The two Rufford Marinas and the canal
28th May 2007

Rufford has seen an incredible amount of canalside development in the last few years with two marinas and associated developments. It has become a tourist destination. Ideal means of getting there is by train! Enjoy a walk along to the Old hall, followed by a meal or coffee at the new cafes' for a good day out.

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My first photo is from the archives. 23rd February 2003. The canal bank is a verdent green with no sign of marinas or development. However those trees on the right are the ones that appear in the next shot.
My first photo is from the archives. 23rd February 2003. The canal bank is a verdent green with no sign of marinas or development. However those trees on the right are the ones that appear in the next shot.
 This is the entrance to St marys Marina from the Rufford branch canal. I remember this as being a very boggy cow grazing field and part of the farm run from the farmhouse seen in the top right hand corner of the photo
This is the entrance to St marys Marina from the Rufford branch canal. I remember this as being a very boggy cow grazing field and part of the farm run from the farmhouse seen in the top right hand corner of the photo
 A view from the bridge over the entrance to Fettlers wharf marina. Beyond it is the railway station
A view from the bridge over the entrance to Fettlers wharf marina. Beyond it is the railway station
 A hundred yards along the canal lies a lock.
A hundred yards along the canal lies a lock.
A close up on the ratchet system used for opening and closing the sluices. The water level must be equalized before the gates can be opened.
A close up on the ratchet system used for opening and closing the sluices. The water level must be equalized before the gates can be opened.
 I checked but couldn't see Moses in the bulrushes.
I checked but couldn't see Moses in the bulrushes.
A northbound view of the branch
A northbound view of the branch
The entrance to Fettlers Wharf Marina
The entrance to Fettlers Wharf Marina
At the railway station were several fascinating photos of St marys marina under construction. I will gladly give credit to the photographer if he makes himself known to me.
At the railway station were several fascinating photos of St marys marina under construction. I will gladly give credit to the photographer if he makes himself known to me.
 A shot from the road bridge at St marys marina
A shot from the road bridge at St marys marina
 The entrance into Fettlers wharf marina is under this pedestrian bridge.
The entrance into Fettlers wharf marina is under this pedestrian bridge.
 Although the marina has only recently opened almost all the berths are occupied.
Although the marina has only recently opened almost all the berths are occupied.
The local post office in Rufford closed when the owners retired. However a local facility has been made available at the marina. Two hours only on Tuesdays
The local post office in Rufford closed when the owners retired. However a local facility has been made available at the marina. Two hours only on Tuesdays
 A pleasure craft is seen entering the marina from the canal.
A pleasure craft is seen entering the marina from the canal.
 A brand new barge was receiving its final coat of paint in the barge works.
A brand new barge was receiving its final coat of paint in the barge works.
 The barge appears very shallow.
The barge appears very shallow.
A wonderful facility for maintaining the barges.
A wonderful facility for maintaining the barges.
 When the marina was constructed a huge mountain of subsoil was created which is only now being taken away bit by bit. However it provides a grandstand view over the marina.
When the marina was constructed a huge mountain of subsoil was created which is only now being taken away bit by bit. However it provides a grandstand view over the marina.
 Two views over St marys marina
Two views over St marys marina
Meanwhile a barge has entered the lock on the Rufford branch
Meanwhile a barge has entered the lock on the Rufford branch
 A final shot taken at St Marys marina
A final shot taken at St Marys marina
 The Bryn coffee shop at St Marys marina
The Bryn coffee shop at St Marys marina
 Of course if you're in need of something a little stronger....
Of course if you're in need of something a little stronger....
Finally four photos taken in 2001 of the magnificent Rufford Old Hall
Finally four photos taken in 2001 of the magnificent Rufford Old Hall


© 1998-2009 Clive Hanley - All copyrights rest with the Author
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