The Somerset Coal Canal will reopen in Radford and Paulton with its first boat since 1898, as part of the Radford Canal Festival on 4th and 5th July. This exciting moment is perfectly timed with this year's celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the publication of William Smith's first 'Stratigraphic Map' in the world. This launched the science of geology and was based on his experience as the canal's surveyor.

The Somersetshire Coal Canal Society will also be holding a Big History Day on 27th June at the Conygre Hall in Timsbury, celebrating how Smith, geology, the Canal and railways made what this part of Somerset is today.

For several years, the SCCS have been researching and teaching about the area's coal mining history and working on restoring sections of the coal canal, specifically around Combe Hay and Midford.

Now, work is well underway at points in Paulton, Radford and Timsbury Basin, so this summer will see the canal re-emerge from the landscape once again.Dreams of restoring at least the Paulton, Radford and Timsbury parts of the canal became reality in 2011, after Paulton Parish Council approached the SCCS about potentially restoring parts of the site. Parish Councillors were looking for a way to improve the area which formed the original Western Terminus and included Timsbury Basin, Paulton Basin and Paulton Dry Dock, near Purnell Cricket Club.

Liz Hardman, B&NES Councillor for Paulton, said: "We're all very excited and terribly keen to reinstate the canal through to Radford Mill, we think it would be very beneficial in terms of tourism for the village."

In Spring 2012, work began, with the help of the current landowners and considerable progress has been made since. A call-out for volunteers in March 2014 helped in the rebuilding of the canal structures and in August, arches were replaced at Paulton Dry Dock. By September 2014, work on the terminus bridge had begun, so the canal began to take its original shape. Wet weather in December meant that the restored area to the west of Withy Mills Farm, in Timsbury, once again flowed with water through the canal structure. By February of this year, the Eastern stone arch ring at the Dry Dock was completed, meaning the restoration team are on target for the reopening in July.

The work is being carried out in sections by different landowners. One rebuilt an archway along the Paulton route, which lead to others wanting the parts of the canal on their land to be restored as well. Most of the work has been undertaken by the owners, with volunteer help and guidance from those at the SCCS. The Bradford on Avon branch of the Kennet and Avon Canal Society donated a bench, which has been placed along the restored canal route.

Full reopening of the canal to Dundas and linking to Bath would be difficult or at least take a long time, with support needed of many people owning land and properties on the original route.

Adrian Tuddenham, SCCS Magazine Editor, said: "The canal is a natural part of the land as it is. Our efforts stemmed from an archaeological investigation on the dry dock in Paulton, which might be the largest canal dry dock in England."

Speaking about the forthcoming Festival, the SCCS Chairman, Patrick Moss, said: "We will have enough water for some boats on it, but to celebrate, there will also be lots of live music, stalls and games, historical tours and performance with William Smith in full Regency dress!" In addition to day tickets, there's camping at the Radford Mill Farm for families.

The Big History Day in Timsbury on 27th June has a fascinating programme of national and local speakers showing the importance of Smith, his map and geology, and how the local coal and canal built the rich historical role of the area. It is supported by Timsbury Parish Council, as well as the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is also funding history boards to be installed along the canal route, along with new educational materials, to be launched in the autumn.

Tickets for the Big History Day in Timsbury on 27th June and Radford Canal Festival on the 4th and 5th July from http://www.radfordcanalfestival.org">www.radfordcanalfestival.org or: 01761 470972.