Like many in the world of waterways, members of the Restore the Montgomery Canal! team were saddened by news of the death of Timothy West this week.
Mr West was a Vice-President of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, part of the Restore the Montgomery Canal! group, and had visited the canal on a number of occasions and had supported the group’s fund-raising appeals.
Michael Limbrey, Chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, said: “Timothy West was a great friend of the waterways for so many years. With his wife Prunella Scales they cruised many of our waterways and others further afield for the popular Great Canal Journeys TV series.
“Their journeys showed why so many enjoy our waterways for their peace and tranquillity, the heritage of locks and bridges from a pre-industrial age, and the trees, plants and wildlife you can see along any canal.
“We were delighted to welcome Tim and Pru to the Montgomery Canal with boat trips at Llanymynech Canal Wharf and on a member’s unique steam launch which Tim later travelled on at the renowned Historic Narrowboat Festival at Braunston in Northamptonshire.
“When we came to rebuild the last blocked highway bridge in Shropshire, Tim and Pru supported our fund-raising appeal describing the Montgomery Canal as one of our most beautiful and historic canals.
“The appeal was hugely successful and the new bridge was completed earlier this year. With the bridge finished, they continued to support fund-raising asking for donations to help our volunteers to reopen more of the canal towards the Welsh border: the derelict section we call the Shropshire Gap.
“Our waterways have lost a great supporter and we send our sympathies to Timothy's family and friends.”