Campaign gathering at Chester
CHESTER will celebrate the beginning of the Chester Canal by Act of Parliament 250 years ago in 1772 with a campaign gathering of boats.
The Chester & Merseyside Branch is organising an event based in the centre of Chester around Tower Wharf on July 29-31.
It is planning for 50 canal boats to make the journey across the canal network along the Shropshire Union Canal from towns such as Ellesmere Port, Middlewich, Nantwich and possibly as far as the Potteries and Manchester.
The event, open to the public, will highlight the continuing closure of the Dee Branch. The Dee Branch, giving access for vessels to the tidal River Dee and the sea, has been closed to navigation for 10 years.
There will be trade stalls and boats, along with a barbecue stand, ice cream and musical entertainment. Several canal societies will have exhibitions with experts on hand to answer questions. Plus there are plans for a special event for children.
To book contact geoff.gittus@ waterways.org.uk