Unlocking Hanwell's heritage

1 June 2009

On Sunday 7 June British Waterways London is inviting the public to discover one of London's more unusual Scheduled Ancient Monuments, the Hanwell Flight of Locks on the Grand Union Canal, as part of the Story of London, a month-long festival happening across the capital.

British Waterways is hosting free activities in Hanwell, West London, including wildlife walks for families, guided rambles taking in local landmarks, insights from historical figures on monumental waterway wonders and boat trips along the canal.

The event aims to encourage people to find out the story of Hanwell and the Grand Union Canal, on foot and by boat.

London Mayor, Boris Johnson said: “There are so many stories to tell, in so many different ways, and the Story of London will be a kaleidoscopic exposition of the city's past, present and future. It will bring together some superb attractions for visitors and Londoners, who will also be able to 'revisit' their city with fresh eyes.”

Enjoy a day out discovering Hanwell’s story from 11am until 5pm. Activities along the Grand Union Canal include:

• a 40 minute ‘Wild about Wildlife’ walk with Ealing Countryside Rangers
• a 30 minute walking tour led by ‘Isambard Kingdom Brunel’, the famous engineer who built the scheduled ancient monument, the Hanwell Flight, and the renowned piece of industrial architecture, Three Bridges
• a 30 minute heritage walk of the Hanwell Flight and along the Grand Union Canal to St Bernard’s Hospital with the Hounslow Heritage Guides.

After a walk take a well deserved free trip onboard the traditional narrowboat Helix for a 20 minute picturesque cruise of Hanwell Flight and Osterley Lock.

Mark Blackwell, business development manager for BW London, said: “With over 100 miles of waterways in the capital, the canals played an integral part in London’s industrial past. Today, despite having a different role, they are equally important, offering a green leisure route through London. What better way to learn about the past and present than by hearing the story of these waterways from the characters and creatures that helped create them. I hope you enjoy stepping back in time, discovering more about the area and relaxing by the water.”

To find out more information and event times for the West London waterway event visit www.waterscape.com/events.

For more information about Story of London events happening across the capital in June, visit www.london.gov.uk/storyoflondon.

Ends

For more press information contact: Gill Owen T 020 7985 7227 mb 07733 124580

Notes to editors:

• British Waterways cares for and manages 100 miles of canals and rivers and 110 acres of docks in London. As a not-for-dividend public corporation it works with a broad range of public, private and voluntary sector partners to unlock the potential of the inland waterways for the benefit of the millions who visit and care for them. www.britishwaterways.co.uk/london
• The Story of London is a month-long celebration of the city's past, present and future, which takes place throughout the whole of June 2009. Organised by the Greater London Authority in partnership with a host of organisations across the capital, it is aimed at tourists and Londoners alike, with events and activities in every borough. More information can be found at www.london.gov.uk/storyoflondon.
• Additional press information about the Story of London is available by contacting Ben McKnight at the GLA on 020 7983 4071, or email communitydesk@london.gov.uk.

Event information
All walks and the boat trips are free of charge.

Location address:
Hanwell Flight
Near Green Lane
Hanwell
London
UB2 4NH