SPOTLIGHT SHONE ON LOST CANAL WONDERS

[jenlyn]

 

 

The Lost Wonders of the Waterways World are the theme of a new photo competition launched to capture the hundreds of miles of derelict canals across England and Wales.

 

The competition, launched by the Canal & River Trust in partnership with The Inland Waterways Association, is asking for photographs of derelict or unrestored waterways which capture the emotion and feeling of our lost waterways to help rediscover and bring these much-needed spaces back to life.

 

0001pt">At the height of the Industrial Revolution, Britain boasted over 5,000 miles of navigable canals and rivers helping to transport goods and raw materials and transforming towns and cities. They were the envy of the world and helped to establish Britain as an industrial powerhouse.

 

However, the growth in railways in the 19th century and road transport in the 20th century led to around 2,000 miles of waterways being closed or abandoned.

 

Thanks to the efforts of countless volunteer campaigners over 200 miles of canals have been restored since the turn of the millennium, bringing prosperity to communities, boosting property prices and helping local people to lead active, healthy lifestyles.

 

Sir Tony Robinson joined the rallying call for people to rediscover and bring back to life last year and described the waterway network as part of the fabric of our nation.

 

Jason Leach, enterprise and restoration manager said: Many of us have seen striking images of some of our most famous landmarks such as Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Bingley Five Rise Locks or Standedge Tunnel which are great examples of how special our waterways can be. Were after originality and good technical ability and pictures that trigger emotion in people.

 

The waterways are experiencing a wonderful renaissance as more and more people embrace the range of benefits the waterways can offer to their everyday lives. There are hundreds of miles of abandoned waterways out there and we hope it opens up their imagination to the potential of how their local area could look if that canal was restored over time.

 

There are some really inspirational volunteer groups out there who are leading the way in championing canal restoration as they realise the huge benefits the canals offer. Theyre being visionary we hope that they inspire others to get involved and create a lasting legacy for us all to be proud of.

 

The deadline for submissions is Friday 10 April 2015 and the winning entry will win vouchers worth £500 and two runners up will scoop £250. Winners will be announced w/c 11 May. For details about how to get involved with a canal restoration group near you and for competition and prize details, simply visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/restoration.

[Wanted]

One for Cheshire Rose I reckon!

[madcat]

Great, I will alert my boat neighbour to this plus anybody else I can think of .

[cheshire~rose]

Thanks for the heads up

 

I am on the case