Major boat lift event still on the horizon

ORGANISERS are pressing ahead with plans to hold a major gathering on the Weaver in aid of canal restoration.

The Restoration Showcase and Rally will take place over the weekend of August 22-23 at the Anderton Boat Lift, when it is hoped the waterways world will be returning to normal post-coronavirus.

The aim is that boat owners from all across the North West – in a more jubilant frame of mind than currently – will cruise to moor at the lift in Northwich and promote the benefits of canal restoration, as well as celebrate the achievements of the enthusiastic gangs of volunteer ‘navvies’ who toil in all weathers to bring the past to life.

Centred around the unique facilities of the Anderton Boat Lift and focused on board the 1903built steamship Daniel Adamson (‘the Danny’) there will be up to 15 restoration and waterway group displays, with experts on hand to explain the intricacies of their projects.

Vessels will be moored both on the Trent & Mersey Canal and the foot of the lift on the River Weaver and both the extensive facilities of the boatlift and the ‘Danny’ will be open to the public.

Entry to the public will be free both via the normal canal entrance and a footbridge from the country park over the stream at the bottom of the site, which will be installed by then.

Music in the form of jazz and ukulele bands and a folk group will be playing and for those who want to learn more about the importance of restoration projects there will be in-depth presentations by experts.

The economic value of restored waterways is now well-recognised and the organisers, the Canal & River Trust (C&RT) and the Inland Waterways Association (IWA), are also keen to point out that these waterways are both a ‘green’ corridor for wildlife to survive and brilliant peaceful open spaces for the well-being of people.

This will be the second time that the “restoration showcase” has been organised on board ‘the Danny,’ the last one being in the Albert Dock complex in Liverpool last year when some 600 people boarded the vessel despite horrible weather.

The event will be followed by a four-day cruise on the beautiful river organised by the River Weaver Navigation Society, which will include moorings and social events at various hostelries en route.

There is a possibility that the cruise will visit two campaign sites – Frodsham, via Marsh Lock and the River Weaver, for the lock restoration and Runcorn, for their lock restoration project.

For more information on the cruise and to book contact River Weaver Navigation Society Bob. Osborne@hotmail.co.uk or tel. 01606 553433.

Jim Forkin, IWA chairman Chester and Merseyside, said: “It is important that the public can meet with these inspirational volunteers and see at first hand the work done by these brilliant societies to restore so many derelict waterways.

“The economic and social impact is enormous for the communities that they benefit and I would like to thank the CRT and the team on board ‘the Danny’ for all their help.

For more information on the boat gathering please go to the IWA website: https://www. waterways.org.uk/chester/chester_merseyside and to book a place on the moorings go to https://www.waterways.org.uk/chester/pdf/ anderton_boat_gathering_booking_form2020