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 …
Birmingham Heritage Week – canal walks
Discover Birmingham’s Waterway Wonders Meet outside the Round House, canal side, by the Fiddle and Bone public house, Sheepcote Street B16 8EB, at 11:00 on 13, 15 and 17 September. Visitors to the canal side will be offered guided walking tours from the Round House. Expert volunteers (from the BCNS) will help people to enjoy the historic fabric and features …
The Big BCN Cleanup
This years BCN clean up will see us return to an area not visited for many years, based at Ocker Hill on the Walsall Canal the teams of Volunteers will clean the lower Walsall, Tame Valley Canals and Ryders Green Locks. Day Volunteers can sign on at Ocker Hill Depot from 10am, or at the Malthouse Stables in Tipton at …