Please check our calendar for waterways-related events on the in the local
area. If you have any information about events to add to this listing, please
let us know.
Click here to access the calendar
Leek Branch re-opened
After £500,000 of investment and almost eight months of investigations, plans and repairs, British Waterways has announced that the Caldon Canal is now open following a breach in November.
Leek Branch partly re-opened
We have been advised by British Waterways that the Leek Branch has been reopened as far as Leek Tunnel, but the rection beyond the tunnel will remain closed until 5th July.
Redhills Road bridge closed to traffic after accident
Redhills Road was closed to road traffic after an accident on Saturday 5th June left the bridge badly damaged.
Loving our Landscape!
Heritage Lottery Fund has earmarked £17m to help communities look after their landscapes - including the Staffordshire Moorlands landscape embracing the Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals.
On 20 May 2010 the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) announced 10 earmarked first-round passes totalling £17m made through its Landscape Partnership (LP) programme. The programme helps conserve areas of distinctive landscape character and supports schemes that provide long-term social, economic and environmental benefits for rural areas.
Leek Branch stoppage extended
We have been advised by British Waterways that the stoppage on the Leek Branch has been extended and the canal is now closed after Bridge 6 on the Branch:
Anti-vandal mechanisms fitted at Planet Lock
Anti-vandal / handcuff / water conservation mechanisms have been added to Planet Lock (lock 3) on the Caldon Canal.
"Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Initiatives - Invitation to Trust members and all interested supporters"
The Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust's Annual General Meeting will take place this coming Thursday, 25th March 2010 at Stoke on Trent Boat Club. The clubhouse will be open from 7.30 pm for the meeting to commence promptly at 8.00 pm.
Take a guided walk along city's historic canals
Residents can take a historic look at Etruria this Sunday (January 31st) with a guided walk around part of the city’s canal system.
Visitors can join Glenn Airey from the Etruria Industrial Musuem on the walk which includes a circuit of the Etruria junction leading up to the site of the old Wedgwood factory and on to Etruria Hall and Festival Park.
The walk, which covers both the Trent & Mersey and Caldon canals, has
been organised by the Etruria Industrial Musuem in partnership with British
Waterways as part of their 'Canals for the
Community' programme.
Trust report restoration of the Churnet Valley waterway is feasible
The Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust has taken delivery of the “Uttoxeter Canal Restoration Outline Feasibility Study.” The study was commissioned by Staffordshire County Council and the Trust to: “determine whether the restoration of the Uttoxeter Canal between the Caldon Canal at Froghall to the north and Uttoxeter Gravel Pits to the south is a feasible project.”
The report, which has taken some six months to compile and runs to over 70 pages, was undertaken by consulting engineers Halcrow Group Ltd. Challenges such as restoring the canal through the villages of Oakamoor and Denstone – where the original line is built over - are explored, with various possible solutions considered. The study also looks at environmental issues along the route and the potential economic impact of restoration. Finally, it estimates the cost of the project.
Halcrow concluded that the restoration is a viable project from an engineering point of view.
“Uttoxeter Canal Restoration Outline Feasibility Study” published
The Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust are proud to present the Outline Feasibility Study in full exclusively on this website.
“Bringing the Uttoxeter Canal back to life - The Next Steps” - major new exhibition at Uttoxeter Heritage Centre
A NEW exhibition about the Uttoxeter Canal and the proposals for its restoration, now on display at Uttoxeter Heritage Centre until 30 January 2010
The Caldon Canal has breached between Leek Tunnel and Bridge 9
On Thursday morning , 12th November we were notified by both BW and a number of our members that the Caldon Canal had breached near to Leek. It is thought that the breach occurred in the early hours with various reports from local people putting it between 2 and 5am. BW duty engineers were on site shortly after a call was made to them and stop planks were installed at Leek tunnel as quickly as possible. Unfortunately most of the water in the summit pound had drained away leaving the pound down by at least 18 inches all the way to Stockton Brook.
Photos of the breach and other parts of the summit pound can be found here
Trust exhibit at Uttoxeter Good Causes Fair
The Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust display stand will be at the Good Causes Fair at Uttoxeter Town Hall on Saturday July 25th 2009 from 10:00am to 2:30pm
Visit this event and see the Trust's latest news about the Uttoxeter Canal Feasibility Study as well as other good causes in the local area.
