It was with much sadness that we heard the news that our Vice President, Mike Grant, passed away on November 1st.  I first met Mike through the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Society when we were both on the committee in the late sixties, probably about 1967.

Obviously, in over 50 years, a huge amount of water has passed under the bridge.  At that time, Mike held an important staff position with Guy Motors of Wolverhampton.  We soon hit it off together due to our mutual engineering background and other general interests.

Mike was a very forward-thinking person and had boundless enthusiasm, always pushing forward with new projects with his usual vigour.  A most likeable and generous person.  Unlike myself, Mike always kept abreast of new technology and the introduction of the computer!

His life was very full as he was actively involved with all the ‘Goings-on’ and yet he still managed to make the impossible achievable by working 25 hours a day with his boundless energy.  After leaving Guy Motors, Mike left Wolverhampton and went to live in Leighton Buzzard.  Despite this, he still remained very involved with our Society, and we have kept constantly in touch with each other to this day.

Mike and the family owned their own canal boat called “Garganey” but his interests with the waterways extended much further as he built up his own canal boat hire business.  Mike also owned an old black taxi which was used as their private family car!  This old motor brought much fun and pleasure.  I well remember late one night returning home after a boat trip when he provided transport for me and friends.  At that time I had a small motor bike, which went into the back of this old taxi for the trip back to Wolverhampton.

Mike loved travel and for a while he worked as a vehicle delivery driver, driving all over the country using Trade Plates.  After delivering a vehicle, he was often left stranded with only his Trade Plates under his arm but in those days one could very quickly get a lift from long distance lorry drivers who would also be glad of some company.

Whilst Mike was an early committee member of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal Society, he also became our President TWICE! 1981 to 1983 and 2008 to 2010.

Gosh, what a life!  Mike loved it and it is, no doubt, that through having such a life, he kept both physically and mentally strong as he lived to a very respectable age.  On behalf of the Society we all extend our condolences to Mike’s family and friends.


Peter Freakley



As an addendum to Peter’s memories, I would just like to add my appreciation for the support and advice that Mike always gave me over many years and particularly during my time as Society Chairman.  He was always there if I needed help.  He rarely missed a Bradmore Meeting, driving all the way from Leighton Buzzard to Wolverhampton in all weathers and at all times of the year.

Also, during the years that I organised our Society’s outings, Mike was with us on most of them and was always ready to help – including suggestions on where to go next time!!!

Mike, you are missed.


Chris Dyche