The next Swythamley Historical Society talk will be about James Brindley, the famous canal engineer. Our speaker this time will be Peter Donaldson, from Longstone Historical Society, who first 'discovered' Brindley for himself when cruising the Trent & Mersey and Staffs & Worcester Canals (both being Brindley's creations). He will tell us the story of the background of his parents and his own early life, first in Derbyshire and then over in Staffordshire (near Leek), his apprenticeship in Sutton (Macclesfield), his work on mills and then his canal work. This will include his involvement with the Bridgewater, Trent & Mersey (with particular attention to the Harecastle Tunnel), Staffs & Worcester, and other canals.

Brindley had other local connections as well, of course, in Leek (Brindley mill) and even in Danebridge (his family leased Danebridge Mill from the 1740s till well into the 1800s), so we thought that was yet another good reason to arrange a talk about him locally.

The talk will be held at the Swythamley Centre on Monday 7^th April, starting at 7.30pm. Entry is just £4 including refreshments. More information can be had on 01260 227683 or 227678 or by emailing [email protected].