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As I start my third year as editor I am considering the year ahead as being one of challenge on the Waterways. I'm looking forward to the Northern BCN Event in May and hope to see many of you there.
This edition of BP has attracted quite a variety of subjects, from the Stewarts & Lloyds ongoing saga to a refreshing item about life in a lock keepers cottage at Perry Barr, sadly no longer there. GWR 19 writen by Francis, along with the photo from 1958 by Alan Smith is particulary interesting to discover that this boat still survives & will do under the protection of the Black Country Living Museum.
I'm sure many of you will remember Titford Pumphouse in the same condition as shown on the photo on page 10. As Martin says "...its not just about getting it listed, it is about finding uses for them too". I just wish BCNS could do the same for many other interesting buildings out there on the BCN that they did for this but, money, time and ideas are not easy to find. There are several heritage buildings at risk all around the system, Tipton Gauging Station, 34, Belmont Row, Langley Maltings, Monmore Green interchange and of course Netherton Tunnel to name but a few.
Where do we go from here? We can all make a difference by writing to the local Council or your MP with your concerns. By just going to this site & adding your name may help.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/SaveOurWaterways/
Thanks to all who contributed to BP this time I look forward to lots more.
Happy New Year to you all.
Brenda