2008 Boat Rally - 23 to 26th May 2008

Erewash Canal Preservation and Development Association - 40th Anniversary Rally 2008

The week commencing Sunday 18th May 2008 saw frenzied activity in and around the Great Northern Basin at Langley Mill. This was due to members of the ECP&DA , plus early arriving boaters carrying out the final stages of preparation for the rally. There were many jobs to be done, grass to cut, branches to lop, copings and toll house window frames to be painted, water points positioned and many more. Later in the week the marquee arrived, needing electricity installing, the stage erecting and of course the beer barrels to be staged.

Many thanks to all who helped during this week (and after the rally) your efforts are very much appreciated.

By Friday 23rd most of the boats had arrived – over 100! The evening started with a barbeque and entertainment from singer and multi-instrumentalist Martin Taylor.

A good time was had by all.

Saturday dawned with anticipation of the opening ceremony at noon. The rally was to celebrate three anniversaries:

• 40 years: The formation of the ECP&DA
• 35 years: The re-opening of Langley Bridge lock and basin
• 25 years: The Erewash Canal granted Cruiseway status.

The official party for the ceremony comprised of:

• Jim Stevenson : President ECP&DA
• Mrs Carol Stevenson
• Howard Smith: Chairman ECP&DA
• Graham Myatt : AWCC Midlands Region Chairman
• Judy Mallabar : MP for Amber Valley
• Cllr Sue Willdey : Mayor of Broxtowe
• Cllr Peter Makin : Deputy Mayor of Amber Valley
• Mrs Sue Makin
• Cllr Terrance Holbrook: Deputy Mayor of Erewash

The party set off from Anchor Bridge on BW boat Otter, preceded by the breasted up pair of historic narrow boats “Bath and Petrel”, with the Nottingham Symphonic Wind Band on board to herald the official opening of the rally.

Many people were gathered around the lock to see the arrival of the craft and hear the Presidents speech. The Rally was now officially open and off to a good start. The band continued to entertain by the lock-side for the rest of the day.

Members of the official party were given a guided tour of the restoration work that has been carried out on the Cromford canal. These tours proved popular with boaters and members of the public.

A variety of stalls and displays were well patronised by the public.

At 3pm “they’re off!” for the first heat of the “Duck Race”.

“Dandy Duo” provided the evening entertainment, with their unique brand of Black-Country humour. A very enjoyable session again! A laugh a minute!

Sunday morning saw a large congregation of boaters and local worshipers at the Church Service in the marquee.

Sunday also saw a good crowd with a lot of people visiting the recently restored Nottingham Canal Tollhouse, where many photographs through the restoration years were on display.

At 3pm the second heat of the duck race was run (swam!).

The evening session was boaters DIY entertainment, with many enjoyable turns performed by members of the visiting clubs. During the course of the evening an “Auction” of various items kindly donated by members took place.

At the end of the evening, Lynne Tolley, Vice Commodore of Stoke On Trent Boat Club, presented Chairman Mr Howard Smith, with a Special Lace Plate, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the ECP&DA.

Monday - the final day, again saw a good turn out of people, as was expected. Some of the boats were beginning to head for home. The final of the duck race took place at 3pm through the lock and the raffle was drawn later in the marquee.

The Erewash Canal Preservation and Development Association would like to thank everyone who helped in any way, before, during and after the rally to make it the success it was.

Special thanks to the following for their help and support:

• Warburton’s Bakery
• Wards Skip Hire
• Langley Mill Boatyard
• RH Freight - Nottingham
• British Waterways.

If you have any pictures or a reports please Contact us.