NCA members catch up at cottage complex
THE Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust’s new meeting room at Draycott was packed to capacity for the first Northern Canals Association’s meeting following the pandemic.
D&SCT chairman Chris Madge welcomed the association to the newly opened complex at Draycott Cottage by giving a talk outlining the development of the derelict cottages into three cottages for let, meeting rooms and a cafe, all beside the Golden Mile of the canal, which is due to be in full water by the end of the year.
Following inspiring talks by Bobby Cowling on publicity in the digital age and Jonathan Green on the latest Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) advice, the group focused on what many see as the major strength of the NCA’s meeting – chatting, catching up with old friends, comparing restoration practices and putting the waterways world to rights over the splendid lunch provided by the new cafe. This new venture will be fully opened to the public during May.
Ten societies gave updates on their progress, from one of the country’s oldest canals – the Stamford – to the future of one of England’s oldest restoration projects – the Bugsworth Basin. The day was rounded off with a guided walk along the Golden Mile, with an emphasis on the water vole conservation strategy the D&SCT volunteers are having to manage over the coming year.
The NCA’s new chairman, Ivan Cane, stated: “It was so pleasing to hear nothing but happy and positive comments about the event, it was just good to be able to meet up again.”
The Northern Canals Association is an informal meeting place for waterway restoration groups, north of the Lizard, representing 55 societies and trusts across the country at the moment. If you wish to check whether your group is affiliated, or to join up yourself, please contact Ivan at northern.canals2021@btinternet.com
The next meeting is to be held at Chesterfield on Sunday, October 9, 2022.