The Society

Member Profile

 

The Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society is the body of enthusiasts who support the reopening of the canal. Over 1600 members have joined the Society since its inception in 1994.

Members are drawn from all walks of life and, whilst concentrated in the Derby and Sandiacre areas,  live in all geographic areas as afar afield as Hong Kong and the US. Whilst many members are boat owners, many others have an interest in wildlife, cycling, fishing and making the area a better place to live.

The Society always welcomes new members. Membership need not be onerous - many members simply join to be informed of progress, others are more active and look to get involved in restoration work and the regular get togethers.

Activities

Membership brings entitlement to the following activities:

  • Regular meetings, providing updates on progress together with a speaker or presentation  covering a topic of general interest. not necessarily canal related. These are currently held at The Moon Pub in Spondon, close to the path of the canal on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 8pm.

 

  • Communication through the quarterly magazine " The Packet". This aims to provide an update for members who cannot attend the meetings.
  • Event attendance. The Society currently attends a number of public events to inform the public and promote the work undertaken around the canal. These events provide an opportunity to canvas views from other interested parties and ensure the canal restoration is sympathetic to all local residents.
  • Working Parties. These are organised regularly through the summer with work content varying according to the current priorities. Recent projects include rebuilding Ullicker's Bridge, hedge laying, Borrowash Lock excavation and rebuilding as well as the annual grass cutting that ensures the route is open for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and others to enjoy.

Why a Trust and Society?

The Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust is a registered charity that manages the funding of restoration. Like any charity it is subjected to stringent legal constraints, but is therefore in a position to receive grant awards and receives advantages such as Gift Aid on subscriptions.

Subscriptions

Annual Subscriptions to the Society are modest (£15 per family or less) and are paid directly to the Trust to aid the restoration effort. Gift Aid recovered increase the value of subscriptions by taxpaying members by 25%. The Society also runs a voluntary monthly draw whereby for £1 per month members have a chance of winning a cash prize. Profits from this activity support the costs of working parties, etc.

Management Structure

The Society is run by a Committee comprising

  • Chairman
  • Vice Chairman
  • Treasurer
  • Working Parties Coordinator
  • Membership Secretary
  • Social Events
  • Secretary

All positions are run by volunteers and are elected at the Annual General Meeting in October. Committee meetings take place the Monday previous to the Society meetings and all members are welcome to attend. Please contact any committee member for details