By the late 1950's traffic had virtually ceased on the Caldon Canal and in 1960 a closure notice was displayed at Etruria. Not wishing to see the canal closed, a number of enthusiasts got together and in 1963 the Caldon Committee (forerunner to the Caldon Canal Society, later the Caldon & 'ttoxeter Canals Trust) was inaugurated with a view to saving the Canal.

The Caldon Canal was classed as a remainder waterway in 1968. This meant that British Waterways were not bound to maintain the canal to a navigable standard but it would not be closed. Eventually an agreement was reached between Stafford County Council, Stoke on Trent City Council and British Waterways Board to restore the canal.

Thus in 1974 the Caldon Canal was reopened at a cost of £100,000. Following the reopening of the Canal in 1974, the Caldon Society's aim was to have the Caldon upgraded to cruising status and this was finally achieved in 1983.

During these years the Society had been active not only in its campaigning but with its volunteers who cleared obstructions, vegetation and removed debris from the canal. The Society even installed a tap at the Boat Inn for canal users. In 1983 a milestone sponsorship was formed and a number of cast iron mileposts were restored as a result.

Today the Society has many aims. It is hoped the redundant Foxley and Norton Arms can be reinstated. A feasibility study has recently reported on the possibility of returning the canal to Leek. Most significantly, the Trust is investigating the feasibility of restoring the Uttoxeter Canal from Froghall through the magnificent Churnet Valley, all the way to Uttoxeter.

Members of the Society meet regularly with other Canal user groups, the IWA, British Waterways and Local Authorities as well as maintaining links with other interested organizations. In this way the Society has become a recognized and established group.

If you would like to join the Society please complete the membership form which can be downloaded here. Members receive three copies of our newsletter "Cherry Eye" each year and are welcome to attend regular meetings held on the first Thursday of each month.