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A quintessentially rural canal, the 33 mile long Grantham traverses three shire counties

 

The Corvus Arrives


British Waterways is making the historic narrow boat Corvus available to the Grantham Canal Partnership, on long-term loan.

Corvus was built as a ‘butty’ 71 years ago and rebuilt as a powered vessel in the 1980s (see her history). Now, after 60 years in the East Midlands maintenance fleet, she is being retired for conservation, restoration and for ‘lighter duties’ on the Grantham Canal


MV Corvus gets a tow up the Trent at Newark

As you can see, Corvus is in need of some well-earned ‘tender loving care’ and this is to be given by the pupils and staff of St. Hugh’s College, Grantham – which is on the Earlesfield Estate, less than half a mile from the site of the former Grantham Canal Basin. The College is keen to use the Canal and Corvus within a wide range of subjects – from Engineering to Environmental Studies and Photography to Soft Furnishing

The plan is for Corvus to be refurbished at the College, before being carefully developed to be a floating study centre, meeting room and exhibition – for use by St. Hugh’s and other schools, the Grantham Canal Restoration Society and other local community groups.


Under tow from Lincoln to Newark

This week, Corvus has been moved from Lincoln to Newark and, on Tuesday 28th November is due to be transported from Newark Marina to St. Hugh’s College, via the A1 and Grantham Town Centre. You can see Corvus at:

9.30am Being lifted off the River Trent at Newark Marina

12.00 – 1.00pm Outside the Council Offices, St. Peter’s Hill, Grantham. A civic party, led by the Acting Mayor of Grantham and Chairman and Chief Executive of South Kesteven District Council, is due to ‘welcome’ Corvus to the town c.12.30pm

1.30pm Being off-loaded at St.Hugh’s College, The Avenue (off Dysart Road)

Volunteers are sought , to help the St. Hugh’s students with the exciting but challenging refurbishment project. If you have relevant skills and/or can spare any time, please contact Peter Stone on 0115 9232046 or email corvus@granthamcanal.com

This project is only being made possible by the generosity of:

British Waterways – the loan of Corvus

Newark Marina – lifting her off the River Trent

Prestons of Potto – transport of the 70’ vessel

Heras Readyfence Service - security fencing

Chris Allsop Crane Hire – off-loading at St. Hugh’s

‘Thank you’ to them all!

 

Peter R. Stone
23 rd November 2006