Sunny weekend attracts crowds to Newark Town Lock

HUNDREDS of people took advantage of the fine weather to enjoy the Canal & River Trust’s two-day open event giving visitors the opportunity to descend into the depths of the huge Town Lock at Newark-on-Trent.

The lock had been drained for a 10-week project to install new gates. Temporary stairways and a viewing platform were provided for a one-way system in and out of the lock – a rare opportunity on a structure of this size.

Built in 1952 the lock replaced a smaller version, built in 1773, establishing Newark as an important inland port.

The major project is expected to cost £334,000 of which £150,000 is for the gates alone. They have been made out of British oak at CRT’s Stanley Ferry workshops near Wakefield and are expected to last up to 30 years.

Visitors also had the opportunity to go down into the covered dry dock – the largest inland dry dock in the country – and examine a CRT workboat out of the water for maintenance.

Another popular attraction above the lock was the heritage Trent Barge Leicester Trader which is now a floating museum.

Built in 1953 at Thorne the barge survives in almost original form thanks to local preservationist Les Reid who bought the vessel and restored it with the help of local enthusiasts.

Since 2008 Les has spent hours creating a floating museum inside the barge which is open to the public opposite Newark Castle at weekends throughout the summer.

Apart from historical exhibits of interest to adults the barge also provided entertainment for younger visitors with a rope and pulley system.

Visitors on the viewing platform at the bottom of the lock.

Inside the Newark Town Lock.

Les Reid, an authority on historic Trent transport with one of the exhibits.

Visitors inside the Leicester Trader.

Inside the huge dry dock.

A steel barrier holding back the water.

Children enjoying pulleys on the Leicester Trader.