Grand Draw to boost Montgomery Canal funds

The group behind trying to connect Welshpool with the rest of the UK via the canal network have launched a Grand Draw to support their fundraising efforts.

Friends of the Montgomery Canal held their annual meeting to review a successful year of activity that has seen more than half of the canal returned to active service 80 years after closing.

The meeting concluded with the launch of the Grand Draw with cash prizes with tickets available online through https://themontgomerycanal.org.uk/donate/raffle-2024/.

Proceeds from the raffle will pay for materials and equipment needed by the volunteers who are continuing the restoration.

The Friends group was established over 20 years ago to promote the revival of the Montgomery Canal, and the past 12 months has produced some significant milestones.

“From the experience of other canals across England and Wales, we know the restored canal will be a real asset for visitors and residents in local communities of Shropshire and Powys,” said Friends Chair, Christine Palin, who said it had been a “momentous year”.

The meeting heard that the re-opening of the canal to Crickheath, opening a further 1½ miles of the waterway to navigation, had been a success, while the raising of the new bridge at Schoolhouse was celebrated in January with a ‘roll over’ of vintage vehicles.

It was reported that the Montgomery Canal Triathlon attracted almost 200 participants and will be held again on May 18.