Canal News April 3rd
Waterscape
Fisher’s Mill Bridge
This bridge takes a farm track across the Birmingham and Coventry Canal. © Copyright Angella Streluk and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
News
Art transforms Birmingham & Fazeley Canal
28th Mar 2012
Sixth form students from King Edwards College, Hansworth have joined forces with British Waterways and HSBC to brighten up a hidden corner of the city on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal in central Birmingham. The students have transformed a lock-side wall on the canal with a mural that they have designed and painted onto the unusual canvas. It’s hoped that this artwork will be seen as an alternative to illegal tagging and graffiti in the area; and maybe even inspire some graffiti artists to work in partnership with British Waterways in the future.
Sixth form students from King Edwards College, Hansworth have joined forces with British Waterways and HSBC to brighten up a hidden corner of the city on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal in central Birmingham. The students have transformed a lock-side wall on the canal with a mural that they have designed and painted onto the unusual canvas. It’s hoped that this artwork will be seen as an alternative to illegal tagging and graffiti in the area; and maybe even inspire some graffiti artists to work in partnership with British Waterways in the future.
Before the painting could begin the students projected the outline of their design, which reflects iconic images of Birmingham, onto the wall so that they could stencil their masterpiece onto the concrete canvas before getting creative with colour.
The lock, underneath Brindley House, suffers from graffiti, and because of the unusual layout of the building and the canal, it can often feel tunnel-like and dark in the area, making it an ideal location to receive some extra care and attention.
The project has been funded by HFC Bank and HSBC Holdings Plc as part of their adoption of a one-mile stretch of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal which runs past their offices. The adoption was originally a collaboration between HFC Bank and British Waterways.
The successful adoption scheme is now staring its third year and over 250 local staff from HFC Bank and HSBC Holdings Plc have had the chance to get out and about on the canal and help care for the waterway. Since January 2012, everyone in the HSBC Holdings Plc is now entitled to one day’s paid volunteering leave each year to undertake community or charitable activities with a registered charity or community organisation. It’s hoped that even more staff will be able to get involved during 2012.
British Waterways’ volunteer coordinator, Steve Bicknell said: “Over the past 12 months the team from HFC and then HSBC has really taken their commitment to adopting their local stretch of the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal seriously. Their teams have come out in all weathers to help care for the canal and their local environment. From picking up litter to painting locks, removing graffiti and carrying out an interpretation project, the staff from the bank have made a real difference.
“Through the banks financial support, the students from King Edwards college have been able to see their idea to brighten up a section of canal become a reality.”
The design and painting of the mural has taken four students – Katharine Griffiths, Julia Barbour, Jessica Bonehill and Amrita Dhallu – a total of 36 hours over several weeks to complete.
Carmel Armstrong, HFC Bank said: “We are really pleased to see some artistic activity happening on the stretch of canal that we have adopted. As an international business it’s important that we also look locally to see where we can make a difference. By assisting with the care and maintenance of the canal in Birmingham our team is helping to keep an important city centre wildlife habitat clean and clear.
“By encouraging the students from King Edwards College to get creative, hopefully we can help minimise the amount of graffiti and give people something interesting to look at as they walk, boat or bike along the towpath.”
The students are also hoping that their art will have an impact.
Student, Katharine Griffiths, explains: “We hope that the mural we are painting at the lock will have a positive impact on the space. The canal is an important part of the city, which is why we asked to be able to put our mural in this space. It’s great to see our work so publicly displayed, and I hope people will enjoy it as they pass by.”
News
The Prince of Wales to become patron of the Canal & River Trust
26th Mar 2012
His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, a long-time supporter of the waterways, is to become the first Patron of the new Canal & River Trust, the body being set up to care for the historic canals and rivers of England and Wales. The news is being announced at the first meeting of the Trust’s Council in Birmingham.
Tony Hales, Chairman of the Canal & River Trust, says: “We are absolutely delighted that The Prince of Wales has agreed to become the Canal & River Trust’s founding Patron. As a passionate advocate for British heritage, nature, communities and tourism, The Prince will be an important voice of support for the Trust. The Prince’s patronage is further testimony to the incredible and wide-ranging support the Canal & River Trust has already received, and an important milestone in our journey towards establishing this exciting new charity.”
The Canal & River Trust is due to be launched this summer, taking over the waterways, museums and properties of British Waterways and The Waterways Trust in England and Wales. Scotland’s waterways will also be represented by the Prince of Wales, in his role as Patron of The Waterways Trust Scotland.
The Canal & River Trust is the new charity being set up to care for England and Wales’ wonderful legacy of 200-year-old waterways, holding them in trust for the nation forever. It will be among the UK’s biggest charities, with responsibility for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs, along with museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of protected historic buildings.
Our canals and rivers are havens for people and wildlife and a national treasure. For more information visit: http://www.waterscape.com/trust.
Easter boat gathering and sea shanty festival
06 April 2012 – 09 April 2012
National Waterways Museum
South Pier Road
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH65 4FW
Related Waterways
Shropshire Union Canal
Narrowboats from all across the UK will meet at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port. Attractions will include historic boats, crafts, stalls, demonstrations, boat movements and musicians singing traditional Sea Shantys.
For more details, contact the museum on 0151 355 5017.
Easter tea boat cruises
08 April 2012 – 09 April 2012
Gloucester Waterways Museum
Llanthony Warehouse
Gloucester
Gloucestershire
GL1 2EH
Related Waterways
Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
River Severn
Enjoy a boat cruise along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal from the Gloucester Waterways Museum. Tea and Easter cakes served. Plus, children’s ‘spot the bunny’ competition at the museum.
2-3.30pm
£28 family ticket (2+2). Booking essential. Contact 01452 318200 / 318201 or gloucester@thewaterwaystrust.org.uk.
Dog & Doublet Public House on Canal
Narrowboats moored up alongside the pub, with people sitting out enjoying the sunshine. © Copyright John Carver and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
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