Trust exhibit at Leek Show
The Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust display stand will be at the Britannia Leek & District Show on Saturday July 25th 2009
Canals For the Community
The Big Lottery-funded Canals for the Community project has just announced its first school holiday events. More events will be added to this list as they are confirmed.
Caldon Canal Feature in Narrowboat Magazine
The history of the Caldon Canal (along with the Leek Arm and Uttoxeter Canal) will feature in a major 12-page article in the Summer issue of NarrowBoat magazine.
Caldon Canal Cruise Guide in Canal Boat Magazine
The Caldon Canal appears on the cover and in a major feature in the July issue of Canal Boat magazine.
Information for vistors to the canal including a description of the route and major features of the canal including a "top ten" pubs guide are contained in the well-illustrated article.
Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs visits the Uttoxeter Canal
Nick Herbert MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs travelled to the Uttoxeter Canal to meet members of the Restoration Committee and local County Councillors.
Nick said, “This initiative is an excellent community project and could be the catalyst of a rural regeneration scheme for the north of the Uttoxeter and its surrounding areas. It is this sort of ground based enthusiasm, led by the Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust working with their local Councillors that makes things happen and I am very impressed.”
Uttoxeter Canal Feasibility Study Commences
Consulting Engineers, Halcrow Group Limited has been appointed to carry out an outline feasibility study for the possible restoration of the Uttoxeter Canal. The appointment comes following investment from Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust, supported by Staffordshire County Council. The study will investigate how to restore the canal between Froghall and Uttoxeter, which was closed as long ago as 1849 but is still considered restorable by many because of the rural nature of the route.
Access restriction at Park Lane, Endon
We have been advised that there is no access to the canal at from the main A53 Leek Road via Park Lane for either traffic or pedestrians for approximately two weeks from the 14th April 2009. This is due to Network Rail doing construction work on the railway bridge.
**Update: this work has now been completed**
Caldon Canal Emergency Stoppage
Bedford Steet Staircase
We have been advised of the following by British Waterways:
Due to a serious leak from the middle lock gate at Bedford Street on the Caldon Canal, an emergency repair is required. The stoppage for the repair is planned to start from 8am until approx 10am on Thursday 16th April 2009.
Councillors Support Uttoxeter Canal
Three Staffordshire County Councillors have clubbed together £1,800 from their ‘local member’s initiative fund’ to support the funding of a feasibility study for the restoration of the Uttoxeter Canal that could be the catalyst of a rural regeneration scheme for the north of the town and its surrounding areas.
Day Four of the Canal clean-up
Mothering Sunday was day four of the clean up and saw a turn out of 35 people, 3 dogs, 2 boats and loads of enthusiasm. The Caldon Canal was the focus today, for volunteers from Stoke on Trent Boat Club, the Inland Waterways Association Stoke on Trent branch, Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust, Etruria Industrial Museum and The Furniture Mine, along with British Waterways staff.
Third day of the Canal Clean-up
On the third day of the canal clean-up and Towpath Tidy in Stoke-on-Trent attention turned to the Festival Park area of Etruria where volunteers and the team from British Waterways worked on overhanging vegetation and rubbish collection. Meanwhile on the Caldon Canal, Towpath Tidy organiser Steve Bicknell led the painting team finishing off tasks started on the two previous days.
Canal Clean-up continues
The second day of the canal clean-up and Towpath Tidy in Stoke-on-Trent has seen further improvements made to our local waterways. Volunteer groups from the local area have again ben working with teams from British Waterways and Stoke-on-Trent City council on various sites.
As work progresses over the four days we will update this website.
Canal Clean-up under way!
The canal clean-up and Towpath Tidy in Stoke-on-Trent is now under way. Volunteer groups from the local area met with Steve Bicknell and his team from British Waterways at Etruria Industrial Museum and set to work along the Caldon Canal. Armed with tools ranging from grappling hooks and paint brushes they aim to give the canals in the City a good spring clean.
Canals For the Community
British Waterways has received funding from the Big Lottery Fund to launch its Canals for the Community project. The project runs for three years and focusses on the Trent & Mersey and Caldon Canals, which run through the heart of Stoke-on-Trent.
The Trust is happy to support this project, which now has it's own pages on this website.
Caldon Canal Clean-up!
