New project celebrates 150 years of Sharpness New Dock

Dozens of community events are due to take place as part of a year-long celebration of the working docks. 

The Old Dock was opened in 1827 to provide an entrance from the River Severn into the newly constructed Gloucester & Berkeley Canal.

In November 1874, the New Dock was later opened with large warehouses and extensive cargo handling facilities along with lock gates double the size of those already used. 

A new project has been launched - named Sharpness 150 - with organisers hoping to bring the community and visitors together to tell the story of the docks and the surrounding area. 

A community day will take place on Saturday March 30 with guest speakers, displays, an Easter egg hunt and treasure hunt. 

Attendees will also have the chance to record their stories of Sharpness through an oral history project and see a Waller stationary steam engine at work. 

The free event will take place from 12pm to 5pm at Sharpness Sports and Social Club. 

Organisers say they are planning to have other events taking place this year including local walks, talks, boat trips. 

The opening 150 years ago has been described as an event which “transformed local lives”.

Martyn Slater, from the Sharpness 150 organising team, said “Sharpness 150 is an initiative aimed at uniting people as they discover not only the heritage of Sharpness New Dock, but also its influence on the area, its industries and, most importantly, the personal stories it has helped to shape.”

For more information see their website sharpness150.org.uk and on Facebook at 2024 Sharpness 150.

The project is being led by volunteers and local groups from the following groups - Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club (SVTEC) and the Vale of Berkeley Railway Charitable Trust (VoBR), with support from the Canal & River Trust and the Gloucestershire Heritage Hub.

The 150th anniversary of Sharpness New Dock is being celebrated - photo by Carole Mills (Image: Carole Mills)