Water Adds Value!

This was the theme of Saturday’s Canal Restoration Workshop in Birmingham organised jointly by Canal & River Trust (CRT) and Inland Waterways Association (IWA). Ken, Chris and myself went along and found it very interesting. The day was a mix of short presentations by different speakers and brainstorming sessions in small groups.  There were  good opportunities for meeting the CRT/IWA people and all the other attendees, who came from a wide variety of other canal restorations. CRT had commissioned a report from Northampton University on the impacts of waterway restoration. This report is available on the CRT website: http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/6337.pdf . There is also a summary version which we will put on our website soon. As you will see the report found that there are huge economic, social and environmental and heritage benefits. Along with the report there is an interesting short video which highlights some of the recent restoration successes. This can be watched at: http://www.wiltsandberkscanal.org.uk/news/water-adds-value-video As you can see CRT is really getting behind restoration now. 

I have now had the draw tickets printed for this year’s main trust draw – same format as last year and drawn at the AGM. This year it is in aid of a second trip boat for the Trust which will be put on one of the other restored sections of the canal. Tickets will be sent out to members with next Dragonfly magazine and also will be available at events all along the canal this summer.

I am pleased to report that work has resumed on the old BW work boat Boswell and is progressing well. This was purchased with funds from Hills Waste under the Landfill Community Fund. As you may know, the team have cut it in two – making a Motor and a Butty which will make it easier to turn.  Lots of welding later they are now painting and doing the electrics. I hear that some of the Bailey Bridge team have joined the original team.  Great projects for hands-on work. The plan is to launch Boswell + one at Pewsham when finished. This may be delayed because of the breach that occurred in the winter storms and which we are raising funds to repair. Always something to raise funds for!

All in all a week of good progress.

Kath Hatton