1774 - 2024

On Saturday, Bingley celebrated the 250th anniversary of the opening of the famous 5 Rise Locks. From 1774 to 2024 much has changed and yet not a lot has changed. Boats still go up and down in much the same way as they always did. The canal lock flight is the steepest in the UK and one of the wonders of the nation’s waterways, a feat of 18th century engineering. When it opened in 1774, about 30,000 people gathered, awestruck, to watch the first boats make the 60ft descent through the five linked locks. 

There probably weren't that number there on Saturday but there were enough folk about to create a nice buzz. It was bitterly cold in the strong wind and drizzled off and on, so not the nicest of days but there was plenty to see and do, from guided walks to learning how to canoe. 

Some of the boats that had intended to be there are stuck further up the canal by damaged lock gates. Nevertheless there was a good line of lovely boats, many selling crafts and other delights. The Pendle Witch sweet shop boat was there (see HERE). I had a brief chat with this lovely man (below) who was making dog leads and toys from reclaimed materials. His boat was smart and traditionally painted with 'roses and castles', and he himself had that amiable, weathered look that you see on so many boaters, people generally at ease with themselves and with life. If you take to it (not everyone does) it's a nice, relaxing life on board. 

Another of the boats had some fantastical little sculptures and artworks, again made from found and reclaimed materials.