More cash for Python

THE Chesterfield Canal Trust has received another grant to restore its historic working boat Python, with National Historic Ships UK making an award of £1'000 towards the cost of repairs to the hull.

Python is an 86 year old ex-British Waterways working boat. It is on the Register of National Historic Vessels. It was acquired by the Trust in 2009 and is used as a floating promotional vehicle at boat rallies across the canal system in the summer. In the winter, the Trust's volunteers use it to help the Canal & River Trust with maintenance tasks on the Chesterfield Canal.

Seriously corroded

Over a year ago, it sprung a leak. Upon detailed inspection, it was found that much of the hull was very seriously corroded and would need major repairs. Unfortunately, a bid for help to the Heritage Lottery Fund failed, but the Inland Waterways Association stepped in with a major grant just before Christmas. Picture by Jan Warsop shows Python at the boatyard.

The boat has been stored at Paul Barber's Boatyard on the Erewash Canal for over a year. The crew is now busy preparing it for the repair work, which will take place in the summer. It is hoped that Python will return to the Chesterfield Canal in the autumn ready for its maintenance role.