PULLING STRATFORD BACK TO THE MIDLANDS
Following a review of all their boats The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire decided to give away 13 of their historic boats to Canal Charities. The museum is no longer able to maintain some of its extensive collection of vintage boats and has passed these on to several Societies all over the UK.
Coombeswood Canal Trust in Halesowen, West Midlands were fortunate to be gifted a 22ft iron riveted maintenance boat dating back to the 1930's. It had been discovered during the restoration of the South Stratford Canal back in 1964 sunk and abandoned hence the name
"Stratford”.
To get "Stratford" to Hawne Basin, a team of volunteers from both the Trust and other organisations, are going to move the boat by
bow hauling it all the way from Ellesmere Port to Hawne Basin. This is the brainchild of the Members of the Coomeswood Canal trust.
The journey will see the team undertaking 83 MILES of Waterways and 67 LOCKS
En route funds will be collected for Cancer Research UK and Newborns in Need (a Birmingham based charity that offers support to families of premature babies). Both charities have special meaning and are close to Hawne's heart.
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
https://www.hospitalcharity.org/newbornsinneed
Due to Covid-19 restrictions the original planned move was delayed, but it is now finally happening between 21st to 27th SEPTEMBER 2021. The boat has had some temporary adaptations done for it to be safely bow hauled along the Shropshire Union Canal. A new Rudder and Towing mechanism have been built at Hawne Basin ready for “Stratford”.
The trip will be supported by Narrow Boat Monty acting as the Restaurant Boat, Working Boat Triumph will provide sleeping accommodation plus 2 more boats and crew from Coombeswood Canal Trust offering support and encouragement on the journey.
Monday
Getting ready, set up, Fitting of Rudder and Towing Mechanism.
Tuesday
Ellesmere Port to Christleton - 12 miles 8 locks.
Wednesday
Christleton to Barbridge - 12 miles 6 locks.
Thursday
Barbridge to Adderley - 12 miles 17 locks.
Friday
Adderley to Norbury junction - 15 miles 10 locks.
Saturday
Norbury junction to Wolverhampton boat club - 14 miles 1 lock.
Sunday
Wolverhampton Boat Club to Tipton - 10 miles 22 locks.
Monday
Tipton to Hawne basin 8 miles 3 locks.
Total 83 miles 67 locks
Please show support for the volunteers and donate to these very special charities
