Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust pays tribute to Timothy West

Montgomery Canal has lost a great supporter with the death of actor Timothy West, says the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust.

Chairman Michael Limbrey paid tribute to West, the trust’s vice president, who visited the Montgomery Canal a number of times with his actress wife, Prunella Scales, to support fundraising appeals.

The trust is leading the Restore the Montgomery Canal! appeal, which West and Scales supported.

“Timothy West was a great friend of the waterways for so many years,” said Mr Limbrey. “With his wife, Prunella Scales, they cruised many of our waterways and others further afield for the popular Great Canal Journeys TV series.

“Their journeys showed why so many enjoy our waterways for their peace and tranquillity, the heritage of locks and bridges from a pre-industrial age and the trees, plants and wildlife you can see along any canal.

“We were delighted to welcome Tim and Pru to the Montgomery Canal with boat trips at Llanymynech Canal Wharf and on a member’s unique steam launch.

“When we came to rebuild the last blocked highway bridge in Shropshire, Tim and Pru supported our fundraising appeal, describing the Montgomery Canal as one of our most beautiful and historic canals.

“The appeal was hugely successful and the new bridge was completed earlier this year. With the bridge finished, they continued to support fundraising, asking for donations to help our volunteers to reopen more of the canal towards the Welsh border.

“Our waterways have lost a great supporter and we send our sympathies to Timothy’s family and friends.”