Annual Report 2007

Society Activities and Events
Section 1: Information & Education
by Peter Keen, Hon. Secretary

1: Presentations and Talks

Once again the Society has been fortunate with the high quality of its speakers throughout the past year. Audrey and David Smith presented their usual double act, describing their cruise through the Panama Canal. A bit of a contrast with the Sankey but nevertheless a fascinating story. Their voyage began on the temperate Pacific coast , travelled up through the locks at Panama City, along the Gaillard Cut, a deep artificial cutting through the mountains, across the vastness of Lake Gatun, surrounded now by tropical forest, then finally down through the Gatun Locks to the Atlantic Ocean. Of course a single sentence cannot adequately describe such a voyage and Audrey produced a fund of anecdotes about the history of the canal, the difficulties of construction and the other vessels encountered along the way. Society members were able to enjoy the passage without the attendant mosquito bites and tropical heat.

Yet another major figure stepped into the limelight for our special 2007 celebrations when Mr. Joseph Boughey addressed the Society (along with members of St.Helens Historical Society) at the Colours Restaurant, attached to St. Helens College. A long time supporter of SCARS, he went through the early history of the canal and its gradual decline but then stressed the amount of restoration work which has been carried out during the intervening years by both SCARS and the various local authorities. As on previous occasions, Mr. Boughey was still able to surprise us with slides from his collection which were completely new to us, including boats, canal side scenes and a unique view of the rear of Hulme Lock Cottage, one of only two known to exist. As usual, the questions went on well after the official close of the meeting, always a good indicator of the quality of the speaker.

Another seasoned boater, Ben Williams, took us around the South Lancashire Ring, an experience only possible in recent years following the restoration of the trans-Pennine canals. His journey was in memory of his Granddaughter Amy who tragically died in her sleep at a young age. Ben therefore publicised the Cardiac Risk in the Young charity (CRY) and raised funds during his trip. Beginning in Manchester, he and his crew set off eastwards aboard Woodstock, along the Rochdale Canal through the built up area of the city until branching off along the Ashton Canal as far as that town. Here they joined the Hudderfield Narrow Canal, reaching Stalybridge where the restoration of the canal has brought great benefit to the town. Leaving the urban area the route lay ever uphill to the summit level at Standedge Tunnel. After negotiating the tunnel via the B.W. convoy system, Woodstock continued through Huddersfield to join the Calder and Hebble navigation which took her to Sowerby Bridge to access the eastern end to the Rochdale Canal which lead back to the start. Ben told many a tale of inept boaters, banksmen and lock keepers and floods but what came out most of all was the great advances in restoration which have take place, thanks to the dedication of the various waterway societies.

Harry Arnold has been another great friend to SCARS. Noted author, photographer and authority on canals he has kindly lodged in the Society's archive the photographs he has taken over many years, allowing full use of them as and when required. Colin Greenall, our work party organiser gave an excellent presentation illustrated by a selection of Harry's slides. Dating back nearly fifty years, the slides formed valuable historic records of the canal and its corridor. We saw lock gates complete with intact paddle gear, complete lock keepers cottages and railway swing bridges still carrying trains. It is no coincidence that many of the pictures included trains since they were another of Harry's interests. Sadly , all too often, the pictures recorded the contrast between what was there then and what has now disappeared, be this a canal feature, a boat or a steam train with the results of the perennial problem, vandalism, both official and otherwise. SCARS in indeed fortunate to have access to such a valuable resource.

2: Visiting Groups.

Valuable publicity was obtained for the Sankey and Society when various groups came along to visit the canal during the year.

Each year the Association for Industrial Archaeology holds a conference somewhere in Britain. In 2007 it was based at Preston and was therefore handy for exploring features in South Lancashire and Merseyside. Evening lectures were followed up the next day by site visits when groups of delegates went to view the site of their choice.

Two coach loads chose to visit the Sankey, guided by two SCARS committee members. After a morning visit to the World of Glass, the coaches commenced the tour at Spike Island, where the remnants of the chemical industry were viewed, along with the canal and its associated features and the railway dock. Since it consisted of industrial archaeologists the party was well informed and eager to see in reality the things which had previously been theoretical.

Moving on to Fidlers Ferry, delegates were able to stroll down to the lock and view the river, the yacht marina, slipways, pump house, valiantly ignoring the attractions of the Ferry Inn.

The next stop was at Winwick Quay where delegates viewed HulmeLock, the lock cottage, Winwick Dry Dock and the maintenance yard. All agreed that it had been well worth the visit and that a great deal had been packed into the time available.

A telephone request for a guide was the cue for another visit, this time by engineers attached to North West local authorities. Beginning at Newton Station the party visited the site of Vulcan Works and Village then moved on to the canal at Alder Lane from where they followed its course into St. Helens.

Despite the wealth of experience amongst the group they still found much to interest them, especially the way in which the old canal builders had managed the water supply to the canal with its various overflow channels. Bridges of course came in for close scrutiny, the Sankey Viaduct commanding the most attention. The group passed both the double locks which promoted much discussion as to how the cascaded one could have been restored and how well the restored one had been done.

The last feature visited was the new bridge carrying Corporation Street across the canal. There was much disappointment at the way it had been altered out of all recognition, having arches inserted where there were never arches and having a rope roller installed in completely the wrong place. Overall, another successful visit which helped to raise the profile of the Society.

WCC delegates gathering at Spike Island
Photo: David Long

Left: The Widnes end of the canal was also visited in June by attendees of the World Canals Conference, being held in Liverpool. Two coach parties of delegates from around Europe and North America, one at either end of a rather inclement day, were treated to a brief history of the canal, a continuous Powerpoint slide presentation and refreshments in the visitors centre, as well as guided walks round Spike Island. Half a dozen officers from the Society and Halton BC were on hand to try and answer any questions, and keep things running to a very tight schedule.

3: Partnerships

The various historical societies within St. Helens have in the past had a lot of informal contact, indeed many people are members of more than one society.  Recently this co-operation has been placed on a more formal basis, representatives of the various groups meeting at intervals to plan joint activities as the St. Helens Heritage Group.

The annual History Open Day at the Friends' Meeting House attracted more visitors than ever before.  Held over a number of days, the public was able to view a wide range of display material covering local history, family history, the Liverpool Manchester Railway and  the Sankey Canal to name but a few.

This year saw a change to the St. Helens Show which had its character changed a little to emphasise the town's culture. Renamed the St. Helens Festival, its organisers provided a marquee for the various heritage groups to set up their displays. Additional groups were those intending to preserve the Welsh Chapel at Sutton and the Friends of Real Lancashire, whilst Chris Coffey brought along his films. Again  much interest was shown and the event was considered to be very successful.

The same groups had the opportunity to attend a History Day in St. Georges Hall  Liverpool but only a small number were able to take advantage of the offer.

SCARS will continue to support such events as they are excellent publicity vehicles and draw the attention of people who would not normally hear anything about the canal.

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