Canal News – 13-12-2012

 Foxton Locks, Grand Union Canal

Foxton Lock 17, Grand Union Canal, 15-16 December 2012

Join us for our winter stoppage open day at Foxton Locks on the Grand Union Canal and find out what it takes to keep the country’s busiest staircase lock flight operating.

This historic lock flight will be drained while we reline the lock gates to prevent leaks and preserve water. While they’re empty we’re offering you the chance to descend into the lock chambers and see this famous British canal feature from an entirely new perspective.

We’re putting up scaffolding so that you can climb right down to the bottom of these locks. If the popularity of previous open days is repeated you’ll be joined by thousands of visitors who all want to say they’ve been to the bottom of the lock chamber. Make sure you don’t miss out on this scarce opportunity.

You’ll also be able to take advantage of the free access into the Foxton Canal Museum, which will tell you all about history of the locks, the inclined plane boat lift, the lives of canal workers and the Grand Union Canal.

No pre-booking necessary.

Time: 10am-4pm (last entry strictly 3:15pm; site closes 3:45pm)

Location: Foxton Lock Country Park, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7RA

Parking: Available in the Country Park’s car park

Christmas evenings at the Black Country Living Museum

14 – 22 Dec 2012

18:30 pm – 22:00 pm

All the family can enjoy a traditional festive evening at the Black Country Living Museum.

The Black Country Living Museum will be aglow with festive spirit as cottages are illuminated by gas and candlelight, and the cobbled streets bustle with performers, brass bands and carol singers.

Horse chestnuts and mulled wine and a festive slant to the range of refreshments on offer.

And the festivities wouldn’t be complete without the chance to meet Santa.

Tickets are now on sale.

This is a pre purchase only event. Book your tickets online http://www.bclm.com/bookings or call 0121 520 8054