Maureen Shaw appeal

A NUMBER of organisations and individuals have expressed a wish to provide a permanent tribute to Maureen Shaw of Wardle Lock by way of an interpretation panel which would tell the story of this remarkable lady and her life as a working boat woman.

The official launch of the funding appeal was made by the Inland Waterways Association at the recent Middlewich Festival to a gathered audience including the Mayor of Middlewich Councillor Simon McGrory and Fiona Bruce, MP for Congleton.

Given away

From being born into a working boat family, given away as a baby, driving horse boats as a child and then working on the canals with her husband Jack, this fascinating historical account will be read with interest by future generations of boaters and walkers alike.

Permission has recently been given by CART for the panel to be located at Wardle Lock, known by many as, ‘Maureen's Lock', adjacent to the lock cottage, where she spent the latter part of her life keeping a watchful eye and assisting boaters. Many people have asked if they can donate to this project and IWA Chester and District Branch have been asked to lead and secure funding to allow the panel to be made and erected.

Remarkable lady

The Mayor of Middlewich, Councillor Simon McGrory explained:

"It is important that the town council and people of Middlewich support this worthwhile project to provide a permanent tribute to Maureen as not only will it mark the life of a remarkable lady, it will also help to record vital heritage information about the development of the town."

If you would like to contribute to this project please send a donation, by cheque, made payable to IWA Chester and District Branch with the reverse side marked: 'Maureen Shaw appeal' to:

Peter Bolt, 4 Poplar Farm Close, Saughall Massie, Wirral, CH46 5NZ.