Maureen's appeal meets its target

Published: Friday, 14 December 2012

THE appeal launched to erect a a panel in memory of Maureen Shaw of Wardle Lock on the Middlewich Branch has reached its target, and is now closed.

Maureen of Wardle Lock has been described as an icon, a very special person, someone who was known by thousands of boaters throughout the country, writes Peter Bolt of the IWA Chester and District Branch.

Advice and help

She would engage in friendly conversation, and offer advice and help to those who needed it, and some did! Maureen's talks gave an insight into what life was like working the boats and one of her wishes was that we should, 'Keep it going—keep telling the story of the working boaters'.

A number of people asked how we are going to remember Maureen, not just for this year or the next but for future generations. It is so important that this piece of waterway heritage is there for everyone to see. With this in mind it was felt that an interpretation panel be erected at Wardle Lock which would tell the story of her early years with the Jinks learning to steer, and drive the horse, the southern route journeys and the loads they carried. The days with narrowboat Spey' and of course her husband 'Jack' on Dace. Finally, her time helping boaters in her inimitable way in the lock cottage at Wardle lock.

Appeal launched

An appeal was launched last June and I am pleased to report that enough donations have been made from organisations and individuals from all over the country and the appeal is now officially closed. I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to this project, without your help it would not have happened. It will be necessary therefore for any further donations to be returned.

It is anticipated that the official unveiling of the panel will take place during the weekend of the 23rd and 24th March 2013—exact details to be confirmed. We would like as many friends as possible of Maureen to be there for this occasion. A further update will be made nearer the time.