A lasting legacy from Notts & Derby branch stalwart
TRIBUTES have been paid to Nancy Johnson, a former chairperson of the Inland Waterways Association Notts & Derby branch, who passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, aged 82.
Nancy, who lived in Cotgrave, was chairperson for more than 17 years in the late 1980s onwards and during this time was responsible for fundraising and hands-on involvement in many local river and canal restoration projects.
Initiatives spearheaded by Nancy included raising £26,000 in 1996 to build a footbridge over the water overflow on the Nottingham Canal near The Navigation Inn on Wilford Street in Nottingham. She was also involved in several projects on the Grantham Canal which included the restoration of locks in Cotgrave Country Park as well as replacing missing milestone markers.
Commenting on her legacy, David Johnson, Nancy’s husband of 65 years and also a former IWA committee member, said: “I have always been extremely proud of the way Nancy thrived and grew in confidence in her role as chairperson.
“It is very apt that her fundraising efforts will leave a lasting legacy for other boaters and users to enjoy on the Notts & Derby canal and river network. We thoroughly enjoyed our boating expeditions, the many friendships we developed and the memories these have created.”
Nancy died of pulmonary fibrosis and was treated in the Nottingham City Hospital by doctors and nurses on Edward 2 & Fleming Ward. The funeral was on Thursday, November 18. The family chose to raise money for Nottingham Hospitals Charity which supports staff education and welfare, research, patient facilities and new buildings, refurbishment and new equipment.