Newsletter Articles

Issues 4 - 6

The Shrewsbury & Newport Canal Association (1965)

In the archive is a “Preliminary Report” into restoration published about 1965 by the Shrewsbury & Newport Canal Association. It split the project into five sections and gives an indication of the state of the canal and (how little) work was required.  

Section One: Norbury to Newport

The first major work will be the provision of a new dry dock for Shropshire Union Cruises. Details have not yet been worked out as to how this would be provided - but alternative schemes are under consideration.

There are 18 locks between Norbury and Newport. It will be necessary to fit new gates throughout. The concrete weirs will have to be removed, new ground paddles fitted together with new cills.

Locks 5, 9 and 11 will need some rebuilding of walls, and between locks 16 and 17 it will be necessary to construct a new culvert, repuddle and make good the banks and towpath.

It is understood that there is drainage pipe in the vicinity of the Newport Basin which would not allow the necessary depth of water. This will be investigated and if necessary this would be lowered - we hope to have the co-operation of the Newport Council on this.

Dredge throughout to commercial standards, trim hedges, tidy up banks and towpath.

Section Two: Newport to Wappenshall Junction

Locks 20 to 22 need new gates, new cills, removal of weirs, provision of new ground paddles and dredging. Below lock 24 [sic - there was no lock 24] a track has been cut through the banks, it is understood that the land owner is restoring this to its original condition.

The cast-iron Aqueduct by the Humber Arm has some damage to the stonework supporting it. Restore this to good condition.

The last bridge before Wappenshall has been lowered and culverted by the local farmer. Negotiate with him and replace with a new bridge. Either a concrete deck or, if the farmer insists on the present level being maintained, a drawbridge of the “rocking lever” type.

The roving bridge at Wappenshall needs some of the coping stones replacing - it appears that most of these are in the canal by the bridge. Dredge throughout to commercial standards including the basin at Wappenshall Junction. Trim hedges, tidy up banks and towpath.

Section Three: Wappenshall Junction to Rodington Wharf

The first bridge beyond Wappenshall is an original drawbridge which needs only minor repairs and painting.

The two locks at Eyton need similar attention to the previous ones, the lower gates here were originally of the guillotine type, it is thought that enough fittings will be found on the “Trench” canal to replace these - by having new gates made. Immediately below Eyton bottom lock is a concrete deck bridge. This will need raising, to give headroom of 7 feet, and suitable approaches to the bridge made.

The next item is undoubtedly our biggest single work of construction. Where the Wellington-Whitchurch road crosses, the canal has been culverted. It will be necessary to construct a reinforced concrete bridge to carry traffic over the canal. Headroom to be 7 feet. Whilst this is under construction, no major traffic hold up would be experienced since the original bridge is still intact alongside the present road. In our estimates, a sum of £25,000 has been included for the construction of this bridge, although it is hoped that we shall not have to find the whole of this amount since it is possible that the appropriate authority may be persuaded to foot part of the bill.

From here to Rodington Wharf five bridges have been lowered to 4ft. headroom. These all to be lifted to 7ft. headroom or drawbridge provided.

Dredge to commercial standards, tidy up as previous sections.

Section Four: Rodington to Uffington

First in this section are six more bridges which need raising to 7 feet headroom or drawbridge providing.

At Berwick Wharf two bridges which carry secondary roads need raising. These are to be reinforced concrete to give 7 feet headroom and 9 feet waterway without tow paths. New approaches will also need constructing.

Berwick Tunnel needs some attention to the East and West Portals, it is understood that British Waterways are shortly to attend to this matter. The tunnel also needs dredging, particularly below the air vents.

Beyond Berwick, a leak in the canal needs repairing and a clay dam removing.

Dredge out, tidy and trim up hedges etc.

Section Five: Connection to the River Severn

It is not proposed to deal with this section in this preliminary report since it needs extensive research, investigation and detailed planning.

The Cost of Restoration: 

It is estimated that the cost of restoring the Shrewsbury & Newport Canal will be in the region of £82,000 (excluding section 5 of our plan). This sum includes the figure of £25,000 for the major road bridge which we hope we shall not have to provide in full.

Letter re our President

Dear S&News,

As a stroppy teenager way back in the late fifties I was serving an apprenticeship as a fitter / machinist at Audco Valves of Newport. Whether by chance or with deliberate intent I was put in the care of Tom Manning who at that time was running the small machining section of the research and development department.

To a large extent, in his own quiet way, he straightened me out and taught me to be a good engineer and I hope, a reasonable person. It was also entirely his fault that I developed my own interest in canals, traction engines and all things of a certain age after listening to his stories of his many travels during tea and lunch breaks.

We once went on a trip to London for some conference or other but skipped off early and went to, I think, the science museum where he absolutely amazed me by reading the hieroglyphics off a tombstone. I could go on for ever about his widespread knowledge but needless to say I think the man is a genius and I cannot think of anyone more suited to the position of first president.

Furthermore if you have any mechanical or similar problems you want solving ask him, give him a few days and I bet he will come up with a simple solution.

Yours sincerely, Derek Gambie, Leominster

PS. Ask him about his scale model steam locomotives and traction engines. Also, how he melted down some old three penny bits to make a miniature pipeline valve.