The ‘Oss and the narrowboat
Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration volunteers have done it again! As the Trust’s contribution to Lichfield in Bloom, for which judging was on Wednesday, 17 July, the multi talented volunteers designed and created a half scale brick narrow boat seemingly towed by a steel plate horse: they are changing the skyline at the entry to Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve and Wetlands at Falkland Road. The boat is bedecked with colourful flowers and heathers and the ambitious project was completed as darkness fell on 16 July. It certainly impressed the Judges for Heart of England in Bloom, though we all have to wait to hear whether they award a third Gold to Lichfield! Of course, LHCRT’s contribution is just one of several, and the judges had an action packed day visiting all locations.
Not only is it already a talking point for passersby but the horse is so realistic, even in 2D, that it has spooked a number of dogs not all of whose owners succeeded in coaxing them to inspect the inanimate metal at close quarters! The Trust hopes that with this very visible landmark more people will come and visit Fosseway Heath and watch as it develops to become an important conservation and biodiversity site as the Trust continues to create the wetlands and to restore a vital stepping stone of rare lowland heathland.
The 1/2 scale narrowboat Fosseway Queen and the 'hoss was designed and built by Peter Buck with steelwork by Steve Webster and brickwork by Rick Walters assisted by various helpers. The name 'Fosseway Queen' is a nod to our recent Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.
The project was partly funded with a donation of £1,000 from IWA Lichfield towards the building of the 'Oss and Stone Narrowboat. This was a generous legacy from the late Peter Chandler, who was a past Chairman of IWA Lichfield but also one of the early members of LHCRT. Peter designed the LHCRT's logo which is still being used today. The stone narrowboat will display a plaque in Peter's memory. The cheque was presented by Phil Sharpe at a garden party for volunteers on July 20th.
We have won the Support Staffs Star Award for volunteering support for young people. We were represented at a special award ceremony in the George Hotel on 17th July by our Chairperson Christine Bull and Communications Director Christine Howles.
Christine Bull said "Another well deserved recognition of the dedication and commitment of our volunteers. I must also point out that it was Christine Howles who took the initiative and time to nominate the Trust and who then did the admin and organising re our attendance at the do last night - another example of how she quitely and efficiently promotes us."
