Northwich Care Home Welcomes Canal & River Trust Speakers

Residents at HC-One’s Daneside Court Care Home, in Northwich, Cheshire, have been learning all about their local rivers and waterways.

In a lively and informative session, the home welcomed David Palmer and Simon Brooks, two passionate volunteers from the Canal & River Trust, who brought the rich history and natural beauty of Northwich’s waterways to life.

The volunteers presented an engaging talk about the town’s iconic River Weaver, its surrounding canals, and the remarkable Anderton Boat Lift, one of the seven Wonders of the Waterways.
This 150-year-old engineering marvel, the world’s first major commercial boat lift, continues to carry around 3,000 boats each year between the Trent and Mersey Canal and the River Weaver, lifting them 50 feet in the process.

Sharon Lelonek, HC-One’s Daneside Court Wellbeing Coordinator, said: “It was an absolute pleasure welcoming volunteer`s David and Simon to our home who represent the Anderton Boat Lift, one of the seven Wonders of the Waterways.”

“It was very interesting learning about this unique piece of our living heritage, a 150-year-old structure that was the world’s first major commercial boat lift and currently transports around 3,000 boats a year between the Trent and Mersey Canal and the River Weaver Navigation some 50 feet below.

“Without the lift, boaters would be forced to make long detours. Our residents really engaged with the talk. Resident Jean Nield was able to add her knowledge of our town and the rivers, which impressed our guest speakers, while another resident, Peter Wilkinson, is a keen history buff who used to attend historical talks with his family, so this was an especially positive activity for him.”

“Other residents really enjoyed it, and there have been requests for a trip out to witness the Anderton Boat Lift in person. There was plenty of interaction and questions asked, it was a brilliant morning and everyone learnt a lot.”