Eric’s much‑loved Easter event made a successful return for 2026, drawing strong community support for one of our key annual fundraising events.
Held on Easter Saturday in the picturesque garden of our founder and president, Eric Wood, beside the Coventry Canal in Whittington, the event once again demonstrated the depth of local commitment to restoring the historic Lichfield Canal.
The free‑to‑enter garden gathering offered something for everyone. Guests enjoyed freshly brewed tea and coffee, homemade cakes, and an all‑day barbecue, while browsing stalls filled with pre‑loved items and books. Many took the opportunity to relax in the charming garden setting, catch up with familiar faces, and learn more about the ongoing work to restore the Lichfield Canal.
This year’s event raised around £1,900, a tremendous achievement made possible by the generosity of visitors and volunteers. The funds raised will make a valuable contribution to the ongoing Welfare Unit appeal, to improve on‑site facilities for the construction volunteers who are driving the restoration forward.
Christine Howles, Communications and Marketing Trustee for LHCRT, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came along to support us and to our volunteers who baked, cooked, served, or helped in any way. Eric’s Garden Party is a wonderful example of community spirit in action, and the funds raised will make a real difference to our volunteers on the ground.
“It was especially heartening to see how busy the Coventry Canal was throughout the day – a reminder that one day, boats will pass Eric’s house and turn up along the restored Lichfield Canal to Brownhills, reconnecting our waterways once again.
“Thank you to Eric for once again opening his beautiful garden and creating such a welcoming space for the community.”
The restoration of the Lichfield Canal moves ever closer to reality, thanks to continued community support. The coming months will see major visible progress, with the first section of Gallows Reach in water by May and the new lift bridge scheduled for installation in April.
Community‑backed events like Eric’s Easter Garden Party play an essential role in helping the Trust maintain this momentum and deliver these transformational milestones for future generations.
You can see all the photos from the event on our facebook page.