What is now known as the Montgomery Canal - running from the Llangollen Canal at Welsh Frankton near Ellesmere in Shropshire and through the Border Country into Wales through Welshpool to Newtown - was built as three schemes, completed in 1819. Initially very successful, traffic dwindled and it was closed by a burst in 1936. Officially abandoned in 1944 it lay partially derelict. Passing through outstanding rural scenery it was in effect a 'sleeping beauty'. In 1968 enthusiasts of the Shropshire Union Canal Society, assisted by those of the Inland Waterways Association, started a campaign to restore its 35-mile length, not only lobbying those in authority but physically working on the canal.

The author, a past society chairman, is one of the people that initiated that campaign and has been involved ever since as a trustee of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust. His participation enables him to provide an almost unique photographic record in The Montgomery Canal Through Time, including visits by famous people such as HRH The Prince of Wales who have officially reopened sections and backed the work as this high-profile restoration project continues.