Legging It Through Standedge For Charity
The entrance to the Standedge canal tunnel at Diggle.
Nigel Shaw from Diggle is going to be taking on Standedge this weekend, by helping to leg a boat through the canal tunnel.
He’ll be raising money for charity Brain Tumour UK, as part of a crew using the traditional technique of legging to travel between Diggle and Marsden this Sunday.
Nigel has been inspired to take part after losing a close relative to a brain tumour. He’s already raised several hundred pounds, and you can donate by visiting his JustGiving page here.
He said: “If you can spare any coppers to help I would really appreciate it, however I know money is tight just now, so any messages of encouragement would also be very much appreciated.”
Nigel and other volunteers will have to get a 15-tonne boat through more than three miles of tunnel, by lying on their backs and using their feet against the tunnel walls for propulsion.
The legging is part of three days of events to mark 200 years since the canal tunnel officially opened. Celebrations will be taking place on Saturday and Sunday as well as Monday, which is the exact anniversary of the opening ceremony of 4 April 1811.
Among the other events are guided walks on all three days following the route of the canal boat horses, which had to go over the top of Standedge pass rather than through the tunnel, because it was built without a towpath to save money.
The tunnel itself was completed by legendary engineer Thomas Telford, who was brought in to finish the job after work had been suspended because of rising costs.
It remains the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel in Britain. The Huddersfield Narrow Canal, which closed in 1944, has been open again along its full distance since 2001.
Various events are planned between 11am and 4pm on all three days. To get more information, and to inquire about the walks, call 01484 844298 or visit www.standedge.co.uk and www.horseboating.org.uk
And remember, to donate to Nigel’s appeal fund click here.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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