PRESS RELEASE

Issued: 29 July 2019

CANAL CHARITY INSTALLS MEMORIAL BENCH TO ‘ CANAL PIONEER’

The remarkable contribution of ‘Rochdale Canal pioneer’ Brian Holden has been marked with the installation of a memorial bench at Littleborough on the banks of the Rochdale Canal by waterway and well- being charity, the Canal & River Trust and Littleborough Civic Trust.

Friends, family and colleagues of Mr Holden, who played a vital role in re-opening the canal, gathered for a special ceremony this month to unveil the waterside bench. Canal & River Trust volunteer Ian Jackson was the driving force behind the initiative and the bench was made by the Trust and installed by Rochdale Borough Council.

Mr Holden, who was secretary of the Rochdale Canal Society, died in September 2018, aged 87, after a lifetime devoted to the waterways and the restoration of the defunct Rochdale Canal. His motto was apparently ‘never say never’ and indeed his energy and enthusiasm paid off when, after 50 years of dereliction, the Rochdale Canal was restored to navigation again in summer 2002, allowing boats to once more travel from city centre to .

Addressing the crowd, Ian Jackson said: “The restoration of the Rochdale Canal was a massive undertaking involving several organisations but had it not been for his cultivation of the right people, his 20 year battle with bureaucracy, it would not have happened. The restored Rochdale Canal is his memorial.

“Brian was truly a modern-day ‘Rochdale Pioneer’. He gave his time and passion to ensure everyone’s enjoyment of the Rochdale Canal. This memorial bench is a fitting tribute overlooking his legacy – the Rochdale Canal as we know it today.”

The Canal & River Trust cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales. For more information about volunteering with the Trust or visiting the beautiful Rochdale Canal, which flows through Manchester, , Rochdale and West , check out www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Canal & River Trust, Toll House, Delamere Terrace, London, W2 6ND T: 0203 3204 4514 E: [email protected] W: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Twitter: @CanalRiverTrust Patron: H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. Canal & River Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales with company number 7807276 and registered charity number 1146792, registered office address: First Floor North, Station House, 500 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB

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The Canal & River Trust cares for and brings to life 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England & Wales. We believe waterways have the power to make a difference to people’s lives and that spending time by water can make us all healthier and happier. By bringing communities together to make a difference to their local waterway, we are creating places and spaces that can be used and enjoyed by everyone, every day www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.

For further media requests please contact: Lynn Pegler, NW Communications Manager, Canal & River Trust m 07783 686246 e [email protected]