Wales & Border Counties Waterways, Towpath Tidy 2009
19th, 20th, 21st & 22nd March, Stoke on Trent
Volunteers from the Trust, along with others from Stoke-on-Trent Boat Club and IWA Stoke-on-Trent, recently met with Steve Bicknell, Customer Operations Supervisor for British Waterways Wales and Border Counties, to discuss the forthcoming clean-up ‘long weekend’.
One Day Introduction to Hedge Laying
FREE Training provided by BTCV
Friday 6th March or Saturday 7th March 9.30am - ~5.00pm
Hedge laying is a traditional form of hedgerow management. It rejuvenates the hedge keeping it strong and healthy, and forms an attractive natural alternative to wooden or wire fencing. It is also very important in helping to maintain biodiversity.
This one day course gives an introduction to the skills required for hedge laying and an understanding of how hedge laying should be carried out correctly, which may then be developed through further study.
Narrow Boat Uttoxeter comes to Town
Information about Narrow Boat "Uttoxeter" now features in the exhibition about the Uttoxter Canal - its restoration and regeneration potential - on display at Uttoxeter Heritage Centre until 31 January 2009.
Uttoxeter Canal receives Grant towards Feasibility Funding
One of Staffordshire’s lost waterways has been given a helping hand by The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) with a grant of £5,000 to the Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust (CUCT) towards a feasibility study into the restoration of the Uttoxeter Canal. The study will investigate how to restore the canal between Froghall and Uttoxeter, which although closed as long ago as 1849 is considered restorable by many waterways experts.
"Bringing the Uttoxeter Canal back to life"
An exhibition about the Uttoxeter Canal, its restoration and regeneration potential is now open at Uttoxeter Heritage Centre, Staffordshire and on display until 31 January 2009
Fingerpost Celebrations
Volunteers show the way for walkers and boaters
On Sunday 16th November members of the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust celebrated the installation of a new fingerpost at Hazlehurst Junction where the Leek Branch leaves the main line of the Caldon Canal.
The Future Funding of Waterways - Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals in Parliament again
CUCT secretary Julie Arnold was contacted by Staffordshire Moorlands MP Charlotte Atkins on the morning of Tuesday 5th December to say another Parliamentary Adjournment Debate entitled "The Future Funding of Canals" had been secured for the following Tuesday, and could the local organisations brief her on their latest concerns.
Restored Uttoxeter Canal basin damaged by floods
Flooding, overflowing from a blocked culvert, has damaged the recently restored first basin of the Uttoxeter Canal.
ON LOCATION - Caldon
Canal
"waterways heritage under threat"
Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust secretary Julie Arnold spent a day on location with a BBC Midlands film crew to gather footage for a programme on inland waterways in their series "Is Midlands Heritage under threat?", looking at the problems faced by those trying to save and protect the Midlands' most cherished areas and attractions.
Leek Canal Corridor Study
We are pleased to be able to make the study "to
investigate the potential to restore, extend and develop the canal in Leek"
available to read from the Trust's website.
More here.
Uttoxeter Canal Funding Boost
Parish Councillors invited to discover potential to develop Staffordshire's inland waterways
The Parish Councillors of Alton, Denstone, Farley, Kingsley,
Oakamoor, Rocester and Uttoxeter have all been invited to a presentation
to learn about the potential for the restoration of the Uttoxeter Canal.
The Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust are hosting the evening at Denstone
Village Hall on Thursday 20th September, where Chairman of the Trust's Uttoxeter
Canal Restoration Committee, Cllr. Mike Maryon, and local historian Mike
Beardmore will describe the route of the canal through each of the parishes
and the Churnet Valley, along with the Trust's objectives to preserve the
line of the Canal, to promote the creation of a walking route along its
length of the Uttoxeter Canal and to investigate the feasibility and benefits
of restoring the Uttoxeter Canal.
More here.
Jubilee Double Act at Stoke Boat Club
The Donna Louise Trust and Brown Edge & Endon First Responders made an unlikely but well matched double act as they shared funds raised by Stoke Boat Club at their Golden Jubilee Rally at Endon in May.
The boat club celebrated its fiftieth birthday with a
rally of boats and open weekend, the profits being shared by the two charities.
On receiving a cheque for £1,292.54, Jenny Sherratt of the First Responders
thanked the club saying she had not expected anything like this much money!
