The Ironbridge Coracle Trust (ICT) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (1161685) and was established April 2014. The ICT has been set up by a group of local people who are interested in the coracle heritage of the Ironbridge Gorge, including friends of the Rogers family, coracle builders and enthusiasts.

The aim of the ICT is the advancement of the culture and heritage of the craft of coracles and coracle making in the Ironbridge Gorge and on the River Severn for the benefit of the public.

The immediate objectives of the ICT are:

• To purchase the coracle shed on the banks of the Severn formerly owned by the Rogers family, key figures in the story of coracles in Ironbridge.
• To offer some interpretation about the coracle shed which lies within the Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site.
• To seek further funding to restore the coracle shed and interpret its role the public.
• To continue to put on the Ironbridge Coracle Regatta on August Bank Holiday Monday at the Rowing Club on the Severn.
• To interview people who knew the river men, and capture their reminiscences as digital recordings which can be put onto the website.

The ICT have been successful in receiving funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Telford & Wrekin Council to support their objectives and to date have been successful in acquiring the Rogers' family coracle shed on the River Severn bank next to the Iron Bridge; collecting and cataloguing artefacts, stories, photographs and more; and in 2020 opened the brand new Coracle Shed at the Green Wood Centre just outside Ironbridge. The New Coracle Shed contains a wealth of exhibits and information on the Ironbridge Coracle and Rogers family, including a replication of what the original coracle shed next to the Iron Bridge would have looked like when in full use by the Rogers family. Work continues on the original shed to stabilise and secure it on the riverbank, ready for restoration.

The ICT are also responsible for organising the world renowned and very popular annual coracle regatta, which takes place every August Bank Holiday Monday. This event - held at the Ironbridge Rowing Club - draws huge crowds each year to watch the fun and games out on the water, with everyone welcome to take part out on the water or simply have a go - no experience needed!

The ICT always welcomes new members who support their cause - for more information, get in touch with them via the links below

Contact the Ironbridge Coracle Trust

Website: www.coracleshed.org

Facebook: facebook.com/ironbridgecoracletrust

Phone/email: Jude Pilgrim - phone 07855 956089 or email via the Society Secretary

More information

The Ironbridge coracle