Cotswold Canals Trust,

Bell House, Wallbridge Lock, Stroud Gloucestershire, GL5 3JS, Tel: 01453 752 568

Registered Charity no.: 0269721

Registered Office: Island House, Moor Road, Chesham, HP5 1NZ

Registered in England no.: 01

STROUDWATER NAVIGATION

ONE OF ENGLAND’S TOP HERITAGE PROJECTS

The quickest way to restore the Stroudwater Navigation between The Ocean and Saul Junction is for the Heritage Lottery Fund to give us a major grant next May.  That means convincing the HLF that our project is one of the top four projects in the UK: yes that’s right, one of the top four.  This is because our project gets judged with all the other major bids across the country.  This year the HLF has £40 million for major projects, which is being divided between 4 projects.  Next year they expect to have the same amount of money, with more than £200 million worth of projects competing for funds.  

So, how do we convince the HLF that our project is as important as a national museum, or a cathedral?

We must show that….

•  Our canal and its archives are valuable national heritage assets;
•  If our project does not happen, that heritage will suffer;
•  Lots of people, of all ages and abilities, will enjoy an exciting, innovative kaleidoscope of activities on land and water;
•  The way we train and use volunteers in practical and professional skills will be exemplary;
•  There will be a unique partnership between canal restoration and planning for wildlife;
•  Once restored, we will manage the canal really well;
•  Canal restoration will make a big difference to local wellbeing and prosperity.

Boats passing through the restored Ryeford Double Lock on their way from Stonehouse to the Jubilee celebrations at Marling School Field, June 2012.  

Photo : David R Joyce

We’ve commissioned a heritage consultant to do an independent review of the heritage significance of the canal and its archives.  Work on flood risk assessment is about to start.  We are working on an outline planning application for the Missing Mile.  All these things will help convince the HLF, as will the generous match funding from Stroud District Council, Gloucestershire County Council and the Canal and River Trust.

 You can also help: we must show that we have enormous community support, so in August and September we will run a new survey, which we will publicise widely.  

Do look out for our survey and have your say!

IT’S HOTTING UP ALONG THE CANAL

                                            (and it’s not just the weather!)                      Val Kirby