Birmingham Canal DVDs

DVD - B.C.N. Part 1, Main Lines & Loops Ref: 946
A completely updated and revised DVD replacing the original part one. This DVD depicts the main lines from Wolverhampton to Birmingham and shows all visible remains of the now closed sections of the Old Main Line including those normally inaccessable. Explore some of the more obscure branches still remaining in water.

Archive footage and stills combine with the present to bring the true story of the BCN main lines to life.

Running time: 100 mins approx.
Price: £14.50

DVD - B.C.N. Part 2, North of the Main Lines Ref: 947
This DVD covers the Wyrley & Essington, Daw End, Anglesey, Walsall, Tame Valley and all the former canals in the immediate area, such as the Slough Arm, Danks Branch, Bradley locks etc.

The film uses extensive archives to portray the former traffics, including horse boats on Ryders Green and Thos Clayton's last traffic down the Walsall Canal. Maps and references help the viewer to locate the sites.

Running time: 104 mins approx.
Price: £14.50

DVD - B.C.N. Part 3, South of the Main Lines Ref: 948
The Dudley Canals, the Pensnett, the Two Lock line, the Fens Branch, the Stourbridge extension and the Netherton area are included in this DVD. A look is taken at the tunnels in the area and the lost route through Lapal tunnel to Selly Oak.

Once again archive material reflects the past uses of the waterway.

Running time: 90 mins approx.
Price: £14.50

DVD - Canals of Birmingham Ref: 1330
In this DVD we approach the city from 3 different directions and examine what there is to be seen along the routes using archive views to relate the rich history of these navigations.

After an extensive look at the loops and branches of the city we leave along the Worcester & Birmingham canal to reach the Northern Stratford canal at Kings Norton.

Running time: 91 mins approx
Price: £14.50

DVD - Narrowboats on the B.C.N. Ref: 940
Watch this DVD and you will see why the narrowboats of the BCN system deserve a detailed look. The BCN developed types of craft which were not found elsewhere, and in some cases were unable to leave the system.

This DVD portrays the immense carrying scene the BCN once had, the diversity of the craft and the immense numbers that existed to make the BCN a highly profitable system.

Running time: 60 mins approx.
Price: £14.50

DVD - Canals of Walsall Ref: 951
In this DVD you look at how they contributed to trade in the town, where they went, and in the case of canals no longer in water, what remains today.

A look is taken at the background of the site which was Ken Keay's boat dock, and you visit the Birchills Canal Museum.

Running time: 50 mins approx.
Price: £14.50

DVD - Dudley to Walsall Ref: 959
We join the working boat 'Barnet' and travel from the Black Country Living Museum to Walsall town wharf. Along the way visits are made to many disused arms and sites that make up part of the 'lost' BCN, particular attention is paid to the Ridgeacre branch. Photographs and archive footage help make the BCN come to life.

Running time: 58 mins approx.
Price: £14.50

DVD - The Wyrley Route Ref: 942
Your journey begins at Anglesey basin at the top of the BCN, where we witness a re-enactment of a coal run using an ex Ernest Thomas tug and three open joey boats, and then follow the train for some distance. You also visit the Cannock Extension, Wyrley and Essington canal via Walsall locks, and the Bentley canal, before continuing beyond Wolverhampton to the Bratch pumping station on the Staffs & Worcs canal.

Running time: 58 mins approx.
Price: £14.50

DVD - The Missing Links Ref: 1858
Narrated and presented by David Suchet, Vice President of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust.

The Missing Links describes the history, background and ongoing restoration of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal. Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield and Trust Patron, speaks about his support for this important restoration.

The physical restoration work being carried out by volunteers is brought up to date to February 2008. Includes archive images of Hednesford Basin, now lost and impossible to recover.

Running time: 1 hour 50 mins approx.
Price: £14.50