In April 2011 the Horseboating Society embarked on a legging fiesta as part of the 200th Anniversary celebrations of the opening of Standedge Tunnel.
On Saturday 2nd April Boathorse Bilbo towed the historic wooden narrowboat Maria, built in 1854, up the Diggle locks. Maria was then legged by members of the Horseboating Society through Standedge Tunnel to Tunnel End, Marsden.
On Sunday 3rd April members of the Horseboating Society legged three horseboats through Standedge Tunnel from Tunnel End to Diggle.
On Monday 4th April the three horseboats, Maria, Elland and Vixen, were legged back through Standedge Tunnel from Diggle to Tunnel End.
Diggle Band provided an octet of players who performed “Rule Brittania” on the towpath as the first boat, Elland, entered the tunnel. This was a recreation of the events of April 4th in 1811. The band members then travelled through the tunnel on board Vixen.
[See photos from Saturday 2nd April.] [See photos from St George’s Day.]
Monday 4th April:
Members of Diggle Band playing on board Vixen on the passage through the tunnel. Photo: Warwick Burton
The design of Vixen means that there is not enough space to lay boards across the hold (hull). This means that the legger had to lie on the roof of the cabin, bringing down much soot and grime from the days when steam trains used the adjacent rail tunnels. Photo: Warwick Burton
Yorkshire boat Elland emerges first from the tunnel. Photo: Rick Baines
The leggers aboard Elland give their final push. Photo: Rick Baines
The leggers aboard Elland enjoy a rest as the boat glides from the tunnel. Photo: Rick Baines
Sue Day rewards the damp crowd with a lively talk about the boats and tunnel. Photo: Rick Baines
Maria emerges from the tunnel to join Elland. Photo: Rick Baines
The crew of Maria take their turn in the spotlight! Photo: Rick Baines
Maria draws alongside Elland at Tunnel End. Photo: Rick Baines
Vixen emerges last at Tunnel End. Photo: Warwick Burton
Maria, Elland and Vixen moored up at Tunnel End. Photo: Warwick Burton
Vixen’s legger blackened with soot from the tunnel roof! Photo: Warwick Burton
Let them eat cake! Locally made cake provided by BW for crews and guests after the legging. Photo: Warwick Burton
Cake made for the Horseboating Society by Christine Bergin. Photo: Martin Clark
[See photos from Saturday 2nd April.] [See photos from St George’s Day.]
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