In my area
Lichfield Branch
Welcome to the Lichfield Branch webpages. Our Branch -
- Provides a forum for anyone with an interest in waterways to meet like-minded people
- Covers an area from Stafford to Hinckley and from Walsall to Burton on Trent, including Cannock, Tamworth, Sutton Coldfield and Nuneaton, and centred on Lichfield
- Meets at College Hall, Cathedral Close, Lichfield WS13 7LD on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7.30 for 7.45 pm from September to April, generally for illustrated talks on waterway related subjects
- Holds outdoor events over the summer such as barbecues, treasure hunts, garden parties, visits and boat trips, and also arranges a Christmas meal
- Organises weekday walks throughout the year, including a regular New Year's Day walk
- Arranges fund-raising events including an annual jumble sale, and makes donations to waterway restoration projects (totalling over £30,000 in the past 12 years)
- Comments on all planning applications and development plans affecting the waterways in our area
- Attends meetings with British Waterways and raises issues on behalf of our members
- Contributes to the IWA West Midlands Region magazine 'Navigation' which is published up to four times a year
- Has an active committee which meets monthly on a midweek evening
The Branch committee welcomes new volunteers and currently has opportunities for a Navigation Officer and a Waterways for Youth/WoW Co-ordinator.
Sunday 26th February 2012 - Tree Planting Work Party at Rugeley. A joint event with Rugeley Lions. Please help us to replant gaps in the towpath hedge; lots of helpers needed to plant 420 saplings donated by The Woodland Trust. All equipment provided, but bring a favourite spade if you prefer. Strong footwear essential. Meet canalside by Bridge 66, Leathermill Lane, Rugeley, WS15 2HN. 10.00 am to about 12.30 pm. Further information from Margaret Beardsmore on 07581 794111 or email margaret.beardsmore@waterways.org.uk
Thursday 8th March 2012 - Cannock Extension Canal and Woodland Walk. A circular walk of about 3 miles near Brownhills. No stiles. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet at 10.30 am for a 10.45 start at The Toby Carvery (The Turf Lodge), Watling Street (A5), Norton Canes, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 9ND. Optional lunch and refreshments at the carvery afterwards. Leader: Heather Blackmore. Further information from Margaret Beardsmore on 07581 794111 or email margaret.beardsmore@waterways.org.uk
Saturday 10th March 2012 - Jumble Sale at Peace Memorial Hall, Pinfold Lane, Penkridge. 10am - noon. Set-up and jumble donations from 8.30am. Clothes, household goods, books, CDs, games, toys, small furniture, crockery, glassware, etc. Refreshments available. Admission 30p. (Held jointly with Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust). Donations of jumble can be brought to Branch meetings or to Penkridge early on the day, or it may be possible to arrange prior collection - contact the Chairman as below. An offer of temporary storage facilities, e.g. a shed or garage, would be appreciated.
Saturday 17th March 2012 - Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust are holding a Quiz Night with Fish & Chip Supper at Boley Park in Lichfield and have invited members of IWA Lichfield Branch to join them. Tickets £8 including supper (vegetarian option available). Tea/coffee provided or bring your own drinks. Start time 7.30 pm at Boley Park Community Hall, 7 Ryknild Street, Lichfield, WS14 9XU (next to the Co-op store - plenty of free parking). More details and tickets from Sue Williams on 01543 671427 or book online at www.lhcrt.org.uk
Wednesday 21st March 2012 - Annual General Meeting followed by an illustrated talk on 'Progress on the Restoration of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals' by Bob Williams. 7.30 for 7.45 pm at College Hall, The Close, Lichfield, WS13 7LD. See Annual General Meeting page for the agenda.
Sunday 1st April 2012 - Work Party at Brindley Bank, Rugeley. Scrub clearing, towpath mowing, remove trees on tramway, expose more tramway, expose more steps etc. 10.00 am start, expected finish 12.30 ish. Further information from Margaret Beardsmore on 07581 794111 or email margaret.beardsmore@waterways.org.uk
Wednesday 18th April 2012 - Illustrated talk on 'The Wildlife of the River Severn' by Brian Draper. 7.30 for 7.45 pm at College Hall, The Close, Lichfield, WS13 7LD
Friday 27th April 2012 - Skittles Evening at Stafford Boat Club. We have been invited to join Stoke on Trent Branch and Shrewsbury & North Wales Branch members for a joint social evening with games of skittles. If you would like to join a team of 4 to 6 people representing Lichfield Branch, or can recruit friends or family to make up your own team, then please contact Pat Barton on 01785 824012 or email pat.barton@waterways.org.uk
Wednesday 20th June 2012 - Evening Walk at Rugeley. A circular walk of about 2 1/2 miles including the Trent & Mersey Canal towpath. Steps down to the canal aqueduct. No stiles. Dogs on leads welcome. Meet at 6.15 for a 6.30 pm start at The Stag's Leap, Wolseley Road, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 2ET. Leader: Marion Kettle. Further information from Margaret Beardsmore on 07581 794111 or email margaret.beardsmore@waterways.org.uk
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NOTES
Meetings: College Hall is in the Cathedral Close on the south side of the Cathedral. Parking is in Bird Street car park (free after 6.30pm) near Minster Pool. The entrance is where Bird Street and Swan Lane meet at right angles. College Hall is a short walk from the far end of the car park up Dam Street and onto The Close. There is limited disabled parking in front of the Cathedral. Vehicles can enter The Close and drive round the Cathedral in a clockwise direction to College Hall for dropping off and collection only.
For a sketch map see the College Hall location page.
All our meetings at College Hall are open to the public. There is no charge to attend but donations are requested. Refreshments are available and we usually have a raffle (raffle prize donations welcome). We aim to complete the meetings about 10 pm.
Walks: Non-members are welcome on our walks, for which there is no charge, although a donation of about £1 per person is appreciated.
For other waterway meetings and events in the Lichfield Branch area organised by local canal societies and trusts see the Local Links page.
For further information contact the Chairman, Mike Moorse on 07799 140068 or email: lichfield@waterways.org.uk
Or look at our Committee page to see who does what and contact the appropriate person direct.
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