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 A new and exciting project...
from Middlewich Vision has recently got under way.
‘Tales of Wych & Water’ aims to celebrate the Canal and Salt heritage of Middlewich, concentrating on the effect and relationship between those industries and the surrounding community. To achieve this, `Tales of Wych & Water’ has different components, each carrying a common thread that links it all together. - How have the two industries shaped Middlewich?
- How important is the canal system?
We look at the many rises and falls of the Salt Industry, but that isn’t all.
Middlewich has always been an important town...
in Cheshire and there are plenty of stories to tell. Recollections of life in Middlewich will be recorded on a continuous basis, keeping the town`s heritage archive alive. We will also make a `Tales of Wych & Water’ CD that will include music by local musicians, poems, stories and work by local school children. Schools will participate in workshops, exhibitions and community projects, engaging children with local history to give more community awareness; not just with how industry can shape a town but also their own place within it. For the community...
we want to raise awareness of the history of Middlewich, bring people’s stories and memories alive and get residents involved with regards to helping shape the project and support it. Community networking is an important factor in everything we do and the more people from all areas of our community that get involved, the better and stronger the project becomes. 'Tales of Wych & Water' needs to be sustainable and helpful to the town’s people, tourists and boaters. In the long run, we aim to do this via a New Town Trail with interpretation boards, trail leaflets, booklets and guides. We will take people on a tour through the town and along the canal side up to Croxton Aqueduct, looking at and illustrating how industry, transport and influential people shaped Middlewich. Full historical research is being carried out with images, resources and activities that will form the basis of a schools education pack, which in turn will be part of a wider Heritage website, accessible to all. ‘Tales of Wych & Water’ will promote community participation between residents, schools and volunteer groups, through more understanding of the industries that shaped our town. It is important to have a sustainable project for the community and visitors, to promote tourism and community pride. This town is rich in history, architecture and community spirit, and this project will certainly enhance that. 
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