Celebration time for cross border canal boat group

A popular cross border group that runs canal boat trips between England and Wales at Llanymynech has celebrated becoming part of a registered charity.

Volunteers run boat trips at weekends every summer aboard the George Watson Buck narrowboat starting at Llanymynech Canal Wharf.

Recently, they were joined by a number of VIPs including Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, and Steve Witherden MP from Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, at an event to mark the merger with Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, a charity that has been promoting the sustainable restoration of the Montgomery Canal for four decades.

The event was also attended by local councillors and volunteers from canal charities.

In 2025, the group will be celebrating 20 years of welcoming local people and tourists to the wharf and Llanymynech Heritage Area, and their new charity status is part of plans to develop the organisation.

Graham Deakin from Llanymynech Canal Wharf, said there are plans to refurbish the George Watson Buck (pictured below) and to improve the exhibition housed in a former stable block adjacent to the Montgomery Canal.

“We have something really special at Llanymynech,” said Graham. “Currently, we offer short trips on the canal, but we know our visitors really enjoy getting on the water and seeing the wildlife and industrial heritage locally.”

According to Graham, this year over 750 visitors have been to the wharf for a boat trip or to find out more about the Montgomery Canal.

During 2024, the wharf received visitors from across the world including from Poland, South Korea, Australia, Germany and South Africa as well many locals keen to enjoy the area on their doorstep.

“Next year we would really like to increase this number and if anyone would be interested in volunteering with us, we’d love to hear from you,” added Graham.

Steve Witherden, Member of Parliament for Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, said: “It was great to visit Llanymynech Canal Wharf to discuss ongoing plans to restore the Montgomery Canal. There are several proposals which would be welcomed by every stakeholder.

“I welcome and encourage investment in the canal to protect its unique wildlife for future generations, so constituents and tourists alike can continue to enjoy the wide diversity of flora and fauna.

Michael Limbrey from Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust welcomed Llanymynech Canal Wharf on board.

“The Montgomery Canal is a very special place locally and we are looking forward to working with the volunteers at Llanymynech Canal Wharf to develop and welcome more visitors interested in the Montgomery canal and its restoration.

“Restoring the Montgomery Canal is about giving the communities along the canal something they can enjoy, on the towpath or on the water. Visitors to the canal will see valuable plants and wildlife and a unique collection of canal-age locks, bridges and other structures. The canal was built because of the quarries of Llanymynech Hill and the Canal Visitor Centre and adjoining Heritage Area tell that fascinating story to residents and visitors.”

Find out more here. https://themontgomerycanal.org.uk/llanymynech-canal-wharf

PICTURE: Graham Deakin from Llanymynech Canal Wharf joined by Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, in cutting the cake to celebrate joining up with Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust