We are delighted to report that the Ironbridge Coracle Trust has secured two grants totalling £50,000 that will enable them to get the ball rolling with acquiring and preserving the Eustace Roger's coracle workshop in Ironbridge.

You may remember from our Save Our Heritage Huts campaign that this iconic part of our coracle heritage - located within sight of The Iron Bridge - has fallen in a terrible state of disrepair and was at risk of being lost forever. Our campaign raised over £2600 to be put towards the necessary works needed to save both the Roger's hut in Ironbridge, and the Thomas hut in Cenarth.

The grants awarded to the Ironbridge Coracle Trust are as follows:

• £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund
• £40,000 from Telford Community Pride

The funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund allows the Trust to conduct a conservation management plan, set up a website, produce leaflets and a display for the trust and the project as well as provide some training for the trustees. The funding from Telford Community Pride allows the trust to purchase the hut, covers legal fees associated with this and commission an interpretation sign. And now that the trust has secured the necessary grants needed to get the project started, the Society is able to make a payment from the hut appeal funds to the Trust.

Whilst this is clearly fantastic news, there is still a long road ahead. The conservation management plan is vital - those that know the hut and its location will know that a significant amount of work is needed just to ensure the hut is not at risk of being lost into the river Severn, and the conservation management plan will provide recommendations for the stabilisation, repair and conservation of the hut

For more information on this project and the Ironbridge Coracle Trust, please contact Jude Walker - email [email protected] or telephone 01952 275606