9
Chichester Ship Canal Trust Celebrating National Heritage day on Saturday, 9th September On Saturday 9th September we shared our passion for the history of the canal. Members of the public found out how it all began with an Act of Parliament in 1817. John Rennie built the Portsmouth and Arundel Canal with three sections. Learning about its working origins, gradual disuse and then renovation in the late 1970s was interesting. Visitors were able to read about the restoration work by The Portsmouth and Arundel Canal Society and how the canal is now an important recreational and wildlife area. The Heritage Centre brings 200 years of history to life with a model of a narrow boat and canal artefacts. There were also display boards and touch screens with images from the past. Visitors were able to find out about the wildlife and plants that are found in and around the canal and our volunteers were happy to answer questions. There were a few free activities for children and a canal trail organised by our volunteers. After visiting the Heritage Centre, visitors could walk along the canal path, or take a canal boat cruise to see how the canal has developed. Imagining the barges loaded with a cargo of building supplies and coal and contrasting it with today’s canal boats, paddle boarders and rowing boats was interesting. The canal cafe was open for refreshments with visitors able to sit outside in the sunshine or enjoy the views from the balcony. We also had a selection of mementos for sale in the shop. Photo: Dave Standley Wendy Mahe
