Lichfield Branch

Margaret Beardsmore will show us some of her superb photos with a talk entitled “Photographing the Cut”.

Wednesday 17th April 2024—Meeting

Our last meeting of the season will feature Nick Haynes from the Friends of President giving us up update on “Steam Narrowboat President”. President is currently undergoing an extensive refit the most expensive part of which is a new boiler. This is currently out for tender so it is hoped to get the boat back on the water by summer 2024.

Recent Activities

Wednesday 12th April—Short Walk

The short walk program continued this month with a stroll around Armitage. With the rain lashing down and 24mph winds, only a hardy bunch of 5 turned up. Nevertheless, suitably dressed for the occasion, it was an interesting and enjoyable stroll along the canal and through the beautiful grounds of Hawkesyard Hall and Priory in Armitage, finishing with a very nice lunch at the Vintage Tea Rooms on the edge of the estate.

Wednesday 19th April—Meeting

The talk at April’s meeting was given by the always entertaining Phil Clayton with some reflection on his travels entitled “A Northern Lad On (and off) Northern Waters”. An interesting evening.

Thursday 18th May—Guided Walk

For such a small village Barton under Needwood has a plethora of pubs along its main street. For the sake of convenience, and with an additional public car park opposite, the organiser opted to start the walk at The Middle Bell, currently owned by the crossed the last stile and turned left along the towpath. This is in fact a river section and a fine, white-painted footbridge proved a good vantage point for a group photo.

After passing Wychnor lock we continued along the towpath, traffic rushed past