The fourth Canal History Workshop was held on 9th November, 2002, in the Pumphouse. The restoration work was well received, attracting much interest from those present. Eric Foakes’s faithful representation of a boatman’s cabin fitment came in for special praise.

After a reception and coffee Ray Shill introduced the first speaker, Chris Jones. Chris is a regular attended at the workshops and it was nice to share his particular interest which is “ Number One Boatman on the Oxford Canal” and he certainly knows his subject. From his research Chris has been able to unearth many fascinating details. He explained that the term Number One did not necessarily refer to an owner-boatman: he worked for himself but his boat could also be hired. However he was a carrier whose boat could be relied on to give a first class service. A Number One had the opportunity to earn more than he would if working foe a carrying company and his earnings could be amongst the highest on the canal. However, independence had its price: the trade was controlled by the Oxford Canal wharfinger in the city who acted as traffic manager and was someone on whose right side it was prudent to stay. Chris showed some very interesting slides, including one of Braunston Wharf in 1907. Perhaps we can look forward to another talk from Chris who we felt had many more interesting things to say on his subject.

The next speaker, Mike Hodder from the Birmingham City Archaeological Unit, looked at the cost that regeneration can sometimes bring. He drew attention to the number of canal side buildings that have been lost in recent years. These buildings, the factories, foundries and chemical works which are part of the industrial heritage of the BCN and which were once so much in evidence are now fast disappearing. Mike wants to see this policy of demolition reversed whilst there is still time to preserve at least some of the real character of an industrial canal.

After lunch Jim Andrew, Collections Manager of the Birmingham Thinktank, described how, in its early days, the BCN made arrangements to provide and secure the water supply so vital to its existence. As he explained, this could be a costly business for the company

The last talk was given by Ray Shill who took us through the complex subject of mine pumping into the canals. Finally Ray was presented with the BCN Society Conservation Trophy in well deserved recognition of his work on the history of the canal and its importance to an industrial society.

About twenty came along to enjoy what was a most useful programme of talks and the questions showed the interest that was generated. The Pumphouse made a suitable venue in which to hold the Workshop and the kitchen facilities were used to serve everyone with a cold lunch.

Martin O’Keeffe closed the day by thanking the speakers and all who attended. It was agreed that the Canal History Workshops are a useful means of furthering research and that a similar event should be held in 2003. The provisional suggestion that the venue should be the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum was agreed. The date will be Saturday 8th November, 2003. Further details will appear in later editions of Boundary Post.