Our 2024 AGM on 19 March at Winnington Rec. included a fascinating insight into proposed developments at the Anderton Boat Lift from Civil Engineer Fran Littlewood, as well as a wider perspective on funding and visitor development from Lorna Pederson. Around 40 people attended.
The Chairman Jim Mole gave an outline of issues covered over the year, including Navigation Yard, restoring the Anderton mural, the Vale Royal swing bridge, flood mitigation, the Winsford Marina and issues around moving material to Wallerscote Lime Beds. John Hulme presented the financial report and Jerry Marshall gave a brief overview of the website, encouraging members to share posts and pages on social media.
Jim presented an IWA award to President John Tackley for his long membership of the organisation before handing over to Lorna and Fran.
Lorna is Senior Project Manager at Canal & River Trust, specialising in community engagement and visitor experience. She outlined the detailed and complex fund raising process and plans for further visitor development.
Fran is a Chartered Civil Engineer with over 20 years’ experience in project engineering, bridges, design, restoration, project management and asset management. Recently she has been developing and delivering a programme of works, with Cheshire West & Chester Council, on the large, historic Weaver Navigation bridges. Currently she is employed through Morson to project manage refurbishment of the iconic Anderton Boat Lift. Following restoration in 2001, the lift is now due a control system update and a full re-paint.
Fran is clearly enthusiastic about the Anderton Boat Lift and was involved in early restoration. She gave a full update but contractors are on the point of being selected so further details and dates are yet to emerge. They are aware of the need to keep closure to a minimum and will work with Peel Ports on facilitating passage to the Weaver via Marsh Lock.
Anderton photo credit: Cheshire Eye in the Sky
