Leg it to the tunnel for weekend fun
Date published: 23 April 2010
Swords at the ready —there’s a giant dragon on the loose in Saddleworth.
The Horseboating Society have tied in the fourth “legging” of the Stanedge Tunnel with St George’s Day weekend and will be hosting a day-long extravaganza for all the family on Sunday.
As part of this year’s annual event, the narrow boat will emerge after the two-hour trip through the darkness, transformed into a smoke-bellowing dragon.
Chairman of the society, Sue Day, said: “It is the first time we have celebrated St George’s Day at the same time and we are hoping it all goes really well and everyone enjoys themselves.
“There is an evil and nasty dragon in the tunnel and it needs to be slain to make it safe for all the boats that go through there — it should be really good fun.”
But fear not, St George will be on hand to slay the beast in front of the crowds at the tunnel end in Marsden, complete with fire breathers and Morris dancers.
And the celebrations are extra special this year as it’s 200 years since the tunnel was under construction, before officially opening in 1811. Sue, who will be doing her share of walking the walls to propel the boat through the tunnel, said: “More people are getting involved in the society and it is a chance to celebrate the bicentenary of the tunnel and enjoy and understand local history.”
The horse-drawn boat will make its way from the Brownhill Countryside Centre at 10.30am up the Diggle flight of locks, visitors can then make the four- mile walk with a guide and horse to meet the boat in Marsden at 3.30pm.
The reverse guided trip from Marsden to Diggle will take place on May 3 at 1pm.
