The Northern Canal Association’s (NCA) Autumn meeting for 2024 was hosted by the Society and took place in Llanymynech village hall. Headed ‘The Montgomery Canal, Bridging the Gap – Past, Present and Future’, the event was well attended with forty plus delegates present.
Introductions were made by Ivan Cane (NCA) and David Carter (SUCS). During the morning, Michael Limbrey (MWRT) gave a history of the restoration, David Carter presented ‘Where are we Now’ and John Dodwell, chair of the Montgomery Canal Partnership, followed with ‘Working Together’, a presentation on plans for Williams Bridge and Walls Bridge.
Following the above, delegates were taken on a tour of the Montgomery Canal.
The ‘Past’ was illustrated by looking at the section at Carreghofa that was restored in the 1980s. Delegates saw the junction of the former Ellesmere Canal Llanymynech Branch and the Montgomeryshire Eastern Branch Canal, with its wharfinger’s house, toll house, and two working locks (including the unique George W. Buck’s idiosyncratic sliding ground paddles). The role of the Tanat feeder was also explained.
More recent works then came under the scrutiny. Schoolhouse Bridge, with the associated channel-side works for the nearby houses, greatly impressed the visitors. As a complete contrast, the restored tramway wharf at Crickheath emphasised the need for co-operation with other like-minded groups, much of the work here being in conjunction with the Dry-Stone Walling Association.
The ‘Present’ was represented by a visit to the restoration work party at Crickheath where both channel lining and blocking work and installation of rip-rap and soil on the upper banks was taking place. This section of the visit allowed the delegates to both see the methodology of using a Terraseal lining material and to discuss with the volunteers themselves, the practicalities of the installation process.
volunteers (photo: I Cane)
The ‘Future’ was represented by two adjacent locations. First, plans were explained for the new Williams Bridge (96) which was dropped by the local authority in the 1980s despite the restoration at Carreghofa at the time. Here, a vertical lift bridge is to be installed under the Levelling Up Funding. Finally, the more able delegates clambered down the wonky steps to view the soon-to-be restored Vyrnwy Aqueduct.
Back in the hall, a display of Terraseal, a lining product which is suitable for many applications including canals, was hosted by Michael Aerts who later gave a talk on its properties. This allowed an opportunity for the various restoration groups to discuss their individual waterway problems.
Updates were then given on the Weeping Cross Fund grants, North Walsham & Dilham Canal, Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, River Stour, Lancaster Canal Trust, Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society and the Middle Level.
The day ended with thanks and closing remarks from David Carter and Ivan Cane.
Many thanks go to Christine Palin, Amby Hitchcox and Carrie Higson (Friends of the Montgomery Canal) and Thelma Fulda (SUCS) for their invaluable help throughout the day in providing tea and coffee and assisting with the buffet.
