During 2012 the Horseboating Society is travelling the length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in stages, taking part in various events along the way.
Monday 24th September:
The Horseboating Society commemorated the centenary of the bovine feat of Buttercup the brown cow who swam through the mile long Foulridge Tunnel on September 24th, 1912.
On the exact date, a hundred years later in 2012, the horseboat Elland was legged through the Foulridge Tunnel and a storyline was developed. As the boat made its way through the tunnel, it came across a cow called Buttercup swimming through the tunnel. She was offered a ride on the boat which she gratefully accepted. Emerging at Foulridge, Buttercup was safely on board the boat but still needed reviving with alcohol after her long swim, just as in 1912. Unfortunately Cow’s Rum could not be found so Lamb’s Navy Rum was used instead!!!
The leggers were Tim Hawkins, a Leeds and Liverpool boater, and Edward Randell of Café Cargo, Foulridge.
Interpretation board showing photo of the real Buttercup in 1912. Photo: Warwick Burton
Elland at Wanless portal, at the Barrowford end of the tunnel, with the long legging plank being put in place. Photo: Warwick Burton
The legging and filming start as Elland enters the tunnel. Photo: Warwick Burton
Approaching the end of the tunnel at Foulridge. Photo: Warwick Burton
Nearly finished legging the one mile tunnel! Photo: Warwick Burton
Leggers Tim and Edward take a well-earned rest! Photo: Warwick Burton
Guess who we picked up swimming through the tunnel? “Buttercup” gratefully accepted a lift! Photo: Warwick Burton
“Buttercup” is revived with rum after her long swim through the tunnel. Photo: Warwick Burton
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