• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Canals of Birmingham

  • Thread starter Thread starter O.C.
  • Start date Start date
Some time ago I looked at Galton House history, but decided that the Galtons lived elsewhere, it was for a time occupied by the Birmingham Canal Company with prominent staff using it as residence. Part of the 491ft original level ran through the grounds near the bridge over the473 ft level
 
Last edited:
My great grandfather Charles Starling was well acquainted, it seems, with the canals. This from the Birmingham Gazette in 1906:

BIRMINGHAM MAN WHO HAS SAVED TEN LIVES

A splendid act of heroism was done yesterday in a dim, out-of-the-way spot of the city of Birmingham.

Landor-street canal is a turgid strip of water typical of the murky realms of labour in which it lies. A number of boys were playing on the bank, and one, a tiny fellow of eight, fell in, and got underneath a boat. The cries of his terrified companions drew the attending of passers-by, who stood by the water’s edge wringing their hands and shouting directions, but the child’s struggles grew feebler and feebler. It seemed that he must drown.

Then suddenly a man dashed up, and fully dressed and encumbered with heavy boots, dived in. He proved a fine swimmer, this brickmaker, from an adjacent field, and the business of saving life is not a new one to him.

The boy was soon out on the bank, little the worse for his adventure.

“Well done, old man” remarked a police officer, as he took note of the particulars.

“It is the tenth Charles Starling has saved,” says a voice

“I’m a bit wet,” was all the hero had to say.

Inquiries confirmed the fact that the man had saved ten lives.
Charles appeared in the papers again in 1914 when he, and his brother Robert pulled another man George Kenney out of the canal. This time, despite Charles and Robert attempting resuscitation the man was sadly declared dead.
 
mw0njm. said:

Canal toxic chemical spill declared major incident​

www.birminghammail.co.uk

‘Keep away warning’ as toxic chemical spill spreads to neighbouring areas

A toxic chemical spill in the canal in the Pleck area of Walsall, has led to a 'serious risk to health' warning on the extended canal network to Perry Barr in Birmingham, Ryders Green in West Bromwich and Rushall in Walsall
www.birminghammail.co.uk www.birminghammail.co.uk
Click to expand...
Interesting, I did not see where they article mentioned what the spill was other than being toxic.
 
The source of the spill has been identified....

The Environment Agency (EA) said the sodium cyanide that spilled into the Walsall waterway on Tuesday came from Anochrome Ltd, a firm which deals in surface coatings and sealing.

Marc Lidderth, the EA's West Midlands area director, said the incident was "unacceptable" and strong action would be taken if there was any wrongdoing. The BBC has attempted to contact Anochrome Ltd for a response.

From the BBC website.
 
From their website :
"Anochrome Ltd, based in Walsall, West Midlands is recognised as a responsive, quality-conscious and environmentally aware organisation which routinely invests in processing, personnel, and product development to ensure continual improvement and maintain its world class status."
I think that that statement should now be altered to the past tense
 
Anochrome Ltd, which is a metal finishing company based on Reservoir Road, has confirmed the chemical spillage and said it had immediately notified the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water, while members of the senior management team had remained on site to work with the authorities to contain the spill.
It also said it was focussed on limiting the impact of the incident and would provide further updates as they became available.
A spokesman for Anochrome Ltd said: "We can confirm that a chemical incident occurred at Anochrome Ltd Walsall in the early hours of Monday, August 12.
"Regrettably, as a result, some of the released chemicals entered a canal in Walsall.
"Our immediate response was to notify the Environment Agency and Severn Trent Water.
"Our senior management team has been, and remain, on-site working collaboratively with all relevant authorities and agencies to minimise and contain the spill.
"In addition, from the moment we were aware of the incident, we have made all our facilities available to the authorities and agencies in attendance, including inhouse laboratory testing facilities.
"The safety of our community and the environment is our top priority.
"We are focused on limiting the impact of this incident and will provide further updates as they become available."
 
While the spill is VERY unfortunate, the company appears to have been very proactive in handling the incident. By leading the “charge” so to speak they will mitigate future risks by learning what happened as well as minimizing the rath from the Environment Agency et al.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top