IT'S all aboard for Bury's ambitious Millennium project!

Mr Melvin Magnall has secured the remaining £10,000 needed to retrace the remarkable sea journey of local pioneer Henry Wood, who fled the country to become one of America's founding fathers.

The Tottington builder, with a 20-strong crew, will set sail from the Albert Dock, Liverpool, on April 24 for the 5,400 mile voyage aboard his sloop to reach Woodbury, New Jersey, on July 1.

"We've done it," said a jubilant Melvin. "It's all go from here on. If the money hadn't come in, the whole thing would have been off. The business who stumped up the cash have really saved my bacon!"

The "Sailing Into the New Millennium" dream was in danger of sinking when the project failed to win vital National Lottery funding. Undaunted, however, Melvin sold his house and raided his life-savings to raise £35,000 towards the trip.

Now, the vital remaining £10,000 has been secured through sponsorship from businesses including the Bury Times, Asda, Fisherman's Retreat, Sunnywood Garage in Tottington.

Melvin's millennium voyage has been inspired by the story of Quaker Henry Wood who lived at Brookhouse Farm, which still stands today, in Tottington. In 1682, after being imprisoned for his religious beliefs, Wood subsequently sailed for the New World with his family to escape further persecution.

The Woods later founded a settlement near the banks of the Delaware River and named it Woodbury.

The latter-day sea journey will consist of six legs and climax with Melvin piloting a canoe up Woodbury Creek to be met by residents gathered in the town's stadium for the beginning of a huge festival.

He will also be welcomed by a 350-strong contingent from Bury who will be flying out to take part in the one-week cultural celebrations

Melvin continued: "This is the beginning of a special relationship between Bury and Woodbury. The Americans have been behind the project 100 per cent. I just wish the people of Bury had been too.

"Anyway we have done it and the benefits, commercial and education as well as others, will be great for both towns."

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