Huddlesford Junction Canal Boat Gathering this weekend boat
The Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust is holding a gathering at Huddlesford Junction this weekend. Granny Buttons, now at Streethay Wharf, will be there. I don't know many people in the 'L&H', but chairman Eric Wood has been so kind and friendly in the past - most recently just a couple of weeks ago at Horninglow, when he was the power behind the Greyhound Boat Club annual gathering.
Although it's a bash organised by the L&H, this weekend's gathering is also part of Celebr18th, a long and gaudy weekend of festivities throughout South Staffordshire, highlighting how the 18th Century in this part of England helped to shape and mould and influence the Industrial Revolution, and indeed the world.
Local MP Michael Fabricant will unveil a new 'finger post' at Huddlesford Junction, pointing towards its sister Junction, Ogley, the 'other end' of the Lichfield Canal. It's fifty years since this stretch of canal closed, but it's on its way to reopening - hopefully not too many years away. Currently Ogley is two days cruising away - 34 miles and 36 locks. But this is the long way round. When the restoration is complete, Ogley will still be a bracing exercise of 30 locks, but achievable in seven miles and one day.
About this weekend's boat gathering, says the Trust's site:
Moorings will be available on the towpath side of the Coventry Canal on both sides of the junction. Boat entry costs £10.00 which includes a commemorative plaque.
Oh no, not again! It was only a fortnight ago, at Horninglow, that Eric Wood stung me for another tenner! Still, I guess it was in a good cause.
Incidentally, the splendidly Viking-haired Michael Fabricant MP lists 'canal boating' amongst his interests. I'll take the opportunity this weekend of finding out if he should take his place on my celebrity boaters list. Possibly not, if this unfortunate image from his website is any guide!
