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The Waterways Trust is a registered Charity in England and Wales (1074541) and in Scotland (SCO39264)

Projects and Appeals > England and Wales > Help bring back the Barge Lock

Help bring back the Barge Lock

The Barge Lock Appeal has been launched by The Waterways Trust in association with the Inland Waterways Association in order to raise £100,000 to restore the vital link in the centre of Droitwich Spa between one of England's oldest canals, the Barge Canal, and one of its youngest, the Junction Canal.

Over the years, the Barge Lock has fallen into disrepair and we need your help to restore it to its former glory.

Donate Here Click the badge on the left to make a secure on-line donation and help bring the Barge Lock back to life.

So far we have raised £91,485 towards our £100,000 target!

The appeal is part of a larger project to restore the Droitwich Canals to full navigation and create a new 21-mile (34 km) navigation ring, which connects the River Severn with Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

Once the Barge Lock is restored, this gateway between the two historic canals can be opened once again to be enjoyed by boaters and all users of the waterway for generations to come.

£100,000 is urgently needed by summer 2008

What needs to be done

  • Construct and install new lock gates and gate paddles
  • Re-point brickwork in the lock chamber and install lock ladders
  • Repair copings and replace bullnose bricks
  • Install new bollards, pull bar and handrail
  • Repair cills and ground sluices
  • Remove over a metre of silt from the lock chamber
  • Refurbish the swing bridge over the lock
  • Install lock quadrants in Worcester & Birmingham Canal pattern

  John Fletcher, Chairman of the Inland Waterways Association says: "I am urging supporters of our canals and rivers to back this important appeal by The Waterways Trust and help save a crucial piece of our waterways history."

Your gift will help make history

Your support today is vital in ensuring that the Barge Lock is completed. For restoration to happen we need to raise £100,000 by summer 2008 when the work is due to commence. A gift of £120 will go a long way to restoring the Barge Lock.

See your name recorded on a 'Brindley' Post

As a sign of our appreciation, your name will be recorded on a 'Brindley' Post in Vines Park - named after prominent canal engineer James Brindley who designed the Barge Canal. We will also update you on the project twice a year and send you a personal invitation to the Barge Lock opening ceremony.

You, your organisation or group may choose to club together and support the appeal with a larger donation.

£120 – Bronze

  • Your name on a ‘Brindley’ Post
  • Insider’s view of the restoration with a project update newsletter twice a year
  • Invitation to a special event to celebrate the opening of the Barge Lock
 

£2000 – Silver

  • Your name on a ‘Brindley’ Post
  • Project updates twice a year
  • 2 VIP invitations to the Barge Lock opening ceremony
  • 2 VIP invitations to the finale event to celebrate the completion of the Droitwich Canals
 

£5000 – Gold

  • Project updates twice a year
  • 5 VIP invitations to the Barge Lock opening ceremony
  • 5 VIP invitations to the finale event to celebrate the completion of the Droitwich Canals
  • Your name will be included on a special commemorative plaque on the Barge Lock

Click here to make a secure on-line donation and help bring the Barge Lock back to life.