THERE may not be a full-blown Lymm Historic Transport Day this year but the village centre will still be buzzing with the sights, sounds and smells of boats and traction engines as enthusiasts gather for a Lymm Boat & Steam Gathering.
The free event on the first weekend of Lymm Festival (June 25-26th) is being organised by local steam enthusiast, Bruce Thomas and boat owner, Lynnette Crossley both of whom were previously involved with Historic Transport Day.
“That event has frequently been described by boaters as the best in the North of England,” says Lynnette “so we are really keen to keep it going in some form.”
Bruce tells pretty much the same story saying: “Traction engine owners love the venue next to the canal and right in the heart of the village, rather than stuck out on a farmer’s field”.
The organisers are hoping that after the gathering some-one may yet come forward to take on the running of a larger scale event again for 2023. More at lymmtransport.org.uk.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the National Waterways Rally being held in Lymm for the first and only time.
The Heritage Centre will be mounting an exhibit to mark the occasion. “The rally was quite possibly the biggest event ever staged in the village yet there is very little record of it.” explains Centre Manager Alan Williams.
“We are keen to see any photographs but also to collect people’s memories of the four-day festival”.
The Heritage Centre will also be staging several days of free canal education activities for local schools in conjunction with Saturn, The Shropshire flyboat and volunteers from the Boat Museum at Ellesmere Port.
Contact the Heritage Centre via www.lymmhic.co.uk.
