Lichfield Branch

Forthcoming Events

Wednesday 15th February 2023—Meeting—"Coal from Cannock"

Our speaker for this meeting will be Andy Tidy with his illustrated talk “Coal from Cannock”. Andy’s talk will follow the old coal route from Hednesford Basin through Brownhills, Longwood and the Saltley Cut to the industries of East Birmingham. Along the way he will use archive photos to look at how the industry of the past continues to shape the region's landscape today.

Many of you will know Andy and Helen from their previous visit to us, when they gave us a glimpse of life aboard The Jam Butty. They will be bringing a selection of their preserves for you to buy.

Meet at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start at Martin Heath Hall, Christchurch Lane, Off Walsall Road, Lichfield WS13 8AY

Friday 17th February 2023—Stroll—Alrewas and the Trent & Mersey Canal

A 1.8 mile walk taking in the canal towpath, the riverside, two small fields, and two pleasant village lanes. Level terrain except for the canal hump back bridge. One very easy low stile. May be muddy underfoot.

Meet in The Crown Inn car park, Post office Rd, Alrewas DE13 7BS 10.30am for 10.45 start

Wednesday 15th March 2023—Meeting—Branch AGM followed by Illustrated Talk

The brief formalities of the Branch AGM will be followed by two short talks by Branch member Neil Barnett. The first details his long held ambition to enter Cambridge by narrowboat and the second illustrates a trip on the Caledonian Canal across the Great Glen of Scotland.

Meet at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start at Martin Heath Hall, Christchurch Lane, Off Walsall Road, Lichfield WS13 8AY

Thursday 2nd March 2023—Walk— "Penkridge and the Staffs. and Worcs. Canal”

This is an easy 5½ mile walk with 5 stiles, on the towpath, across parkland, and along quiet country roads*. We first head northwards along the towpath, and shortly after crossing under the M6 we leave the canal by Teddesley Park Bridge. We head across parkland negotiating several stiles in quick succession. We traverse the B5012 (see * below) and carry on towards the village of Pillaton, and from there back to Penkridge, where we re-join the canal briefly back to our starting point.

Meet 10:15 for a 10:30 start on Thursday 2nd March 2023 in the car park of The Boat Inn, Cannock Road, Penkridge, Staffordshire ST19 5DT. Contact Clive Walker: clive.walker@waterways.org.uk