Horse-drawn Saturn leaving Audlem Wharf today

(The website link that was here no longer works) Audlem seemed packed yesterday with activity – on the Wharf (see below); exhibitions at the Methodist Church hall; the Open Garden and Fair in aid of Cancer Research at the Willows in School Lane and, to top it all, the wedding of Katy Sykes, the daughter of Ian and Isobel Sykes, to Mathew at St James' Church.

Today, it will be worth flocking to Audlem Wharf again. There's a performance by the Day Star Theatre at 12.30pm outside the Shroppie Fly plus music by the Crofters. Then there's a Horse Harnessing Demonstration at 1.20pm and the launch of Saturn, the historical Shroppie Fly narrow boat at 2.00pm. It will be a fine sight, and a must for photographers, as this famous narrow boat sets off horse-drawn to Nantwich.

These events are all part of Cheshire's Floating Garden Festival – crews from the four corners of Cheshire are taking part in the festival. The decorated boats, including Saturn, will travel through

or over a massive total of 324 bridges, tunnels and aqueducts and negotiate 80 locks to meet together at the

Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival.

You can try your hand at the traditional canal arts whilst enjoying the entertainment on the Wharf. There will be an opportunity to take a tour of Saturn and demonstrations in the Mill Shop

There's lots happening in the Audlem Methodist Hall too including an Audlem and Bridgemere Schools' Art Exhibition; a chance to meet the Shropshire Union Canal Society and the WI will be serving teas. All the new Interpretation Boards that are now being installed along the canal between Audlem and Nantwich are also on display. Four of the boards have already been installed between locks 12 and 14.

The Weaver Way will also be formally opened today. The Weaver Way will be an important walking and cycling route that is being developed from Audlem to Frodsham. It will really put Audlem on the map as the southern gateway to the new Weaver Valley Regional Park. There will be an opportunity to hear more about this project at the Annual Village Meeting next Wednesday evening.

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