History of Coombeswood Canal Trust
Hawne Basin is owned by the members of Coombeswood Canal Trust and is surrounded by typical Black Country trading estates on all sides. Hidden away from the outside world, the basin is only visible from certain vantage points and offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Following the Trust's 2007 AGM Dave Necklen gave a presentation of the story of the first 30 years of Coombeswood Canal Trust.
A video of the presentation can be found in the 'YouTube Videos/Miscellaneous' section of this site.
The timeline below, extracted from Dave Necklen's presentation, lists some pre-history and the main points of progress of the Trust from inception to 2001.
Timeline
1798
The Dudley No.2 canal is opened from Park Head to Selly Oak.
Early 1800's
The original Basin is built, probably to serve Hawn Colliery, thought to be the oldest colliery in Halesowen. A horse-drawn tram road led to the basin from the colliery across the river Stour, over a stone bridge which still exists.
1883
The colliery ceased production.
1898
A Great Western Railways Act authorises construction of the Halesowen Basin Branch.
1898
The Basin is enlarged and railway access and sidings built.
1902
The rail branch from Halesowen station to Hawne Basin is opened on 2nd April.
June 5th 1967
Boat traffic ceases, Basin closed. The railway remains open to supply Walter Sommers .
Oct 1st 1969
Basin Branch railway closed.
1970
Transshipment shed demolished, rail lines lifted.
1975
Letters are written by the IWA to Dudley Council and others promoting the value of Hawne Basin for moorings etc..
14th October 1976
First IWA steering committee meeting decides to form the Coombeswood Canal Company to seek the retention of Hawne Basin and its development for boating and related activities.
November 29th 1977
First meeting of members of CCC at Seven Stars Hotel, Seisden.
January 1978
The first Newsletter.
January 24th 1978
Second Members Meeting of CCC at “The Old Bush Revived” Powke Lane, Blackheath.
Summer 1978
Netherton Tunnel closed for repairs.
1979
Announced in January that Hawne Basin is now in ownership of Dudley MBC. Basin and canal arm dredged by dragline, dredgings spread on land formerly occupied by rail lines. Work funded by WMCC.
24th May 1979
Meeting held at the Caslon Hall, Halesowen Library to discuss the formation of a Trust to operate Hawne Basin. Representatives from Dudley MBC and West Midlands County Council, waterways societies including CCC, and BW.
14th June 1979
CCT recommended as the body to operate the Basin on behalf of the Council and in the general interests of the public. CCT to become a charity.
10th July 1979
SGM held approves name change from CCC to CCT. Our membership numbers around 50.
September 1979
Draft lease agreed with Dudley Council.
January 1980
Permission to occupy Hawne Basin.
Feb/Mar 1980
Dredgings have dried, so the land was levelled and covered with shale.
5th - 6th April 1980
Easter Rally held at the Basin
August 1980
First mooring boat arrives - Tony Jennings "Interlude"
Sept 1980
Two residential boats arrive; John Rudge “Betty” and Richard Hurley “Joseph”. Registration of CCT as a Charity on-going. Security fencing erected, no gates! Work parties underway
December 1980
Gates fitted, Basin secure.
January/February 1981
Water supply & sewage disposal working. 10 moorers in Basin. Chris Burton rebuilding bridge over basin entrance.
April 1981
Easter Rally at Basin.
May 1981
Basin wall repairs being carried out by Youth Opportunities Persons. Toilet block construction to start.
February 1982
Hawne Primary School children plant 20 trees
April 1982
Easter Rally
29th June 1982
Coombeswood Canal Trust formed.
28th August 1982
Naming and opening Burton Bridge by David Hutchings and the Mayor of Dudley.
March 1983
CCT logo adopted designed by Gunter Toennig
September 1983
"Matty Butty" launched by David Caunt.
January 1984
Over 40 boats moored.
17th April 1984
Netherton Tunnel re-opened.
21st/22nd April
Netherton Tunnel re-opening Rally.
January 1985
Approaching 70 boats moored.
September 1985
Electric points completed around the Basin.
March 1986
First "Interchange" published (Newsletter 33).
27th/28th September 1986
First Black Country Boating Festival.
20th February 2001
Coombeswood Canal Trust - re-formed as a Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a share capital.