The February meeting of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal Society was an informative and amusing talk by Andrew Stumpf, the regeneration manager for British Waterways.
He began by telling us that any canal restoration will probably take 30 to 40 years. He informed us that 200 miles of canal have been restored over the last five years, regenerating 27 towns and cities and creating 20,000 jobs.
He mentioned the Wych Barge the money for which was provided by The People's Millions' lottery fund and was voted for by TV viewers. This historical boat will be erected in Vines Park, Droitwich Spa.
He told us that the Droitwich Canal should be open from Hanbury Wharf to the River Severn by 2008.
Mr Stumpf talked at length about progress made on the Cotswold Canal which will run from Saul Junction on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal to the River Thames at Lechlade.
He also told us about the restoration of the Bedford & Milton Keynes Canal, a project in its early stages.
Our next meeting will be next Tuesday at 8pm at The Boat & Railway, Stoke Works, Bromsgrove, and will be an illustrated talk by canal enthusiast Roy Kenn. He will be talking about the building of his 'Les Allen' narrow boat and will be showing slides of his travels. All visitors and new members will be welcome.
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