A week in which to draw breath.

The bank holidays in this month seem to have taken people’s attention away from canal related matters.  It seemed a relatively quiet time last week, after all the excitement of the previous week when we appointed a new Chairman.  That will be formally confirmed (hopefully) at the Council of Management meeting this week.  We are really looking forward to working with Roderick Bluh, and benefitting from his experience.

Work has started on the new landing stage at Wichelstowe, right in front of the Swindon Waitrose.  Well done Rod Hacker and his team for getting this through all the necessary processes.  We are really looking forward to having it available as soon as possible, and being able to start our trips from a purpose-built landing stage, with convenient parking for the passengers – and the chance to do the shopping as part of the trip!

Speaking of the boat, Rob and Sue had managed to build up a very good team of skippers and crew.  But inevitably with the passage of time some of the team are no longer able to take as much part as they used to.  So Rob and Sue are looking for new people to come and join the team.  The trip boat is very important for the Trust in many ways.  It generates income, of course, but just as importantly it is a great advert for the Trust and the restoration of the canal.  It is a very valuable reminder of the work being done to restore the canal for the benefit of the community.  So if you feel able to put in some time as a volunteer skipper or crew, please do make contact with Robert Yeowell (robyeo19@yahoo.co.uk) or Sue Paine (sue.paine@wbct.org.uk)

The Melksham Link project continues to make progress, and we have a start date for the main contract at Studley Grange of June 8^th.  That really will be a red-letter day for the Trust.

 

So, a lot to look forward to as the pace picks up again.

Chris Coyle