foreword
Foreword by the Chairman of the Commissioners of the Driffield Navigation.
Throughout this guide you will read reference to the Commissioners of the Driffield Navigation. It is perhaps my duty to explain the function of this distinguished body of Trustees, first appointed in 1767.
When the Driffield Navigation was incorporated 98 Commissioners were appointed to oversee the management of the Canal. The large number was necessary because the Navigation was envisaged as an amenity for the area which it served, rather than a profit motivated undertaking.
The first Commissioners were the gentry, landowners and tradespeople of the community. To qualify for appointment they were required to own property valued at more than £3000. The Commissioners held there appointments for life; there was no provision for resignation!
Unfortunately the successors of the original Commissioners died out before the Second World War. However, as the Driffield Navigation was constructed for the benefit of the community the Charity Commissioners were eventually able to appoint new Trustees in succession to the original Commissioners of the Driffield Navigation.
Whilst the old Acts of Parliament and the same criteria apply today the present Commissioners are a body of ordinary people who are concerned about the future of the Navigation, a transport highway which brought prosperity to the region in the Eighteenth Century. Please help us to restore this historic asset and at the same time enjoy the amenity which our forefathers have bequeathed.
It is my pleasure, and my pride to welcome you to the Driffield Navigation. Whatever your interest I hope that you enjoy your visit and return again, often.
J.H.Dove
18 Exchange St
Driffield
East Yorkshire.