Lilith - Still Carrying after 100 years

Built in 1901, the wooden narrow boat "Lilith" started life as boat number 9 in the fleet of Coomeswood ironworks.

She often teams up with the motor boat "Forget Me Not" but is also horsedrawn on occasion.

On the first Sunday of each month, whatever the weather, W.C.B.S. volunteers take the pair out for a trip from their base at the Portland basin museum in Ashton under Lyne to collect unwanted clothes, bric a brac etc.

"Forget me Not" towing Lilith on the Ashton canal

While most of the collected material is sold on local flea markets, car boot sales etc, a certain amount cannot be re-used and has to go as scrap. Light iron scrap is stored on board one of the boats until it is full, then transported to a recycling plant.

On August 21st, 2000 "Lilith" left Portland Basin with four tons of scrap filling her hold. She was towed the 2.5 miles to Fairfield Junction by "Forget me Not",
then bow hauled down 17 locks to Vesta St canal maintenance yard in Ancoats.

With great help from British Waterways staff, the boat was unloaded the following day and the metal continued its journey by road to the recycling centre in Trafford Park. Uncertainty about the cost of navigating the Rochdale Canal in central Manchester prevented the load being carried into Trafford Park.

The following day "Lilith" was taken back to Portland Basin having delivered what was probably the first real load to be carried entirely on the Ashton Canal for over 40 years.

Passing Ashton Canal Carriers on the way back

Technically its not quite 100 years. But on December 2nd 2001 Lilith was still carrying. Ed.

Liliths Birthaday party
Repairs to Lilith 1974-2004