SIR – A slight correction to Julie Royle’s recent walk.
The canal from Vines Park to the Eagle and Sun, near Hanbury, is the Droitwich Junction Canal. A narrow waterway built in 1854, it was designed and constructed by the Worcester/Birmingham Canal engineers. This was the last canal of the Industrial Revolution and incorporated the latest water-saving side ponds.The newly constructed diverted section is the most modern canal in Britain using 21st century technologies. Only boats with a seven foot beam can use it.
The canal from Droitwich to the Severn is the Droitwich Barge Canal. It opened in 1771 for boats with a 14ft 6in beam. It could transport sailing barges carrying 60 tons, but they added cargo at the Severn at Hawford No 1 Lock.
The heaviest record I have found is ‘Harriet’, with 115 tons of salt for Bristol. The ‘Hastings’ took 90 tons to France in 1886.
Recently disabled by old age, I enjoy reading your walks as they bring back memories of many years rambling in Worcestershire, and I am most grateful to you.
Max Sinclair
Life president, The Droitwich Canals Trust.
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