FOR our annual outing, members of Colebrooke WI enjoyed a visit to Tiverton Canal on July 11, writes Andrea Armstrong.

We enjoyed lunch at the Canal Tearooms and Garden.  This was then followed by a trip on the horse-drawn barge which is run by the Tiverton Canal Company.  The company has been in business for 50 years.

Work on building the canal began in 1810 and was completed in 1814.

The canal is 11.5 miles long and was originally five to six feet deep.

It was built for hauling limestone from the quarries at Westleigh to the kilns at Tiverton as this was easier than moving it on carts.

The barge is one of only two horse-drawn barges left in the country.

For our trip we were being towed by Brindley.  He is a shire horse and is the youngest of their horses.  This year is his first full season towing the barge.

Brindley, the horse which towed the barge for Colebrooke WI’s trip on Tiverton canal.
(Colebrooke WI)

The trip was very enjoyable and relaxing, and with lovely sunny and warm weather, it was a great day out.

There is no meeting in August. For our September meeting, Rachel Toll will be showing us how to paint a flower.  

For further information, contact Andrea Armstrong on 01363 84198.