The Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust

Revival of public interest in the long-forgotten canal began in 1983 when the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Society was inaugurated. The Society was formed with no more substantial aims than raising awareness of the canal, and preserving what structures and lengths of water remained. At that time there was little thought that full restoration might be possible. Interest and membership of the Society grew and two lengths of the canal were partially restored, one at Monkhide in Herefordshire, the other at Oxenhall in Gloucestershire. Slowly a vision began to grow that, one day, Hereford and Gloucester might once again be joined by a navigable canal.

Things took a great step forward in 1992 when the Society was reconstituted as the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust with the stated aim of complete restoration. Since then, there have been a number of proposed developments which threatened the line of the canal. In every case the Trust has been able to protect the line and in a number of instances has worked with developers or local authorities to use the canal as a positive feature of their schemes, to everyone's advantage. This can be seen at the magnificently restored basin at Over where the canal will join the River Severn and in three new canal bridges in Hereford.

With a membership now well exceeding 1000, the Trust is currently working at five sites including Oxenhall, where the rebuilding of the masonry of House Lock is now complete. A few years ago this Grade II listed structure was completely derelict but now requires only paddle gear and gates to be fully restored.

The Trust has two wholly owned Trading Companies, which promote the canal and raise money for restoration. H & G Canal Sales has a stand at most national waterway events and can be seen at many local shows, festivals and other happenings. The Wharf House Company, based at Over, will run a new business venture including a shop, interpretative centre, tea-rooms, restaurant and luxury holiday accommodation which will open in 2005 to provide a steady income stream for the Trust.

The Wharfinger is the Trust's quarterly magazine which keeps members up to date with new developments. At 7.30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month the Trust runs a programme of entertaining and informative Social Evenings at The Verzons Country Inn at Trumpet near Ledbury, to which everyone is welcome.

You can join the Trust - "arm-chair" members are just as welcome as muddy ones and you will be surprised at the variety of ways in which you may be able to help us.

More information about the Trust can be found by visiting our website at www.h-g-canal.org.uk or by writing to us at 6 Castle Street, Hereford, HR1 2NL.