PRESS RELEASE, 2nd May 2026
The Chesterfield Canal Trust is very grateful for two grants recently received to help with its activities.
Cllr Bert Bingham, Nottinghamshire County Council councillor for Worksop West, made a major donation from his Councillor’s Divisional Fund. It will go towards the maintenance of tripboat Hugh Henshall and Dawn Rose, which is the Trust’s replica Cuckoo Boat, built entirely by hand by Trust volunteers.
Both of these boats are moored in Shireoaks Marina which lies within Cllr Bingham’s division.
Cllr Bingham said “I have long admired the work of the Chesterfield Canal Trust. On behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council, I wanted to demonstrate this by supporting the maintenance of these two boats which bring people from near and far to Shireoaks to enjoy the waterway. Long may this continue.”
Peter Hardy, Chair of the Trust, received a ceremonial cheque from Cllr Bingham at the Stret Lock Open Day. He said “We are very grateful to Cllr Bingham for this grant. Hugh Henshall carries hundreds of passengers every year and Dawn Rose demonstrates horse boating during the summer months to sizeable crowds. It costs a surprising amount of money to maintain boats, so this donation is very welcome.”
The Mansfield Building Society has also given the Trust a grant. This was from its Community Support Scheme and is to purchase a new bench at Hollingwood Hub.
The cheque was presented to Simon Cork by Laura Beth Harding of Mansfield Building Society, who said “We are proud to support many local schemes that improve the everyday lives of people living in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Hollingwood Hub is a delightful oasis of calm, and a new bench will offer many years of enjoyment for those visiting or using the canal.”
Simon Cork, one of the Trust’s volunteer gardening team, said “We try to keep the Hub as pleasant and attractive as possible for everyone, which is why we have received a Green Flag for nine years in a row. This grant will help us to maintain good outdoor seating for the public to relax.”
Peter Hardy (left) receives the cheque from Cllr Bert Bingham.
Simon Cork (left) receives the cheque from Laura Beth Harding.