Training day in historic boat handling
EVER fancied steering a pair of historic working boats but thought you would never have the chance?
An opportunity has now arisen thanks to a ‘proving run and skills training day’ on Atlas and Malus, two 1930s working boats owned jointly by the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society and the Coombeswood Trust.
Participants should be members of the society or the trust.
The idea was put forward by BCNS member Ivor Chambers who has spent many hours helping to repair and restore the two boats.
BCNS secretary Michael Smith-Keary said: “We wish to encourage more people to use the boats so that they can be enjoyed out on the system. Also so that some volunteers may wish to go on to become crew members on future trips including the D of E fourday residential trips.”
The aim of the day, on Saturday, April 16, is to give up to eight people, four on each boat, the opportunity to steer a pair of boats and be involved in various manoeuvres.
The run will be from Hawne Basin to Windmill End, through Netherton Tunnel to Dudley Port junction where the boats will wind for the return journey. Starting at 10am at Hawne Basin, the boats will be returning by 4pm.
The event is not suitable for the novice and those interested should contact Ivor on 07811 630325.