivertrust.org.uk.