TV star marks Canal Trust membership milestone
Ambitious plans to re-open an historic Shropshire waterway have been boosted as the charity behind them celebrates signing-up high profile canal fan, Julia Bradbury, as its 1000th member.
The BBC Countryfile presenter has been responsible for building appreciation for the UK's canal heritage with her DVD, Canal Walks, and has donated signed copies, along with other signed items, to aid the Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust in its fund-raising bid.
Julia's backing of the Trust's efforts to re-open the Shrewsbury and Newport canals was unveiled during the trust’s Annual General Meeting, at Wappenshall Wharf, on Saturday.
SNCT chairman, Bernie Jones, said: “Reaching the 1000 member mark is a great milestone in its own right, but to have Julia Bradbury add her backing is the icing on that particular cake! She has done so much to increase people's understanding of the key part canals play in our national heritage. Her generosity will directly benefit the Trust in its efforts and we must thank her for her support. We look forward to giving some lucky members the chance to own these unique items.”
Among the messages written on the signed pictures and DVDs was: “Delighted to be your 1000th member, love, Julia.”
Shrewsbury and Newport Canals Trust members are committing huge amounts of time and effort in their aim of re-opening the waterway, which originally ran from Norbury Junction, near the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, through the county to Shrewsbury, before finally being abandoned in 1944.
Studies have shown that the restoration of the waterway is still viable and that a re-opened canal would have economic, tourism and health benefits for Shropshire and Staffordshire. The Trust is currently focused on a bid to restore the historic Wappenshall Wharf, near Apley, Telford, which was built by Thomas Telford and was a major trade hub of its day.
