Reminiscence days at Ellesmere Forge

The Canal & River Trust is looking for people to share their memories, stories and old photographs relating to the former British Waterways Ellesmere canal yard as part of the Shropshire Union Canal Society’s Ellesmere Boat Rally which starts today (Friday 7, Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September 2012). 

The canal yard is undergoing a number of improvements including work to restore the old blacksmith’s forge to its former glory, thanks to a £36,850 grant from Shropshire Council’s Rural Challenge Fund as part of the Market Towns Revitalisation Programme. 

The newly-refurbished forge will be up and running during the boat rally, which can be accessed by boat from Ellesmere Wharf on the Saturday and Sunday. 

John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member, said:

“It’s great to hear that the forge is now ready to be lit once more.  I’m sure it’ll be a huge success and draw in many more people to the town’s historic canal yard.” 

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Councillor for Ellesmere Urban, said:

“This project is so exciting. The wharf area is coming alive at last, and the Waterways Yard is a vital part of the regeneration.  Ellesmere is situated on the busiest part of the canal network, and benefits from many visitors.  The boat rally is a brilliant annual event, opening the waterways yard to visitors will be a real bonus for the community and our many visitors.” 

Sarah Lalieu, Enterprise Manager at Canal & River Trust, added:

“We welcome people to come and visit us over the weekend.  The forge will be lit between 11am and 3pm as part of the Ellesmere Festival.” 

If people wishing to share their memories and photographs cannot come along, they are asked to contact Sue Harman on 01691 623917. 

Further information 

Keeping people, nature and history connected, the Canal & River Trust (www.canalrivertrust.org.uk) is the guardian of 2,000 miles of canal and river across England and Wales.  The Trust has taken over from British Waterways and The Waterways Trust in England and Wales to become the guardian of the nation’s third largest collection of listed structures as well hundreds of important wildlife habitats.  

By giving people a greater role in the running of their local waterways, the Canal & River Trust marks the next exciting chapter in the long history of the nation’s former industrial waterways.  The move is the single largest transfer of a public body into the charitable sector, and is underpinned by a guaranteed 15-year funding contract with the Government.