Easter Saturday, 26th March 2005, saw the long-awaited re-opening of Bugsworth Basin, the head of navigation of the Peak Forest Canal!
Bugsworth Basin closed in 1927 and by the 1960s was dry and overgrown. In 1968 volunteers from the Inland Waterways Protection Society began the long work of restoration. The basin re-opened in 1999 but had to be closed again after a few months later due to major leaks. The Inland Waterways Protection Society has worked in partnership with the Countryside Agency, East Midlands Development Agency, Derbyshire County Council, European Regional Development Funding and British Waterways. Funding for the £1.2 million pound restoration was granted from English Heritage.
The boats carrying the dignitaries and guests approach the gauging point along the newly re-lined entrance canal.
The opening date nearly had to be postponed again when a new seepage of water occurred in the entrance canal earlier in 2005. Wash wall repairs and canal re-lining were only completed days before the Easter weekend!
The MP for High Peak, Tom Levitt, opened the basin by cutting the tape from the bow of a boat, accompanied by the Vice Chair of British Waterways, Dr Campbell Christie, the Mayor of High Peak, Councillor Ann Mone, Ian Edgar, Chairman of the Inland Waterways Protection Society, and many guests.
A boat rally was held over the Easter weekend to mark the re-opening and 94 boats were moored in the basins!
Tom Levitt, MP for High Peak, declares the basin complex open and prepares to cut the tape.
Crowds line the bank and the bridges to watch the opening ceremony.
The mayor of High Peak, Councillor Ann Mone, Tom Levitt, MP for High Peak, Dr Campbell Christie, Vice Chair of British Waterways, and Ian Edgar, Chairman of the Inland Waterways Protection Society, made speeches from the boat following the tape-cutting.
Crowds listening to the speeches that marked the opening.
Ian Edgar, Chairman of the Inland Waterways Protection Society (nearest camera) with special guests after the opening ceremony.
Not everyone was happy about the work to re-open the basin, as this sign outside a house in Teapot Row suggests. The walking route to Whaley Bridge had to be closed while repairs to the wash wall were carried out.
