Lichfield Branch

NB* The B5012 is a fast and busy road connecting Penkridge with Cannock and Rugeley. We need to take care to walk approximately 300 yards along a stretch of road, where there is no pavement and only a minimal verge in parts. I suggest we walk briskly as a group in single file on one side of the road only with a front and back marker, both adorned in high visibility yellow vests!

Saturday 8th April 2023—Coffee Morning

Despite the sad passing of Doreen, Eric Wood is continuing the tradition of his all day coffee morning on Easter Saturday on behalf of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. (see poster Page 10)

Wednesday 19th April 2023—Meeting—"Chasing the Boats"

This month’s speaker is renowned waterways photographer Kevin Maslin. Kev is a Black Country lad, currently based in Tipton at the heart of the West Midlands canal network. He has been photographing inland waterways for around 35 years and specialises in historic narrow boats. The relentless pursuit of these fine craft takes him to some wonderful locations, so join him on a fascinating journey as he goes “Chasing the Boats”. Meet at 7:15pm for a 7:30pm start at Martin Heath Hall, Christchurch Lane, Off Walsall Road, Lichfield WS13 8AY

Saturday/Sunday/Monday 26th-28th August 2023—IWA Festival of Water

The August Bank Holiday weekend again sees the IWA Festival of Water in our area, this time at Pelsall. (see article Page 13)

Recent Activities

Thursday 10th November 2022—Walk—"Brownhills and the Wyrley and Essington Canal"

This was a walk full of industrial history and a surprising amount of greenery. Twelve walkers assembled in the car park of Smithy’s Forge in the centre of Brownhills, within sight of “Jigger”, a giant gleaming memorial named for a coal miner who gave his life to the pits. We started out on the McLean Way, a disused railway line that links Lichfield to Walsall, and immediately turned left at what used to be Brownhills station (closed 1965). We left this popular greenway at the site of the Brownhills Surge Stack and