Tinsley Marina Open Day: showcases ‘the ways that canals can be enjoyed’
A major new public artwork by British artist Alex Chinneck is one of attractions that await walkers and visitors at the upcoming Tinsley Marina Open Day. The event celebrates the history of Tinsley, Sheffield’s historic waterways and industrial heritage.
Alex’s Looping Boat is situated just a few minutes’ walk from Tinsley Marina and takes the form of a 13 metre long canal boat that performs a gravity defying loop the loop on the water.
The Open Day aims to encourage people to discover the benefits of being by the water and showcase the ways that canals can be enjoyed. It’s being organised by the Canal and Rivers Trust which is the UK’s largest canal charity.
The organisation look after 2,000 miles of canals, with 320 miles of riverways in Yorkshire & North East alone.
The team will highlight the benefits of their work: from arts and heritage to canoeing and walks. There will be a range of free family-friendly activities for all ages (supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery funding).
‘Sheffield & Tinsley Canal is a wonderful place to be, taking you from city to country,’ says key organiser, George Baines, youth and community engagement coordinator at Canal & River Trust.
‘Wildlife and greenery line the towpath and the area’s rich steel heritage is everywhere along the canal, alongside contemporary artwork and colourful murals.’
Canals and rivers: ‘improve your health and wellbeing’
‘Research tells us that our canals and rivers are among the most important places to visit to improve your health, wellbeing and give our mood a boost.’
‘With spring around the corner, it’s a great time of year to help people to reconnect to this hidden gem and showcase the work we do to look after our historic waterways and keep them open and alive.’
Arts and crafts activities include creating your own canal scene and making your own duck food – perfect for younger visitors.
There’s an opportunity for visitors to learn what it takes to look after more than 200 years of living history – and how teams work to repair and restore our canal network.
You’ll also be able to walk to one of the locks to see works taking place at the last lock before the canal enters the River Don.
Repairs undertaken while the lock chamber is empty of water include replacing both upstream and downstream lock gates, the lock ladders and brickwork repairs to the chamber wall.
For the more adventurous, there’s a free Let’s Paddle canoe taster session which are instructor led.
‘A relaxing step into nature’
And then there’s a ‘wellbeing walk’ taking place along the canal towpath which ‘offers a relaxing step into nature.’ Organisers recommend booking your place for both of these activities in advance – via Eventbrite.
There’s an opportunity to meet the charity’s volunteers and hear about ways you can get involved and make a difference to your local canal.
The event takes place on Saturday 15 February (1000 until 1500). It’s being held at Tinsley Marina Lock House Walk, Tinsley, Sheffield S9 2FN.
Organisers advise there’s very limited on-site parking at Tinsley Marina (with a recommendation for the usage of public transport).
