Blisworth Tunnel Celebrates 25th Anniversary
200 year old Blisworth Tunnel was filled with steam and boats on Saturday as hundreds of people turned out to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of its reopening to boat traffic on 22nd August 1984 to the sound of a full peal of church bells.
The historic tunnel had been closed for repairs in 1980 for four years after geological movement caused the centre third to partially collapse. During the rebuilding the only route open to navigation between Birmingham and London was a long detour via the river Thames and Oxford Canals. Steam tug Adamant emerged from the north portal in full steam, just as it did in 1984, to open the celebrations. Shortly afterwards, two boats entered the tunnel, one from each end to meet in the middle for a short ceremony. There was an exchange of pennants between the Stoke Bruerne and Blisworth Canal Partnerships who, with British Waterways, led the organisation of the event. Also, on board were engineers who repaired the tunnel 25 years ago, representatives from British Waterways, The Waterways Trust, local councillors and TV. James Clifton, Regeneration Manager for British Waterways said: "This event is an example of partnership working at its best. The two canal partnerships, and the villagers of Blisworth & Stoke Bruerne have pulled together a superb event. Although they have the word 'canal' in their titles, both partnerships have the local communities in mind – many of the projects they have been involved in such as path improvements, litter-picking, car park resurfacing, ramp access for the museum – even the pond dipping platforms, are as much for local people and children as they are for visitors. They are working to secure external funding, to invest in improving local environment for benefit of us all." The days events included full and part tunnel trips for the public, talks by the engineers, exhibitions in Blisworth and Stoke Bruerne, trips on a vintage bus, stalls, a children's playboat, music and BBQs. A tapestry with canal scenes including a depiction of Adamant coming out of the tunnel was on view at Blisworth and limited edition prints, book marks and postcards were on sale. Frank Bedford, who was the local postmaster in 1984 produced a 1st day cover to commemorate the event, just as he did 25 years ago. Frank said: "I was dressed in a traditional Postman’s uniform of the 1780s and travelled on the boat Spider at the reopening and I'm delighted to be able to be involved all over again".
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