Lichfield Branch

still goes boating in Britain several times a year with a group of old friends and lives by the Trent & Mersey Canal in Rugeley.

Navigation Officer—Derek Beardsmore

Over 30 Years boating and narrow boat ownership. Member of Ash Tree boat club and past director of Lichfield and Hatherton canal restoration.

Region Chair—Helen Whitehouse

An Ex Officio member of the committee is Region Chair Helen Whitehouse.

Next time you bump into one of the committee you will now be able to recognise them.

I will now be handing over the Chairman’s report in the magazine to Adrian and I wish him and all the other members well in the future. This also seems like a good time to thank everybody who has helped me in the 2½ years I have been Chairman.

Pete Gurney

—Outgoing Chairman

Forthcoming Events

3rd April 2023

Thursday 19th April 2023—Meeting—A Northerner On (and off) the Northern Canals

In a change to our previously published speaker our last meeting of the season will feature the ever entertaining Phil Clayton with one of his many illustrated talks.

Thursday 18th May 2023—Walk

"Barton under Needwood and the Trent & Mersey Canal". This is an easy 5 mile walk on even ground with 6 stiles, on public footpaths, pavements, and the towpath. We first walk through this pleasant village before continuing southwards on a green lane to the hamlet of Wychnor. If time permits, and the church is open, we may visit this historic building.

On reaching the river section of the canal we turn left towards Wychnor lock. We finally leave the canal by bridge 40 and enter Efflinch. From there we continue on a pavement back to Barton under Needwood, passing several