Rain fails to dampen Grantham Canal's Discovery Day
The weather failed to dampen the spirits of more than 100 visitors who turned out to support Grantham Canal’s
annual discovery day last Sunday.
The hardy visitors enjoyed a variety of stalls, boat rides, barbecue, displays, music, dancing and live entertainment at the event at the canal depot near the Dirty Duck, Woolsthorpe-by-Belvoir, on Sunday, which helped to raise over £1,300.
One hundred volunteers, including cooks, boat crews, barbecue stokers as well as volunteers from other societies and groups worked tirelessly to make the day a success despite the turbulent weather.
High winds the day before prevented volunteers from erecting the marquee and gazebos, which meant a 6am start in the dark for many of the volunteers on Sunday.
Raffles, tombola and the highly anticipated ‘seriously silly Dirty Duck Race’, which was sponsored this year by the Dirty Duck Pub, all helped to raise an impressive £1,355.98, which will go towards the continued restoration and maintenance of the Grantham Canal.
The whole event was presented by MC for the day, Suzie Sparkles, who kept everyone well informed on the programme of events.
Live entertainment was provided by folk duo and twice winners of BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s ‘Write a Song for Lincolnshire’ competition, Clarty Sough, who treated visitors to songs ranging from gentle love songs, through to the comic and tragic.
Back for his third year, local folk singer Gary Cadwallader’s set included ‘Pirate on the Grantham Canal’ - a song written specially for the event.
There was also a display from Lancashire clog dancers, the Maids of Clifton, which got everyone to their feet.
The Trent Navigation Shanty Crew, ‘The Navvies,’ performed favourites including, ‘Here Come the Navvies’, ‘Rollin’ Down to Old Maui’, ‘Farewell and Adieu to you Spanish Ladies.’
Community and education team leader for the society, Rosemary Gibson, said: “It was a wonderful atmosphere in the Carpenter’s Shop at the canal depot.”
Visitors enjoyed a variety of wildlife stands including Raptor Rescue, where the brave were encouraged to hold raptors of all sizes.
Lincolnshire Bat Group’s creatures tended to be rather more shy, but visitors could still peep into their roost boxes.
Hedgehog Welfare, the Woodland Trust along with stalls from the Inland Waterway Association and other local waterway groups were also part of this year’s event.
Children were treated to a range of activities including bricklaying in the hope of encouraging the next generation of canal enthusiasts.
The society was also pleased to welcome the support of SKDC chairman, George Chivers and chairman’s lady, Vanessa Chivers who attended, along with councillors Linda and Ray Wootten.
Chairman George Chivers said: “It has been a pleasure to attend. SKDC are proud to be associated with the Grantham Canal Society.”
Canal and River Trust (CRT) regional director Phil Mulligan and CRT project manager Karen Rice attended to receive a cheque to the value of £20,000 from David Lyneham-Brown, chief executive of the Grantham Canal Society.
This represents part payment of the £94,000 the society is committed in raising as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund supported Grantham Canal Heritage Initiative to restore locks 14 and 15 in the Woolsthorpe Flight.
Grantham Canal Society (GCS) Events Coordinator, Anthony Jackson, said: “We had visions of sitting around talking among ourselves all day but our hearts were soon gladdened when visitors started to arrive. This is an indication of the level of support we have in the community. On behalf of all our volunteers, I wish to thank all those who donned their cagoules and entered into the spirit.”