Joining Forces at Llanymynech

The Packet-boat ‘Duchess Countess’ Project has joined forces with British Waterways and the Shropshire Union Canal Society to provide an educational and tourist facility for the community.

British Waterways and SUCS have restored a length of canal east of the A438 bridge at Llanymynech for navigation, which includes the restoration of the Wharf area. The Old Stables on the Wharf have been completely renovated and opened as a Visitor Centre in the summer of 2005.

The George Watson Buck arrives at Llanymynech

A 49ft twelve-seater passenger trip boat was obtained through the good offices of the Shropshire Union Canal Society. It was re-named the ‘George William Buck’ after one of the engineers of the Montgomery canal. This well equipped vessel was prepared for operation on the “Llanymynech Length” by members of the ‘Duchess Countess’ group and provides educational trips.

The George Watson Buck is lowered into the Montgomery Canal at Llanymynech

The Packet-boat ‘Duchess Countess’ Project group is involved in the day to day management of the Visitor Centre and operation of the community boat ‘George William Buck’

These activities complement our long-term objective to re-create the canal Packet-boat ‘Duchess Countess’, which will be the only example of a fast horse-drawn passenger-carrying canal boat. Not only will her building provide very practical skills training in the craft of wooden boat building but the completed craft will provide a valuable educational facility and tourist attraction in its own right.

June 2006