The Chesterfield Canal Trust has been awarded two grants to support its ongoing activities, ensuring the preservation of its historic boats and the enhancement of community facilities.
Councillor Donation for Boat Maintenance
Councillor Bert Bingham, Nottinghamshire County Council representative for Worksop West, has made a substantial donation from his Councillor’s Divisional Fund. The funds will be allocated to the maintenance of the tripboat Hugh Henshall and Dawn Rose, a replica Cuckoo Boat built entirely by hand by trust volunteers. Both vessels are moored at Shireoaks Marina, located within Councillor Bingham’s division.
Councillor Bingham expressed his admiration for the trust’s work, stating: “I have long admired the work of the Chesterfield Canal Trust. On behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, I wanted to demonstrate this by supporting the maintenance of these two boats which bring people from near and far to Shireoaks to enjoy the waterway. Long may this continue.”
Peter Hardy, chair of the trust, received a ceremonial cheque from Councillor Bingham at the Stret Lock Open Day. He commented: “We are very grateful to Cllr Bingham for this grant. Hugh Henshall carries hundreds of passengers every year and Dawn Rose demonstrates horse boating during the summer months to sizeable crowds. It costs a surprising amount of money to maintain boats, so this donation is very welcome.”
Mansfield Building Society Grant for Hub Bench
The Mansfield Building Society has also provided a grant to the trust through its Community Support Scheme. This funding will be used to purchase a new bench at Hollingwood Hub. The cheque was presented to Simon Cork by Laura Beth Harding of Mansfield Building Society.
Laura Beth Harding said: “We are proud to support many local schemes that improve the everyday lives of people living in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Hollingwood Hub is a delightful oasis of calm and a new bench will offer many years of enjoyment for those visiting or using the canal.”
Simon Cork, a volunteer on the trust’s gardening team, added: “We try to keep the Hub as pleasant and attractive as possible for everyone, which is why we have received a Green Flag for nine years in a row. This grant will help us to maintain good outdoor seating for the public to relax.”
The grants underscore the community’s commitment to preserving the canal’s heritage and providing welcoming spaces for visitors.
