THE Tavistock canal bi-centenary working party would like to hear from descendants of people who had a hand in building the canal 200 years ago.
As part of the group?s plans for the bicentenary celebrations later this year, they are appealing for relatives of those involved to come forward and take part in their programme of events.
Work began on the canal?s construction on August 29, 1803, just a month after the Tavistock Canal Act received the Royal Assent.
The group would particularly like to trace anyone descended from John Taylor, the manager of the Wheal Friendship and Wheal Betsy mines, who was appointed construction engineer after surveying a route for the canal.
Graham Kirkpatrick of the bicentenary working party said the group are still on the look out for information and drawings of the original barges which used the canal, which was officially opened in June 1817.
He said they would also appreciate any canal memorabilia which could be used in a special exhibition to mark the anniversary celebrations.
Anyone whose ancestors worked on or helped run the canal in its infancy, or anyone in possession of canal related items is asked to drop into Tavistock library or telephone Graham Kirkpatrick on 01822 614525.