A further stretch of Grantham Canal could be open to boats this summer after it was closed more than 80 years ago.
Grantham Canal Society is raising money to replace the bottom gates of lock 18 at Woolsthorpe. It still needs to raise upwards of £8,000 out of a total of £35,000 to pay for the work. The society hopes to carry out the work later in the summer.
The top gates of the lock were replaced last year at a cost of £26,500.
The society is constantly raising money to make improvements on the canal.
It will be holding an open day with trips available on its very own boat called the Three Shires. The open day is on Sunday, July 28, and trips on the boat cost £2 per adults and £1 for children. The trips set off from Harlaxton Wharf between 11am and 4pm and last about 45 minutes.
Among other events, on October 13 there will be an open day at the Society’s Woolsthorpe depot next to the Dirty Duck pub and it will hold its annual duck race.
Ralph Poore, of the canal society, said: “We have a membership of more than 330 members and we are looking to expand our membership all the time. People can get involved in volunteer work, getting mucky, dirty and wet and having fun with the aim of promoting the canal, the society and conservation. Everybody loves the towpath such as dog walkers and cyclists so this is a good opportunity to get involved in the canal.”
To get involved with the Grantham Canal Society call chairman Mike Stone on 01159 313375 or go to www.granthamcanal.org