DOZENS of people attended a launch event celebrating the 150 year anniversary of Sharpness New Dock.

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 launched - named Sharpness 150 - with organisers hoping to bring the community and visitors together to tell the story of the docks.

The launch event on Easter Saturday, March 30 drew more than 200 people.

Joint organisers the Vale of Berkeley Railway Charitable Trust and Stroud Vintage Transport and Engine Club offered a variety of displays. 

These ranged from an illustrated timeline of Sharpness, images of the docks and railway, local landmarks and businesses, numerous historic artefacts and wildlife captured by photographer Clare Glanville.

Visitors also enjoyed talks by Chris Witts of Severn Tales, Mike Smith from SVTEC and Paul Barnett from Friends of Purton. 

Others recorded their personal Sharpness stories, to be preserved in an online archive.

More events are due to take place later this year - for more information see Sharpness150.org.uk

Gazette Series: Ken Hitchings

Gazette Series: Sharpness New Dock anniversary