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Bradley Workshop, 16 February


Visitors will be able to take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the lock gate workshops on the Bradley Arm of the Birmingham Canal Old Main Line, for the second time, following a popular first year. So, if you missed out here’s your chance to check out the impressive woodworking workshop where thousands of lock gates have been put together over the years.

Bradley Workshop, near Tipton, is one of the hubs of the nation's waterways, the place where lock gates are carefully refurbished and new ones crafted. Inside its doors, more than 90 lock gates are built every year, which are then taken and used across the nation’s network of canals.

Janet Carter, workshop manager commented: “Last year’s event went really well and we felt we should open up the workshop again in order to give more people the chance to come and take a peek into the workshops. It’s satisfying to give people a chance to see the scale of the work we do to ensure that the waterways are preserved for today’s users and future generations, as well as gain an appreciation for the magnificent industrial heritage in their local area.”

In addition to exploring the workshop, visitors will be able to look round the heritage working boat Scorpio. Volunteers will be on hand to take visitors on a tour of the boat and talk about its history. The education team will also be there with lots of fun activities and information for the whole family.

Time: 9am-3pm. The workshops will be open to the public for self-guided tours.
Location: Bradley Workshop, WV14 8DW.
Booking: Not required.


British Waterways’ Canal Open Days 2011/12 are sponsored by May Gurney. Find out more about the company by visiting www.maygurney.co.uk.

Last updated: 02/02/2012

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