The Huddersfield Canal Society was formed in 1974 by a group of enthusiasts with the ambitious aim of restoring the then derelict Huddersfield Narrow Canal to through navigation and improving the Broad Canal.
After 27 years of campaigning and restoration, led by Canal Society volunteers, the Narrow Canal was re-opened in May 2001 and gained Royal approval with an official ceremony by HRH Prince of Wales in the September that year.
Funding for removal of the final set of major blockages, amounting to £30 million, was received from the Millennium Lottery Fund and English Partnerships, with contributions from the Society, Tameside, Oldham and Kirklees Councils and the former British Waterways. Click here to download Keith Gibson’s historical summary of the restoration and follow this link to see how the major blockages were removed.
The Society’s members and volunteers help protect and promote the canals so the years of hard work and investment can continued to be enjoyed by all.
Registered in England No. 1498800 – Huddersfield Canal Society Limited is a Registered Charity No. 510201