There had been some thoroughly unpleasant incidents with vandals coming under Tat Bank bridge, crossing the canal on the bridging pontoon and vandalising some of the boats moored there. It became apparent that the end of the fence blocking the access under the bridge had been removed. A work party moved the pontoon that provided the access to the moorings, …
The Young and Old Mavericks at the Pump House
As a pre-empt to the Boonyeds Tour later in the year Billy Spake Mon and Bren Hawthorne will return to the Titford Pump House, Langley on Saturday April 22 to host the first evening of the year in collaboration with BCN Society. They will showcase young and more mature performers from the Maverick acoustic night including James Broadfoot and John …
Work party success
On a stunningly successful work party in November, 12 volunteers filled Crowe and Phoenix from only three bridge holes. The job was far from finished – so they had another go. (Due to a communications glitch – this was originally posted as a workparty on Jan 19th – there is not one then) e.
Progress restoring the Dudley No 2
In 2016 Lapal Canal Trust made some big strides towards restoring the Dudley No 2 canal. There was substantial excavation of Harborne Wharf by Careys, a WRG work camp to restore the canal wall. (There is another WRG camp starting on 29 July – see the Diary or the WRG website.) The ground was laser scanned, so that they can take sections to help …
Oil under Dudley
A little while ago I was asked about oil under Dudley, following an item in the Daily Mail. The item bears a striking resemblance to an item by Cap’n Ahab I contacted Charles Legge, who recognised that he had been had – and said that he would publish a correction. Has anyone seen it?
The Coal Man
“The Coal Man” – an artwork by local artist Luke Perry, funded by a generous donation from the estate of our late friend Marie Smith, has been installed and opened up by Titford Pools, where it can also be seen from the Wolverhampton Road. Pictures to follow
New BCNS Website
We have transferred our website to a new provider. If you find any broken links, could you let us know. Many thanks.
“Stolen” mud hopper found
Hereford and Gloucester canal society’s hopper “Tow” – an ex River class butty converted in to a mud skip, had rested for a few years on Icknield Port Loop. They had an offer to lift it out of the water at Alvechurch – but when they went to collect it, it wasn’t there! It was found at the top of …
Tipton Festival
As with every year, the Tipton Festival was great fun. When a vibrant community festival meets the canal, there is a good time to be had – especially when the sun shines all weekend. Music, glamour and boats – Phoenix as band and trip boat. Atlas and Malus, Scorpio and many other working boats. Particularly …
Booking for BCNS End of Season rally at Titford opens
Booking for our end of season rally has now opened. (We are having an end of season rally at Titford Pumphouse, rather than a bonfire rally.) Real ale, live music and food – a good weekend out. The Society AGM will be on the Friday evening. If you are coming by boat, you will need an entry form, that you …