Another bridge for the Chesterfield Canal

THE formal opening of Constitution Hill Bridge had the Chesterfield Canal Festival off to a flying start last week-end.

The ribbon was cut by Councillor Joan Dixon on Seth Ellis, the first of three trip boats in the VIP flotilla which included the Mayor of Chesterfield and Natascha Engel MP.

Partnership

The banner on the bridge proclaimed 'Working in Partnership' as it was a combination of Derbyshire County Council, the Chesterfield Canal Trust and the Waterway Recovery Group which built and paid for the bridge.

Despite dire forecasts earlier in the week, the rain held off and there was some sun on the Sunday. Thousands of people came to enjoy the fun, whilst the workers carried on bricklaying!

The Festival itself had a host of attractions. The music and dance in the Entertainment Marquee was fairly traditional, but the outdoor performance area featured more unusual fare such as Belly Dancers, Black Pig Border Morris, Birds of Prey flying and a Ukelele band.

Waterway Recovery Group

The Waterway Recovery Group was teaching children how to drive a mini-digger, kindly supplied by Hewden. This was one of many activities and rides for children.

Add in vintage vehicles, dozens of stalls of every sort, several different caterers and a Real Ale bar and you had a great day out for the whole family topped off by boat rides taken by hundreds of people.

Eckington School's boat, Madeline, was on the water and dozens of people came to admire the superb work put in by staff and students to completely fit it out.

Richard Parry

Late on Saturday afternoon, Richard Parry, the Chief Executive of the Canal & River Trust paid a visit and saw the Chesterfield Canal Trust work party laying bricks and blocks on the new lock that they are constructing.

Sunday saw the Festival featured on BBC Radio Sheffield's Clueless, with the intrepid reporter having a go on the zipwire.