Local people interested in the Montgomery Canal are being invited to the AGM of the Friends of the Montgomery Canal later this month.
The meeting, taking place on 24 February at the Powysland Museum will start at 3pm.
The formal business will be followed by an update on the Restore the Montgomery Canal appeal and plans for the last bridge blocking the canal in Shropshire.
Entertainment will be supplied through the afternoon by local canal ‘shanty’ group, the Shropshire Boatmen, whose performances are regularly enjoyed around the area.
Refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to look at the many canal artefacts in the museum.
Christine Palin, Chairman of the Friends of the Montgomery Canal said, “There is a greater momentum than ever behind the restoration of the Montgomery Canal. With a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund volunteers are working to rewater a section of derelict canal to Crickheath, there are plans to rebuild the last blocked bridge in Shropshire and planning is under way to tackle further blockages in Powys.
“Locally in Welshpool is an active adoption group affectionately known as TRAMPS – more formally the Thursday Restoration And Maintenance Project Supporters – who working with Canal & River Trust have put in 4,000 hours to keep the canal clean, tidy and in good condition.
“With no less than three opportunities for boat trips, on the Heulwen Trust boats at Welshpool, at Llanymynech, and behind Cracker the horse at Maesbury, there are already many ways that people can enjoy themselves on the canal. Further restoration will bring opportunities for farms and others along the canal to attract visitors who come by boat or just use the towpath.
“Our meeting will also hear about plans for this year’s Montgomery Canal Triathlon on 19th May. We expect about 200 people to come, some from far away, to cycle, hike and canoe along the canal. We are already receiving entries for this popular event, and we shall be calling on many members and their friends to act as stewards and marshalls to maintain its friendly reputation.
“With all that’s going on, and the performances by the Shropshire Boatman, this will probably be the most exciting Annual General Meeting we have had!”
All will be welcome to the meeting, but only members of the Friends of the Montgomery Canal will be able to vote – including those who sign up on the day.
The Powysland Museum is situated in the canal yard just off Severn Street, Welshpool, SY21 7AQ. There is no parking at the museum.
Photo: The annual canal triathlon.
