"More miles of Canal than Venice"

Hidden away, amongst reports on the harmonisation of cucumber girth and the standardisation of water retention orifices in artificial bath sponges, in the latest European Commission promulgation document lies a report on European Waterways. Despite a lot of lobbying from the Venetian Authorities, Birmingham has been officially recognised as "European City of Canals".

Officials from the EU sponsored joint Franco-German Water Studies Department of l'eau und Oder have definitively measured the canal systems of every European city with a population exceeding 473,000 and have concluded what Brummies have long boasted.

The physical effects of this change have started to become apparent as our cover photo shows. The first of a fleet of several hundred "gondola-like-craft" has been conducting trials around central Birmingham and our city correspondent, Eric Foakes, observed the launch of the boat at Icknield Port BW Wharf and managed to take some photos. If successful it will be followed by real gondolas, motorscafi and vaporetti

Writing this on a lovely Spring-like April 1st, I can look forward to a Brum summer brightened by a touch of Italian exotica……… Oh, hang on, the phone's ringing again.

What's that, Eric? Oh, it's really a replica Royal Shallop called "Jubilant" and, although it's usually rowed by oarsmen, on this occasion it was fitted with an outboard and was travelling at some speed along the main line. And the people on board seemed a bit sheepish when they saw you? Watch this space!

Y is for York's Bridge

The penultimate episode in our long running A - Z of the BCN by Edward Paget Tomlinson takes us to the Wyrley & Essington Canal on the northern reaches of the system. In this issue we explore the area around the bridge and Pelsall Common with Ray Shill.

Titford Pumphouse Rally

An enjoyable weekend is promised in June when we hold our second Titford Pumphouse Rally. It's held for everyone, not just boaters and we hope to see you there.

Graham Turner …. 1943 - 2003

It is always sad to report the death of a Society member. Graham was one of the stalwarts of the BCNS during the seventies and eighties and it is largely due to his dedication and effort that we can still enjoy the Crow and the Titford Canal today. Eric & Betty Foakes represented the BCNS at the crematorium service on Friday 21st February 2003. They left some flowers from the BCNS.