Bidford-On-Avon

Robert Aickman (1914-1981) co-founded the Inland Waterways Association,  a group devoted to restoring and preserving England's then-neglected and largely derelict inland canal system and this lock was named in his honour.

The association was sparked off by a letter sent by Aickman to L. T. C. Rolt following the publication in 1944 of Rolt's highly successful book Narrow Boat, describing the declining and largely unknown world of the British canals. The inaugural meeting took place on 15 February 1946 in London, with Aickman as chairman and Rolt as honorary secretary.  The IWA organized successful campaigns and attracted notable supporters, including as president the writer and parliamentarian Sir A. P. Herbert and as vice-president the naturalist Peter Scott.  Rolt and Aickman had a falling out in 1951 but it did not prevent the IWA becoming one of the most successful conservation organizations in British history, succeeding in restoring and reopening much of the original canal network.  Were it not for him I would not be writing this blog.

Weir at the lock with very attractive foliage.

Bidford Bridge from upstream and downstream.

More large houses along the banks.

And yet another good mooring.

6 miles; 3 broad locks 
TOTAL:  247 miles; 87 locks (11 broad; 5 large)