Canal Trust launching canal memories project
THE Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust are launching a ‘Canal Memories’ project.
This is to capture the memories and traditions of the canals of the past as well as the activities and people of the canals today.
Eager to collect stories
Its volunteers are eager to collect stories, memories, photos and objects relating to the waterways of the Black Country and are calling for everyone who has lived, played or worked around the canals today and in years gone by to get involved. The contributions will be stored in an archive and serve as a time capsule for future generations.
Ellen Couchman-Crook, one of the trust's Canal Memories volunteers explains:
“Perhaps you had a boat; perhaps you lived on a boat. Maybe you fished, courted, walked the dog, played with your friends, and enjoyed your only bit of green, made it your running track or just what you knew as home. We want to hear from you!”
Getting out in the community
The Canal Memories team will be getting out in the local community to capture as many stories and memories as they can through informal chats, formal interviews, scanning photographs and more, and Ellen adds:
"The scale of industry in the Black Country would not have been possible without canals and the people who lived and worked on them. It's important to capture what the canals mean to people here in the Black Country today."
Holly Langley, Heritage Activities Assistant relates:
“We love to see the special connections people have to the canals in this area. No contribution is too small. We want to create a picture of people’s thoughts and feelings today, just as much as histories from years gone by."
If you’re interested in contributing or would like more information, please contact Holly Langley, Heritage Activities Assistant via email: