‘Outstanding’ Chair of Canal Partnership
The Award was made at the Living Waterways Awards ceremony in Birmingham and the Chair of Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, Michael Limbrey, said: “The recognition of John Dodwell’s outstanding contribution to our waterways is very welcome.
“John’s involvement with the Montgomery Canal goes back to the early days of restoration as he joined the first big working party at Welshpool, when residents and canal enthusiasts worked together to clear the overgrown and unusable section of canal in the centre of the town.
“For the last three years John has chaired the Montgomery Canal Partnership, a grouping of representatives of the local authorities, public agencies and voluntary groups interested in the future of the canal.
“There have been many developments in that time: with a Lottery grant a new length of canal is being restored by volunteers and an additional nature reserve is being created at Aston. In the summer volunteers removed 1,100 tons of railway embankment obstructing the canal at Pant, and volunteer engineers are working out how to deal with the remaining obstructions of the canal to Welshpool.
“On top of all this, with John’s support, the Restore the Montgomery Canal! Appeal is raising funds for the next stages of restoration. So far the appeal has reached £150,000 but we need more to rebuild the last road bridge obstruction in Shropshire: further donations can be made through www.RestoreTheMontgomeryCanal.uk.
“Now John has been awarded his laurels, we shall ensure he doesn’t rest on them, but continues to contribute to the future of the Montgomery Canal as an asset for future generations!”
PICTURE: John with volunteers during a recent spate of work.
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