A group of science and engineering enthusiasts gathered on the towpath of Lichfield Canal to learn about the challenges faced by volunteers restoring the canal.
Guiding 60 members of the Lichfield Science and Engineering Society, Peter Buck, chief engineer of Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, and Bob Williams, Trust finance director, explained the recent progress of the ambitious project to bring the seven-mile waterway back to life. The group joined the Heritage Towpath Trail at Tamworth Road where they saw the recently completed section between the narrows and the road which has now started to fill with water. Having learned about the different materials the Trust had tested to waterproof the canal, including concrete, clay and a fabric lining, the science and engineering enthusiasts moved on to Gallows Wharf, the site of the last hangings to take place in Lichfield.
Finishing the tour at Birmingham Road, the society members were told of one of the
Trust’s greatest challenges, to build a tunnel under the Cross-City railway line at the
same time as a tunnel is constructed to take the extension to the Lichfield Southern
Bypass.
The visitors boosted the £1million David Suchet Tunnel Vision appeal with a contribution
of £383 and Alan Hooper, visits secretary of Lichfield Science and Engineering Society,
said: “When I initially advised the Society of the proposed visit, I was immediately
overwhelmed with interest.
“The response from the membership demonstrates the great respect and interest that
the local population hold of the restoration project.”
