A few more canal scenes

[Stan Hesketh]

As we continue on our travels to the Midlands, I have included a few more shots. The"Anchor" pub is on the Srophire Union canal and is virtually unchanged over the centuries. The beer is still served in jugs

The rock cuttings amaze me in that they were done a couple of centuries ago using manual labour (as were all of the canal structures.)

The dry canal picture is an example of the voluntary work on the Montgomery canal, and shows more modern techniques to reline the canal. These volunteers do an amazing job, and little is published about the hard work that they do around the country.

 

[Pete Askew]

Superb set there Stan. Love the high arch and the dead-end. What is the paved area? A relief channel of some sorts?

 

[Dave Moss]

Great shots Stan Pete the channel is new section of canal

 

[Stan Hesketh]

Yes that is how they are lining the canals now, using a membrane then concrete blocks. I assume that concrete will wear better since the motor boats are a lot harder on the lining than the old horse drawn boats of yesteryear.

 

[Pete Askew]

I see. Will they build the right hand bank up further then? It looks so much lower.

 

[Stan Hesketh]

What they have done on other canals is to build that side up with clay, then plant some sort of weed into it which is seemingly very resistant to the wash from motor boats. This also allows creatures such as Water Voles to enter and exit the water; a problem on some canals where iron piling has been used. I understand that English Nature are involved with all restoration work, and ensure that such measures are put into place.

 

[Pete Askew]

Got you I think. So the left hand side is for wildlife and the righthand side has the towpath?

 

[Glenn Clabo]

You guys are giving me a real geography lesson. There is so much to learn...see...and enjoy. The first shot does it for me.

 

[Stan Hesketh]

Yes, that is pretty much how the restoration work is being done.

Top photo shows a little more work on "dry" section, and bottom photo a watered stretch (though not open to boats yet.)

 

[Beth Anthony]

really interesting shots, love the unfinished canal project. that's something we don't see everyday in america.

 

[Pete Askew]

Thanks Stan.