A quintessentially rural canal, the 33 mile long Grantham traverses three shire counties
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Lock 18 ~ Repairing the partial collapse of the offside wall
May 2008 ~ Lock 18 dewatered for inspection1st Dec 2008 - Press ReleaseThe Top Lock at Woolsthorpe suffered a partial collapse last year and British Waterways, unable to meet the cost of repairs, planned to fill it in with ballast. But members of the Grantham Canal Society refused to accept defeat and appealed to partners and sponsors to come to the rescue of the lock and restore it to working order – so keeping the canal open. Mike Stone, Chairman of the Grantham Canal Society, says: “British Waterways wanted to landscape over the lock. We didn’t see it as landscaping. We saw it as a burial – and that was unacceptable. Not only would it have destroyed the lock, it would have reduced to rubble our plans to extend the navigable stretch of canal.” “Canals and their towpaths attract walkers, cyclists, anglers, wildlife and, of course boaters. They give pleasure to people on all sorts of levels. This is not about preserving history; it’s actually about building our communities and investing in our future.” Society members worked furiously to attract vital funding and were excited and relieved to win support from a number of sponsors. This included a £100,000 legacy from the Inland Waterways Association and significant grants from the East Midlands Development Agency and Lincolnshire Waterways Partnership. “Together, we will breathe new life into Woolsthorpe Top Lock which had been consigned to its grave,” says Mike. “Its restoration will be a revival worthy of Lazarus.” “We have had wonderful support and were very fortunate to receive the substantial legacy from Mr Charles Woodman, a Nottingham engineer who loved boating. The restored lock will be a fitting tribute to his generosity. There are so many people to thank, but especially John Baylis from the Inland Waterways Association for his personal perseverance on our behalf and John Moulsher who has allowed us access across his land.” The Society identified and negotiated with a contractor, Morrison Construction (part of the Galliford Try Group), who are starting work on the restoration of the lock in December.
March 2009
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