JAMES Brindley – the man who pioneered the design and building of Britain’s canal network is set to make a rare guest appearance at Lymm’s Historic Transport Day to celebrate the 300th anniversary of his birth!
His first major project was on the Duke of Bridgewater’s canal so it is particularly fitting that on his 300th birthday Mr Brindley has chosen Lymm Historic Transport Day on Sunday June 26 to make a rare public appearance along with his wife.
Mr Brindley will no doubt regale visitors with stories of how he would take to his bed for days to solve difficult engineering problems such as the Whitbarrow Aqueduct.
He may also recall how he and the builders were forced to pay a high price to drive their canal through the very heart of Lymm village in order to be able to follow the natural contours of the land and so keep the canal lock-free.
There are even rumours that Mr Brindley will take visitors on a short tour to show off some of his personal achievements such as as the Whitbarrow Aqueduct.
At the end of the afternoon (4.30pm) Mr Brindley will be celebrating his achievements by boarding one of nearly thirty historic working boats to take part in a cavalcade through the village as the climax to this year’s Lymm Historic Transport Day.
The day will feature everything from a Spitfire to vintage sit-on mowers and traction engines to tricycles as well as nearly 400 classic cars.
For more details visit www.lymmtransport.org.uk