A great free day out for all the family takes place this weekend, September 26 and 27, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Chesterfield Canal Society, which became the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

To take place at Clayworth, hosted by the Retford and Worksop Boat Club, the event is planned to recognise all the work that Chesterfield Canal Trust has done for the canal, the wildlife and the linear canal community.

On both days, all boats based on the canal in Nottinghamshire will be there, including two tripboats.

Seth Ellis, usually moored at Ranby, and Hugh Henshall, moored at Shireoaks, will run cruises on both days.

A stretch of the Chesterfield Canal near Clayworth.

placeholder image — A stretch of the Chesterfield Canal near Clayworth.

On Seth Ellis cruises will last 45 minutes, while the Hugh Henshall, which has a wheelchair lift, will run 90-minute cruises. These trips can be booked in advance.

The Trust's 97-year-old ex-British Waterways workboat, Python, which does clean-ups from March to November, will be on show, with volunteers at hand to explain the whole procedure.

There will also be the replica Cuckoo boat, Dawn Rose, which is unique to the Chesterfield canal. Hand built over four years by volunteers; it was launched in 2015.

A display of items and photos will be from the Society and Boat Club over the past 50 years, with canal and wildlife paintings to browse.

The trailer, James Brindley, will have Trust merchandise and information, and the RWBC Club House Bar will be open with full facilities.

The main event on Sunday will include illustrated talks by Rod Auton, showing the progress begun by the original Society up to the multi-million pound restoration works run by the Trust today, and its plans for the future.

The Worksop Miners’ Welfare Colliery Band will provide music, while face painting and hook-a-duck will keep young ones entertained.

It is hoped there will be stationary engines and classic cars to view on site.

Peter Hardy, Chair of Chesterfield Canal Trust said: “We are delighted to be celebrating, with the Retford and Worksop Boat Club, the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Chesterfield Canal Society. In 1997 this society became a registered charity, the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

“Over the 50 years more than 12 miles of canal have been restored along with 37 locks, 11 bridges and two marinas.

"A number of people who founded the society are still active with the Trust today and I hope they are very proud of what they have seen achieved, and the inspiration they have given to those of us still restoring the remaining eight miles, to finally connect Chesterfield with the River Trent.

“We will have boat trips, brass bands, activities for children, snacks to eat and talks about the progress we have made. We would be delighted to see you.’