A large number of members and the visiting public were at Snarestone Wharf on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the official opening of the stop gate, which had been freshly painted in ACA colours of cream and red to mark the occasion.

The celebrations began at 12 pm and lasted until 5 pm. Marquees had been set up, barbecued food was available all day, and boats moored at the wharf were decked out in flags.

The highlight of the day was the opening ceremony, which took place at 2 pm in the following manner: ACA’s work boat RAM, loaded with passengers, first requested permission to pass through the stop gate….

…permission was granted by ACA Chairman, Peter Oakden, and committee member, Rod Smith, who was standing in the purpose-built signal box….

….confirmed permission for RAM to proceed by raising the railway signal at the end of the wharf…..

….a ribbon was cut, the stop gate was swung open and RAM passed through to a fanfare of cheering, applause and whistles…..

Throughout the afternoon a tombola was held, bricks were sold, donations received, and boat trips on RAM took passengers to both the winding hole and beyond to bridge 62.

To conclude the day, a member of the catering team, who very kindly donated their proceeds from the barbeque to the ACA, drew the winning tombola ticket.

All in all a very successful and enjoyable occasion.