Horse Drawn Journeys - The Journey Begins

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.

Horse Drawn Journeys - Preparations

“What better way to introduce our pupils to the Industrial Revolution. This will bring history to life. It will introduce them to the heritage of Saltaire; 1 of 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Yorkshire”

I took Alan down the road from Seacroft, a severely disadvantaged community but the school has a very strong community development focus, to Thwaite Mills. A ¼ hour journey but it was like walking into an oasis. The mill buildings in various states of maintenance but set in massive grounds, contained on an island and access by bridge across the navigation. Pupils were shown how the water wheels operate; the blacksmiths forge which is still in use and the grounds that had evidence of conservation and environmental work.

“What a fantastic resource”

And the project unfolds…

“This is such a unique event we should film it”

The pupils at DYCA have different levels of motivation, skills, interests and ability so they would perform different aspects of the project.

Sapling cutting – the Prince’s Trust and Duke of Edinburgh’s programmes which are used for pupils who learn better by non–traditional methods. The physical task of cutting back was mixed with a general clean of rubbish of the towpath.

Lock setting – the Combined Cadet Corps. “They are used to operating as a team, they will do whatever you ask them to do and they can be relied upon to do it well”

Documenting the event - Media students – “They have some really good kit. They can film the start of the journey”

Film extras – Drama students – “They will dress up in costume”

The pupils had to understand the importance of what they were doing and Adrian from the Society gave them a lesson explaining how they fitted in.  Canal Connections gave a days training to prepare the students in lock and bridge operations. Rachel from Aire Action gave them an induction in Health and Safety prior to carrying out the vegetation work.

Horse Drawn Journeys - Getting Involved

Recently, I was at a networking meeting where a variety of community groups had a 3-minute pitch to tell each other about their projects. I was intrigued by Sue Day, The chair of the Horse Boating Society; a charity whose aim is to keep the heritage and culture of this original form of canal boat use alive, was asking for volunteers. Sue was bringing her boat to Saltaire in April for the World Heritage weekend. I spoke to her later at the bar:

“It’s the first time for 60 years that a horse drawn boat has travelled on the Leeds - Liverpool canal. There are only 5 horse boats operating in this country and the others are commercial operations.”

I arranged to meet her to find out how we could get involved. The boat stood alone on the moorings at Thwaite Mills, Leeds on the mighty Aire and Calder navigation. 

"I need a boat to tow me to Leeds because the towpath has disappeared in places. The tow path on the canal also needs saplings cutting back so that the rope does not get snagged. I need someone to set the locks and bridges. I need guides to warn people of a horse on the towpath."

A call to Alan at David Young Community Academy revealed a strange response. “This could link into various aspects of our pupils school work", and the horse boat project begun...