CPSN

The Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation

It was an early tradition in canal history that the Directors of a canal would make an annual journey along their canal to inspect the works. Many of the better off companies had special craft built for the purpose whilst the Directors of less popular concerns had to make do with borrowing a working boat for the day.

Few of the original Company inspection boats have survived, a notable exception is the Lady Hatherton which was the former Director's inspection boat of the Staffs and Worcs Canal Company. Even this magnificent and elegant craft came close to being destroyed following Nationalisation.

The Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation used to have their own inspection boat and this is subject of an 18th century engraving showing it on the section of canal near St. Cyr's Church in Stonehouse.

In 1999, a trip was made by the Directors and a number of Shareholders following the Annual General Meeting of the Company. It had been intended that this should use Perseverance, the new Cotswold Canals Trust trip boat which would have looked the part. However, thanks to engine trouble, the assembled throng had to make do with Goliath, the Trust's Tug.

The journey started at the slipway above Pike Lock and passed through Blunder and Newtown Locks. It was not possible to proceed through Bonds Mill Lift Bridge due to a recent fire in the adjacent factory which had incinerated the power cables to that part of the Bonds Mill estate. The Directors and Shareholders walked from Bonds Mill to the Ocean to view Ocean Swing Bridge (currently fixed) which is the subject to restoration plans.

The Tug Enters Newtown Lock

Turning Around Near Pike Lock

Goliath Starts Its Descent in Blunder Lock