Recreating the past

A CREW of volunteers from the construction industry will be taking to the Grand Union Canal next month to recreate the demanding journeys made by 19th Century bargees in a bid to raise cash for two charities.

Staff, customers and clients of Bristol based independent construction plant dealer Molson Group are hoping to cover the 114 miles between Birmingham and London in just 56 hours, mirroring the trips made by 19th Century boats.

Perishable cargo

In those days the bargees would vie to carry high value and perishable cargo up and down the Grand Union Canal between the two cities, with the quickest crews getting the more lucrative work.

But between Wednesday 6th May and Saturday 9th May it will be the charity crew, captained by Molson Group Director Robin Powell, that will be coaxing the 62ft long, narrowboat Ferrous and butty Susan from Birmingham to Bull's Bridge.

Experience

Robin has a wealth of experience on Britain's canal network having first been introduced to its joys in 1972. Now he is hoping that experience will help guide his crew and make some significant money for charity, explaining:

"Before the railways the Grand Union Canal was the main route for goods running between London and Birmingham. The challenge will recreate the journeys made by the boats of the 19th Century."

The journey will be raising cash for the Bristol hospital charity ‘Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal' and ‘Hire a Hero' which helps support service leavers through the difficult transition into civilian life.