Blog | The Work of the Canal and River Trust

The Work of the Canal and River Trust

Wakefield Civic Society will welcome Ruth Garratt, Heritage Adviser from the Canal and River Trust to their monthly meeting next week to talk about the work of the Trust.

The Canal and River Trust was established as a registered charity in July 2012 when all British Waterways’ assets, liabilities and responsibilities in England and Wales were transferred to the new body. At the same time the Canal & River Trust merged with the England and Wales operations of The Waterways Trust, a charity previously affiliated to British Waterways. The new trust now has responsibility for managing over 2,000 miles of inland waterway which include 2,980 bridges, 1,580 locks and 335 aqueducts.

Kevin Trickett, president of Wakefield Civic Society said “The growth of the canal network was essential to the industrial revolution and the economic prosperity of the country in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Before the arrival of the railways, it was often easier, safer and more reliable to move goods, especially heavy loads such as coal, ore and grain, by water than by road. Today, this national network of canals and rivers not only forms part of our shared heritage but also provides countless opportunities for leisure and recreation while also being an important natural habitat.

"Ruth’s talk will offer a fascinating account of the history of this network, which consists not just of the waterways themselves but also a wealth of tunnels, bridges and waterside artefacts, while also explaining how the Trust works with professionals, community groups and volunteers to help ensure its survival for future generations.”

The talk will be held in the Kingswood Suite at Wakefield Town Hall in Wood Street and will commence at 7.30 pm. Entry is free and open to all.

To book tickets via Eventbrite, please look at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/wakefield-civic-soc...