AN APPEAL has been launched for two boys to come forward to take part in a special ceremony as part of work for 2023 in restoring the Montgomery Canal.

The two boys, who are around 12 and 14, made 400 cakes as part of a sponsored bake sale for the Restore the Montgomery Canal appeal in 2019.

However, according to Michael Limbrey – chairman of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust – they did not leave relevant contact details and is hoping they, or their mother, get in touch.

He said: “It is nearly six years since the launch of the Restore the Montgomery Canal appeal which was targeted at the reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge, the canal’s last highway blockage in Shropshire.

“In the time since the launch the appeal has raised more than £800,000 in donations and grants and the project team has spent many hundreds of hours on the project.

“Now the team is planning the start of work in the spring.

“The plan is for a formal ‘first sod’ ceremony and the search is on for someone important for the event.

“The obvious people to invite to undertake this important function are two boys, now about 14 and 12 years old, who in the summer of 2019 made 400 cakes in a sponsored bake for the appeal.

“Unfortunately no contact details were given when the donation was made so appeal organisers are now appealing for the boys or their mother to get in touch again.”

Mr Limbrey added that the Schoolhouse Bridge work ‘will be a dream come true for the project team’ but admitted the plan to build the bridge with just volunteers has been sidelined.

He said: “The intention had been to build the bridge using volunteers where possible, bringing in contractors where necessary.

“Unfortunately the delays of Covid and its after-effects have meant that was no longer possible so Shropshire firm Beaver Bridges are coming in to build the bridge and they should be starting in the next few months.

“The start of the reconstruction of Schoolhouse Bridge will be a real achievement for our volunteers and everyone who has supported the appeal in any way.

“If you are one of those boys, or know them, please get in touch so we can organise a special event when work starts.”

Richard Hinckley, Beaver Bridges sales director said: “We are very excited to be conducting these prestigious works with the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust and to continue the excellent work to date and contribute to the future legacy of the canal.”