This year’s Drive It Day run marks a change from recent years by featuring a jointly organized Northwest Regional event, in collaboration with the North Wales, Shropshire, Stoke, and Red Rose groups.

Each group will arrange its own run, culminating in a collective meeting at The National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port. The Canal and River Trust are celebrating their 50th anniversary, and the museum offers a variety of attractions, including exhibitions, a Grade II listed building, a café, a discovery trail, self-guided activities, and optional boat trips. An organized tour has been scheduled, providing an opportunity to learn more about the venue and the history of canal life, both past and present.

The entrance fee for the Boat Museum is £13 per person, which includes the guided tour, payable on the day.

The Red Rose group’s run to the Boat Museum will depart from Blakemere Craft Village at 10:30 am. We will be at Blakemere from around 10am and you are free to come early and visit the shops or café (booking recommended for breakfast) which are all open from 10am. Alternatively, participants are welcome to travel directly to the museum. Arrival at the museum is anticipated at 11:30 am, allowing ample time to explore the attractions and enjoy refreshments at the café. Alternatively, picnic facilities are available on site. Departure from the museum is scheduled for 3:00 pm, with the option to join a leisurely drive through the Wirral Peninsula, passing several local attractions, followed by an optional evening meal at The Red Fox in Thornton Hough.

To confirm your attendance, please email us no later than the 16th of April at trredrose@gmail.com. This will help ensure that no one is left behind and allow us to provide accurate numbers to the Canal and River Trust. Spaces for the evening meal are limited; if you wish to join us, please email trredrose@hotmail.com to reserve your place and indicate your interest in attending the meal.

Schedule

• 10:30 am Red Rose group departs Blakemere Craft Village, Chester Road, Sandiway CW8 2EB

• 11:30 am Arrive at National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, CW65 4FW

• 3:00 pm Depart museum: (optional scenic drive through Wirral Peninsula)

• 4:45 pm Optional evening meal at The Red Fox, Liverpool Road, Thornton Hough, CH64 7TL

Please email trredrose@gmail.com with the number of attendees, your starting location (Blakemere or direct), and whether you would like to reserve a spot for the evening meal by 16th April