AGM Studley Grange and Seven Locks

Currently there is a lot of preparation going on to finalise the programme for the AGM  on 17^th October  and all members will shortly be receiving a letter telling them about the proposed changes to the Constitution. This is to accommodate the re-organisation of the Management Structure of the Trust which will be presented to members as part of the proceedings.  It will be a busy meeting this year – there will be various talks on progress of different aspects of the restoration.  Our new Chairman, Roderick Bluh and interim Chief Executive, Jonathan Till, will both be there to greet everyone and hopefully in the morning, weather permitting, we can offer the opportunity to have a look at the work being done at Studley Grange.  Please bring your wellies in case.  There will be a chance to buy Wilts & Berks Christmas Cards and 2016 Calendars, fleeces and sweatshirts in the hall and we will be picking the winning draw tickets during the proceedings.  It is at the Memorial Hall, Royal Wootton Bassett.

Plans for the Wildlife Trail at Studley Grange are continuing apace. This week we are giving some talks to three different local Guide and Cub groups, which will help them achieve different badges as they will be helping later with planting or making bee hotels or bird boxes.  Kate Jones, who is project managing this aspect, is working on a nature trail with interpretation boards and leaflets and we have several offers of help including our ecologist, Ellendale Environmental, Friends of the Earth and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. A local school is designing some pictures for brass rubbing posts and another making bird boxes.  The Woodland Trust is donating 420 small trees (whips) for planting along the hedgerow to fill it out.

The earthworks are progressing too and last week we actually saw the start of the canal itself being formed at the Eastern end.  Our appeal is slowly creeping upwards – standing just under £14,000 now. See www.wbct.org.uk on how to donate.

This week we will hold a meeting of the Seven Locks Steering Group to try to get that project moving again. A lot of the design work is already done for Lock 2 and the finishing of Locks 3 and 4 – just need planning permission and some funding!

Kath Hatton