Lichfield Branch

What3Words enabling us to give precise positioning. Most of the towpath through the town is in good condition with plenty of armco for moorings. We pointed out some areas that we thought could do with additional mooring rings and also a significant number of areas where the bank was badly eroded. The report was welcomed by CRT and the work should commence in the autumn.

We enjoyed a pub lunch half way through the walk only to discover that at the end by the Dove aqueduct the recent heavy rain had flooded the lane on which Neil had parked his car. Undaunted he rolled up his trousers and waded through about 18” of water to reach it. Luckily he drives a Jeep and managed to negotiate the floods back to dry land. I don’t think an ordinary car would have made it!

Ashby Canal Path

In 2019 the IWA awarded £10,000 to the Ashby Canal Association to complete the 2½ mile path between Measham and Snarestone following the original and proposed restoration line of the canal. The path was fully opened last year and we have a limited supply of leaflets available at Branch meetings. For more information visit the Ashby Canal Association website at www.ashbycanal.org.uk

AGM Chairman’s Report

With the lifting of all restrictions 2022 proved to be our first “normal” year since 2019 and we managed a full program of public events. Our committee meetings were also held in person which was appreciated by the members. There was a slight hiccup in February when our speaker (John Parry) came down with the dreaded Covid and we had to cancel the meeting at the last moment. All the other public meetings went well although the attendances have still not recovered to the pre pandemic levels.