Society Programme 2021 TO 2022 Season

20th May 

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE DO NOT HOLD MEETINGS IN JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST 

Peter Lead

The Gilbert Brothers and James Brindley                                                                                                            Most people know of the association of James Brindley with the building of the Bridgewater Canal. However not so well-known is the roles played by brothers John and Thomas Gilbert, land agents and entrepreneurs, who were responsible for bringing James Brindley into the Bridgewater Canal Project in 1759. Peter Lead is well known historian of canals and has examined, as part of his research, the character, relationships and achievements of the 3 men and their respect roles in establishing early canals-still a contentious subject.

Dr Ros Todhunter

Billinge Flash Salt Link and Hole on the Trent and Mersey Canal         

Cheshire’s solid foundations should be taken with a pinch of salt. We will look at the past, present and future canal collapses where features of potential very high hazard salt solution and subsidence converge. The result of a 240 million year geological legacy of hot arid deserts and salt lakes, 20000 year Ice Ace legacy of melting glaciers and 2000 year industrial legacy of salt extraction. Rosalind Todhunter is a Former Coal Mining Geologist and Lecturer Geology/Geophysics

Phil Clayton

Aire & Calder , Huddersfield, Rochdale,River Ouse

Criss-crossing the Pennines on the Huddersfield and Rochdale Canals then along the
Rivers Ouse and Ure to York and Ripon. Including a trip through the longest, highest and
deepest tunnel, a walk over the top, lots of locks of all sizes and cruising on placid (and nol
so placid) rivers

Geoff Taylor

Taylors Boatyard & Family History

Some of you will be aware of Taylor’s boatyard and dry dock in Chester. After many years of research this talk pulls together family anecdotes and archive photos of the Taylor’s boat building business on both sides of the Atlantic.

AGM and Members Presentations 

AGM and Members Presentations 

This meeting will aim to bring you up to date with the running of the Society over the last year. Members are also encouraged to give presentations on interesting canal or water related topics. Plus a bite at the end to celebrate Christmas and a chance to socialise.