Challenges and Opportunities

The summer speeds on and hopefully we have all survived the remnants of 'Bertha' , but the full extent of the ravages of the last major weather event in December are just being discovered at Pewsham where the a culvert was badly damaged. This original brick arched structure is typical of a number that still survive and give the team somewhat of a dilemma as they are probably all much in the same condition with little of the original mortar remaining meaning the structures are held together by gravity!. It is believed that the damage was caused when the excessive flow of the stream completely filled the culvert and pressurised it to the extent that the arch blew apart. So the challenge now is to decide whether to patch up the damaged section, completely rebuild the whole culvert as there are signs of similar weakness elsewhere,or replace it with a new 'pipe' made with 21st century materials.

The meeting last Monday at Royal Wootton Bassett attracted over 60 to hear about the plans for the Peterborough Arms.If you could not attend, the proposals for refurbishing the building will be available shortly on the Trust web site. Friday 15th is completion day and when we have all drawn breath there will be an open day for all to have a look at the new acquisition. In the meanwhile there were a number who volunteered to make a first attempt to tidy up the site which looks rather unloved. The most important role to fill is a project manager to start to work on the next stage plans.

This year's draw for the Trust is to help fund the next trip boat 'Dragonfly 2' so if you have tickets please get selling! The Dragonfly team continue to provide a great showcase for the project in Swindon with regular public trips and private charters. Shortly the boat will be moved to Melksham to be part of the Melksham River Festival where the team are continuing to put the finishing touched to plans for 6/7th of September -so I hope you have the date in your diary.

Finally to report Kath is now back in action but mostly at home somewhat limited in mobility by a plaster cast! Chris is taking a well earned break catching up with non canal related activities.

Ken