MONTGOMERY CANAL DINGHY DAWDLE 2006
Aberbechan to Garthmyl (including the re-opening of Newhouse Lock)
This year, the dinghy dawdle took place on Sunday the 25th of June. The starting point for the event was Aberbechan near to the Newtown end of the canal where over 50 boats of various types, from coracles, canoes, kayaks, dinghies (powered and rowing), etc., assembled. These were well outnumbered by the number of walkers that accompanied them as they headed north to join in the official opening of the restored New House Lock by Lembit Opik MP. A break for lunch was made at Brynderwen Wharf before setting off once more to finish at Garthmyl which involved crossing the main A483 trunk road at the sites of two dropped bridges ( Bridge 136 and Bridge 141)
1. The first event of the day was the coaxing of a group of swans away from the starting point and onto the Aqueduct at Aberbechan.
2. This coracle owner is a regular visitor to the event.
3. Having moved the swans, the entrants assembled on the towpath ready for the start.
4.At New House Lock, a group of V.I.P’S arrived by steam powered launch. Meanwhile, past the top gate, the first group of Dinghy Dawdlers is seen arriving at the lock.
5. The opening ceremony of cutting the ribbon and declaring the lock open was performed by Lembit Opik. M.P. For Montgomery.
6. Having been officially opened, the lock was immediately filled by small craft ready for passing through on their way to Garthmyl.
7. The next lock that the Dinghy Dawdlers passed through was Byles Lock. One of the groups of craft are seen here leaving the lock and passing under the bridge.
8. Craft then passed under the A483 Abermule bye-pass to emerge into a pleasant wooded scene.
9. Between the bye-pass and Brynderwen is another pleasant section.
10. Passing through Brynderwen Lock before lunch.
11. This attractive area on the tow-path side of Brynderwen Wharf provides a superb picnic area for the lunch-time break.
12.The dropped road bridge No. 141 at Abernant meant portage of the craft over the busy A483 trunk road.
13. Passing under bridge no. 137 at The Fron.
14. The first group of craft arrived at the next dropped road bridge no. 136.
15. Once more, the craft were carried over the A483 at the site of the dropped road bridge.
16. After crossing the A483, the craft assembled for the last leg of the Dawdle.
17. At Penllwyn Bridge No. 135, the Dawdle passed by this pleasant lake-side area.
18. This was the scene at the finishing point at Garthmyl where a temporary bridge, adjacent to the aqueduct had been provided by B.W.
19. Presentation of the plaques was made by Geoff Gilman, Chairman of the
“Friends of the Montgomery Canal.”
20. One of the younger entrants seen here being watched by Geoff Gilman and the event organiser Terry Wain, after he received his plaque.
21. The young entrant proudly showing me the latest addition to his collection of plaques.
22. Another young entrant, still wearing his buoyancy jacket, collects his plaque.
23. Two more of the entrants after receiving their plaque. This young man had seen the event on the Montgomery Canal Web-site and decided that he wanted to take part. Needless to say, having taken part, he and his family are coming again next year.
WE WISH TO GIVE OUR THANKS ALL WHO TOOK PART IN THE ORGANISING AND RUNNING OF THIS ANNUAL EVENT.
AS USUAL, IT WAS ENJOYED BY EVERYONE PRESENT.
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