@neilslater1

6 months ago

Congratulations on such an excellent and professionally produced informative video on the Leominster Canal. Especially for the new original aerial perspectives and in particular the Teme aqueduct and yourself working the drone! Details of the drone would be of interest. Nice picture (but sadly not mentioned!) of the FoLC/HE blue plaque on the Teme aqueduct that describes the Exercise Hops demolition in detail. I am hesitant to say anything but for historical accuracy for viewers: The original purchasing railway in 1858 was the Shrewsbury and Hereford (not vice versa), the railway near the Teme aqueduct was the Tenbury and the one near the Rea aqueduct the Tenbury and Bewdley (both companies later purchasing canal line land from the S and H). The Home Guard ( 7th Battalion Shropshire) was merely only invited observers to the major Western Command mock invasion Exercise Hops. All three demolition attempts were the 216th REs but as you said Mr Ellis advised for the 3rd final successful attempt. Conditions on the 31st May 1941, however, were like Storm Babet! Yes indeed, Corn Brook was a mega culvert and not aqueduct. After its collapse prior to blowing, the flood level reached tree height! The steps you showed at Corn Brook had just crossed the special Corn Brook feeder. The 1795 replacement of the washed away Brimfield aqueduct is actually a multi-barrelled culvert/syphon. Most important, all structures shown (unlike the tunnels!) lie on Public Rights of Way for all to enjoy, although sadly currently a fight against post-covid vegetation; although yourself and Paul succeeded admirably. Thank you for visiting the Leominster Canal and showing why it is so close to our hearts. David Slater. Trustee Friends of the Leominster Canal.

4 |