It would take 3 days to travel the
17 miles from Leeds to Bradford but it would be worth all the preparation. The
official opening ceremony was to take place at the Armouries Museum and on
arrival I was told that Sue was in the main arena with Bilbo (the cob that was
to lead the boat all the way from Leeds to the Tower of London) for the start
of the first stage of this epic journey.
On entering the arena I was amazed. The
auditorium seats were empty and Sue and Bilbo stood alone in the corner of this
massive stage. Tumbleweed rolled in the breeze reminding me of a scene from a B
rated western.
After the various preparations of harnessing
Bilbo the journey commenced. He towed the boat for 100 yards before being
unhitched for the first lock. A further short manhandling across the mouth of
Clarence Dock before being harnessed up again. 20 yards and the horse and rope
had to overcome the barrier that protected the gated compound of new
residential accommodation. Defeat was finally accepted and Elland was buttyed
up for the journey along the City Centre waterfront.
Passing through River lock into the
iconic splendour of Granary Wharf, the start of the Leeds-Liverpool canal. A
security guard looked on in amazement as Bilbo was led across the pristine
flagstones to finally be harnessed between the dry dock and moorings, only to
meet the barrier of a locked gate to prevent vehicle access along the tow path.
The youngsters commented upon the
dramatic change merely by crossing the road of Wharf Approach. The canal looked
unloved and uncared for. Derelict buildings, overgrown stretches of land,
unpainted lock gates, litter and graffiti.
 |
| Image courtesy of Yvonne Roberts, Artist in Residence |
The end of day 1 was Armley Mills
but how did you get access from the canal? A high wall protected by razor wire
surrounded it. Eventually the museum staff opened a big double gate, which
opened up into another oasis. – almost a mirror image of Thwaite Mills. Bilbo
was led to graze in its massive grounds.
Day 2 merged into Day 3 and we
arrived in Saltaire. The young people had constantly commented upon the
changing landscape of the canal from heavy industrial to serene rural before
entering the softer industrial buildings of Bradford.
As we passed through Shipley Wharf
we saw the Merlot nestled amongst the other boats at the mooring. They looked
at me in bewilderment as I pointed it out to them. I explained its importance
as a community boat.
We arrived at our destination of
Saltaire to a small welcoming party. After a short speech and thanks from Sue
we got into our minibus for the journey back to Leeds.
The project had benefited over 50
pupils who had given over 450 hours of ‘voluntary’ labour. They had collected
over 20 bags of rubbish; they had operated 18 locks, and opened 10 swing
bridges. They had walked over 20 miles. The only complaint was that the project
had finished.
BUT had it ……….
The next day 2 Cadets came to help
out at the heritage weekend. They used their new skills during the horse boat
demonstrations as it went up and down Hirst lock. They guided visitors to the
demonstrations and they explained with pride their involvement over the
previous weeks.
The school has expressed a wish to
help develop a locally based community boat project in Leeds; they have
expressed a wish to ‘adopt’ part of the canal and to become more involved in
the work of the Museums. They have clearly seen the potential of the waterways
and their enthusiasm is very exciting.
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