Today (26th May 2019) was the real public baptism of our three new fibre glass coracles, but the day began with foreboding. It had rained heavily for 24 hours and the forecast was very poor. When we arrived the mill pond was higher than we had ever seen it and our ‘jetty’ was afloat. Everywhere was sodden and it just felt miserable.

Members of the Ironbridge Coracle Trust took part in Telford's 50th anniversary celebrations last autumn, including an illuminated display on Southwater Lake. More photos from the event are available on the Ironbridge Coracle Trust's Facebook page

I made this coracle from some plumbing materials I found in a skip. Building the frame was really pretty easy. It is made from ‘Floplast’ PVCU overflow pipe – it’s very easy to work – just heat it with a heat gun or hot water. I based the design on a willow coracle that I had.

Carmarthen Coracle and Netsmen’s Association have been successful with their Heritage Lottery Fund application under the Sharing Heritage Scheme. The Association will be working closely with Mr Andy Edwards on the project, who will record the old tradition and stories so they can be preserved and enjoyed by future generations.