Sankey Canal Restoration Society

Registered Charity Number 702571
e-mail: david@scars.org.uk

The SCARS Executive Committee for 2006 - 2007

Chairman: The Revd. David Long
St. Mary's Vicarage, 240a Warrington Road, Lower Ince, Wigan WN3 4NH
Tel: 01942 864383 Email: david@scars.org.uk

Secretary: Peter Keen
2 Scarisbrick Road, Rainford, St. Helens WA11 8JL
Tel: 01744 884000 Email: peterkeen21@aol.com

Treasurer, Membership Secretary & Sales Officer: Cynthia Greenall
16 Bleak Hill Road, Eccleston, St. Helens WA10 4RW
Tel: 01744 731746 email: Colin.Greenall@btopenworld.com

Work Party Organiser & Sales Officer: Colin Greenall
16 Bleak Hill Road, Eccleston, St. Helens WA10 4RW
Tel: 01744 732031 (Daytime) or 731746 (Evenings) email: Colin.Greenall@btopenworld.com

Press Officer: Vacancy—volunteer required!

Other Members of the Executive:
2004 – 2007: Richard Chester-Browne, Colin Greenall, William Highcock
2005 – 2008: Neil Forshaw, Pat Robinson, Andy Screen
2006 – 2009: Anthony Dooley, Mary Presland, David Smallshaw
Co-options: David Nilsson, David Sumner, Brendan Cassin

Observers from Partner Organisations:
Councillors from the Local Authorities
(who own most of the Canal's line):
Judith Wheeler (Warrington)
Keith Morley (Halton)
Neil Taylor (St. Helens)

The Inland Waterways Association:
Andy Screen (Restoration Committee)
David Smallshaw (Merseyside Branch)

The Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS) was formed in 1985, with the help and encouragement of the St. Helens Groundwork Trust. The principal aim of the Society is to achieve the full restoration of the Canal. To bring this about, the Society actively publicises and promotes the cause of the Canal, particularly in the three Boroughs through which it runs - Widnes (Halton), Warrington, and St Helens.

The Society supplements and supports the work the three Boroughs carry out themselves, particularly through their respective Ranger Services, covering the Canal's length.

In their turn, the Boroughs have positive policies towards the Canal and its restoration. A Feasibility Study was completed in the mid-1990's. Our partners in the Local Authorities are now working on a follow-up Economic Benefits Study.

SCARS carries out a Restoration Programme throughout the year, often in conjunction with the Waterway Recovery Group, which is the practical work arm of the national canals' organisation, the Inland Waterways Association.

The IWA supports the Society's aims, and is represented on its Executive Committee. From September to April, monthly Members' Meetings are held. These usually take the form of talks illustrated with slides, covering the Sankey itself, restoration work on other canals in the country, and subjects of related interest to the Canal and the towns it served.

During the warmer months, Guided Walks are organised along the Canal, and visits to other restoration projects are undertaken.

A team of Members staffs the Society's publicity caravan and stall at various Shows and Rallies in the region.

Boats

The Society owns an historic Bridgewater Canal grain barge, the BARMERE. It is moored on the canal at Spike Island, Widnes. See more...

Publications

Canal Cuttings

A quarterly Newsletter, Canal Cuttings, is published, and sent free to Members. Details of forthcoming Society activities, contacts for the various work-parties, venues for the Meetings, articles on a wide variety of waterway topics, are its regular features.

Items for sale

The Society has a number of items for sale - see them here.