Canalside Pictures
Spoon Dredger.
November 18th, 2005
Spoon Dredging. Click on pictures to view full size
An Extremely laborious occupation. This spoon dredger was working on the Birmingham canals. The iron spoon with drainage holes was scooping mud out of the canal and lifting it with the crane into the boat, where it was taken to the tip. Max
Ashtead Locks Birmingham.
Paddle gear collapsed when we entered lock.
B.W.drained chamber and repaired in under two hours.Max
Ashtead Locks Birmingham.
New paddle pin being handed over. Max
Steam Pump Boat. While we expect boats to float this strange craft was only doing its task successfully when it was sitting on the bed of the canal. Built, I believe, for The Grand Union Canal Co. this lock pump out boat comprised a vertical coal fired boiler and a large rotary water pump which could lift a considerable volume of water. Here it was being used by David Hutchings when we were racing against time to restore the Wilmcote flight of locks ready for the opening by the Queen mum at Stratford on Avon.
When I last saw this museum piece it had its machinery removed and was being converted into a houseboat at Lapworth. Max
When I last saw this museum piece it had its machinery removed and was being converted into a houseboat at Lapworth. Max
One of the most attractive boats on the English Canals
Arthur Bray on Raymond.
Arthur Bray on Raymond.
“Roger” and “Raymond” awaiting a cargo 1960.
A train of working boats in the “Black Country”, economical transport of up to 100 tons.
Canal Boats carrying 55 tons of coal unload at the Hams Hall Power Station and then return to the colliery.
A buzzard in the field keeps an eye on the boatwoman. Max
Diglis Basin, Worcester. 1961 looking for murder weapon.
A motor boat on the slip showing iron plates and elm plank bottoms.