The First Responders go ‘live’ this month, and the funds are
much needed and appreciated. Jenny was also celebrating passing her assessment
the same day.
More here.
Canal Trip on Beatrice for Prizewinning Pupils
When Graham Churton, Chairman of The Beatrice Charity,
heard about the competition run by Stoke on Trent Boat Club with St Luke’s
Primary School in Endon, to celebrate the Club’s Golden Jubilee, he
immediately suggested that the successful contestants be given the chance
to cruise on Beatrice.
More here.
Uttoxeter Canal article
The Uttoxeter Canal is the subject of an article in the
latest issue of the East Staffordshire Borough Council newspaper. This council
produced monthly newsletter goes out to around 50,000 homes in the borough
of East Staffordshire, which includes Uttoxeter and Rocester.
More here.
Leek stands to gain benefits from reconnecting with its canal
The Caldon and Uttoxeter Canals Trust is pleased to announce
that a copy of its Study "to investigate the potential to restore,
extend and develop the canal in Leek" will be placed in Leek Library
to allow everybody full access to the Study and its finding, which includes
"demonstrating the value of benefits" from reconnecting the town
with its canal.
More here.
Canal Dreams Live On
Ambitious plans could see waterway extended into Leek
via an aquaduct [sic] Article by Geoff Brown From Leek Post & Times,
Wednesday 18 July 2007.
Full article here.
Uttoxeter Restoration Committee report
Chairman of the Uttoxeter Resoration Committee, Mike
Maryon, updated members on progress in June 2007.
More here.
Uttoxeter Canal mentioned in House of Commons
During a Westminster debate on Inland Waterways in the
West Midlands, local MPs called for the government to offer financial support
to the Uttoxeter Restoration Committee.
More here.
Award for Staffs Moorlands MP's contribution to Inland Waterways as she prepares for important West Midlands debate
The Inland Waterways Association has presented to Charlotte Atkins MP their prestigious Titania Salver award in recognition of a special contribution to the Inland Waterways within the Western Region of the Association.
Cheddleton Waterway Community Day
Review of the day with photos
More here
Cheddleton Waterway Community Day
Sunday 4 March 2007
12 noon - 3.00pm
Event organised by IWA Stoke-on-Trent branch in partnership
with the Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust, Stoke-on-Trent Boat Club,
the Beatrice Charity - the trip boat for children with a need to get afloat
and Cheddleton Flint Mill Industrial Heritage Trust.
More here.
Golden Jubilee Rally
26-27 May 2007 (Bank holiday weekend)
Stoke-on-Trent Boat Club, Endon, Caldon Canal. No more boat entries are being taken but visitors are welcome. There will be a range of events, displays and stalls with a waterways theme.
Contact Ken Marek, 01782 505115 [evenings]
CUCT Annual General Meeting 2007
Tuesday 27 March 2007
Stoke-on-Trent Boat Club, Endon
Cheddleton and Staffordshire Moorlands to show Government the value of Inland Waterways
Local MP and volunteers lead nationwide campaign against Defra's 'careless' cuts in funding for canals and rivers
A Waterway Community Day will be take place on Sunday
4 March between 12 noon - 3 pm, in the village of Cheddleton beside the
Caldon Canal in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Everybody is invited to come
down to the canal for a walk, a fun afternoon out and to show how we use
and value the canal in our community - and demonstrate to Government the
value of a vibrant waterway to us, communities roundabout , local economies
and the nation.
Press release
Uttoxeter Canal Receives £2,660 Boost From Stafford Boat Club
At a presentation ceremony at the Stafford Boat Club
the Uttoxeter Canal Restoration Committee Chairman Mike Maryon received
£2,660 pounds from the commodore of the Stafford Boat Club, John Mountfort.
More here.
Uttoxeter Canal Receives Visit From British Waterways Regeneration Director
Derek Cochrane the Regeneration Director of British Waterways will be visiting
the Uttoxeter Canal sites on the afternoon of Monday 6th November 2006 to
meet the Chairman of the Uttoxeter Canal Restoration Committee, Staffordshire
County Councillor for Cheadle & Checkley Mike Maryon.
More here.
Press
release (Word doc 130k)
Uttoxeter Canal Restoration Committee Formed
Call for more local volunteers and supporters.
More here.