Birmingham Canal Navigations Society, the BCNS

Chairman's's Notes

Icknield Port Loop

This vital part of our waterways heritage is currently the subject of development and the BCN Society, together with the IWA and the Residential Boat Owners' Association has been invited to comment on the Strategy Report for the development of the waterspace around the Loop We are concerned that the canal heritage of the area is safeguarded and see the regeneration of the area as an opportunity to develop canal related features based around the BW yard. Further meetings are planned and I will keep you updated with what is happening. In the meantime if any member has particular concerns and comments about the Icknield Port Loop regeneration, please let me know so that I can pass them on.

Netherton Tunnel

As I mentioned in the last Boundary Post a working group has been set up to explore ways of commmemorating next year's 150th anniversary of the Tunnel's opening in 1858. It has also been noted that in that year the BCN was extremely busy and various other schemes in the same area came to fruition including the opening up of Brewin's Tunnel, the building of the Two Locks Line and the rebuilding of the Delph Locks. It is planned to celerbrate these event too. If you would like to get involved with the organisation of this important event please get in touch.

Monthly Social Meetings

I am writing this after returning from a brilliant talk on the River Servern given by our old friend and stalwart BCN supporter, Graham Fisher MBE, Chairman of the Staffordshire & Worcestershirw Canal Society. Graham entertained us with his depth of knowledge and enthusiasm about his subject, giving us a full account of the history and geography of the Severn as well a nostalgic review of what has been lost and his keenly held beliefs about the future rolwe of the river. Our programme of Social Meetings is first class this year and I urge you to come and support our speakers. In April we have one of this country's authorities on the development of early steam engines, David Hulse, who will entertain us with his erudition and enthusiasm for his subject. He is particularly pleased to be speaking in our Pumphouse where he will certainly feel close to his subject! Please come along and support our speakers

Council News

I am delighted to welcome Julie Tonkin to the BCNS Council. Julie entranced a Social meeting last year with her skill and knowledge of canal art and artistry and wil be a most valuable addition to the Council.

Best Wishes....Phil.