In the the spring of 2026, a new lock will be built at Hartington as part of the Staveley Town Deal restoration project. It will be named Keith Ayling Lock after the man who was Chair of the Chesterfield Canal Trust from 1991 to 2009. Keith is widely regarded as the most influential figure in the restoration of the canal. Almost all of the currently restored 12 miles of canal was completed during his tenure. This lock will be his permanent memorial.
The final part of the lock construction will be the fitting of the new lock gates, so we are setting an ambitious goal of raising £50,000 towards their cost.
If you would like to contribute, please click here.
All donors will be listed in our quarterly magazine, Cuckoo. We will acknowledge larger donations with certificates – Silver (£100), Gold (£500), Platinum (£1,000) and Diamond (£5,000). In addition, all donations of £5,000 or more will be marked by brass plaques that will be fitted to the gates.
