A 96-YEAR-OLD historian has re-published his book on the Worcester and Birmingham canal due to popular demand.
The book, by Revd Alan White, was first published 10 years ago and took 30 years to research but with second hand copies selling for £100 each after the print-run ran out four years ago popular demand led to another print run last month.
Entitled The Worcester and Birmingham Canal – Chronicles of the Cut, the hardback title, published by Studley’s Brewin Books, is a highly informative history of the famous waterways.
Revd White said he became fascinated with canals when he first moved to the area in 1956 to work at Bromsgrove School where he was chaplain and head of mathematics for 26 years.
Today, the passionate historian is an honorary assistant priest at Tardebigge Parish where he served for 11 years.
He told the Standard: “Over the years, I interviewed many people who worked on the canal boats until the Second World War.
“These days, they’re more occupied by ‘pleasure boaters’ and almost faced closure. This happened in Droitwich when the canal was abandoned after the war. It had to be re-worked and was only recently re-opened.”
The new book includes an additional appendix on the building of the Arieo Aqueduct. It is available at all good bookshops.
It can also be ordered direct from the publisher on 01527 854228.
