Artist impression of landing stage and stone steps. Original
painting by kind permission of www.gatehouse prints.com
The Avon Navigation Trust and Holy Trinity Church are raising funds for the construction of a landing stage and stone steps from the banks of the River Avon to the grounds of Holy Trinity Church.
This project has been inspired by the determination and vision of the late David Hutchings MBE who masterminded the restoration of the southern Stratford Canal, re-opened in 1964 by HM the Queen Mother, and led the restoration of the Upper Avon navigation from Evesham to Stratford, completed and also re-opened by the Queen Mother in 1974.
The steps will incorporate a 15m landing stage to give access from the river to boats of all types, enabling them to drop off and pick up passengers who wish to visit the church and see Shakespeare’s memorial, though it is not intended for them to moor there. It will be a particularly attractive facility for wedding parties.
Composed and read by Sir John Betjeman at the re-opening of the Upper Avon Navigation, 1st June 1974.
He who by peaceful inland waters steers
Bestirs himself when a new lock appears
Slow swing the gates: slow sinks the water down
This lower Stratford seems another town
These meadows which the youthful Shakespeare knew
Are left behind, and sliding into view
Come reaches of the Avon, mile on mile,
Church, farm and mill and lover leaned-on style
Till where the tower of Tewkesbury soars to heaven
Our homely Avon joins the haughty Severn
Sweet is the fluting of the blackbird’s note,
Sweet is the ripple from the narrow boat,
Your Majesty, our friend of many years,
Confirms this triumph now the moment nears-
The lock you will re-open will set free
The heart of England to the open sea.
Further information
For further information email hugh@charityview.co.uk
