Chelmer Canal Trust held a display in High Chelmer showing “The Navigation Past, Present and Future” featuring historical images and photos taken along Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation.

The Chelmer Canal Trust Limited is a registered charity, and voluntary group whose main focus is The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation and its environs.

There was particular emphasis on supporting the proposals to connect the waterways of Chelmsford with a new 165 metre cut close to the Essex Record Office in Wharf Road.

You can follow updates on this proposal at www.facebook.com/chelmsfordcut.

The Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the River Blackwater at Heybridge Basin.

It has remained open and independently run throughout its history.

Never having been nationalised, it continued to carry commercial freight till 1972, and an increasing number of leisure users since that time.

It was designed by the renowned canal engineer John Rennie and most of his original structures are intact together with the entire length of the original waterway.

It is a local treasure, which is well worth defending for present and future generations to enjoy.

Their aims are to preserve the waterway, and it's associated conservation area, from Chelmsford to the sea and to enhance the quality of its public enjoyment and appreciation.

The Trust provides a forum for the assembly and focus of the views of all interested people, and organises special events, lectures, socials, cruises, and working parties.

For further details visit www.chelmercanaltrust.co.uk.