CANAL enthusiasts and volunteers from across the years are being sough to help with a new Canal and River Trust heritage project in the West Midlands.
The charity, which protects and cares for the nation’s canals, is calling on the resident to give their first-hand accounts for an oral history initiative, made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
The charity would like to hear from anyone who contributed to the restoration and revitalisation of the region’s historic waterways from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The idea is for people to share their memories, stories and pictures – whether that was working on the ground, helping restore historic structures, planning and overseeing the projects, or volunteering.
All collected stories will be archived for public access, contributing to a lasting record of the incredible efforts behind the restoration of the canals.
Kate Langley, heritage team manager, said: “The canals of Birmingham and the Black Country underwent a significant transformation from the 1960s to the 1990s. These waterways, once vital to the region’s industry, were being brought back to life for future generations. But many of the people who played pivotal roles in this work – from engineers to volunteers – have yet to have their voices heard.
“This is why the Trust wants to document their stories for posterity, preserving their experiences as part of the rich industrial and cultural history of the region. This project is an opportunity for those who worked with local canal societies to ensure their contributions are recognised and shared with the community.”
To share a story email [email protected] with details of the restoration, the Trust will then get in touch to collect the story.
For more about the project, visit the Canal and River Trust website.
