Blog to return in 2017

Back by public demand!!!
In January 2017 I intend to restart this weekly blog to give you the latest news about  the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration and hopefully other news from the waterways.
The blog will be a little different in terms of format  so  I will be looking for your thoughts on content and style.
As you may know I work for Wiltshire Council as  part of the Countryside and Rights of Way team with  my main role as Partnership Officer for the Wiltshire Swindon & Oxfordshire Canal Partnership.
The next Canal Partnership meeting is on the 15th December and we will be discussing its future role
There is much information about the history of the Wilts & Berks Canal and the current restoration projects on the Partnership web site www.canalpartnership.org.uk 
Major excavation works are nearing completion at Royal Wootton Bassett Studley and the site starts to look like a canal!- still much to do though!
View from Chaddington Lane :

See you in the New Year  

Ken Oliver

News about the blog

August 8th 2016

Hello all WBCT Weekly Update Blog readers out there

We are having a short break from producing the weekly update as we work on style and content ready for a re-launch in September 2016

So watch this space...

Sheila Wade
PR Communications & IT Director

Headlines for week ending 24th June

Branches

MCC

Work begins on Pewsham Top Lock Restoration. Having recently been allocated funds from Chippenham Area Board, MCC Branch were over the moon to hear the news that CRT had donated £99,000 through the Heritage Heroes campaign funded by the People's Post Code Lottery. Work is expected to take between 12 to 14 months.

Branch needs more competent brick layers to join MCC volunteers who work mid-week and 2 weekends a month. Contact Dave Maloney: 07809 374754 dave.maloney@wbct.org.uk

Work boat Boswell was officially launched by Michael Hills, CEO of Hills Group who have donated sufficient funds via Community First and Landfill Community Fund for the old British Waterways work boat to be purchased, reconfigured and repaired. It is over 100 years since a narrow boat was seen on this section of the canal.

No winding holes on the Pewsham stretch meant that MCC member Tim Herd used his skills to cut the boat in half to create a tug and butty. Volunteers led by Martin Stubbs and Richard Evans carried out other work which led to the launching on 22nd June attended by the Mayor of Chippenham, Directors of the Trust and members.

Boswell will be used to carry materials along the line at Pewsham and to help with weed control and distribute silt entering the canal from feeder streams.

East Vale:

Branch involvement continues with the Wantage Summer Festival.
Guided walks taking in the canal line led by Brian Stovold on 30th June starts from the Sack House at 7.30 pm. This walk explores "The lost pubs of Wantage" and starts from the canal side pub by the wharf.
More info from www.wantagesummerfestival.com

Work party continued their efforts in keeping the towpath clear at Childrey Wharf over the weekend, but were finally stopped by thunder and lightening

WBCT Executive

New recruits announced  to join Executive teams: Project Manager/Engineering team and Media Assistant. 

Excellent conference on marketing and communications organised by CRT/IWA and attended by WBCT PR Communication Director. Start of a network of communication professionals which will spread best practice throughout our Trusts.

Find out all about the W&BCT by:

Read “On the Button”, our monthly email newsletter, available on request from the web site and read about us in Dragonfly, our quarterly journal: next issue due out shortly, and look at our web site  (new web site coming soon): www.wbct.org.uk

Follow us on twitter: @wiltsberkscanal, and like us on Facebook: Wilts & Berks Canal Friends

Headlines for the week ending 18th June

Branches

Swindon 

Fire and Rescue Service out at East Wichel on Wednesday undertaking a training exercise and helping WBCT to measure the extent of the leak in the canal at that point. More collaboration planned between the Trust and the Fire and Rescue Service with water safety awareness training for the community on the agenda.

RWB  

Branch BBQ on 25th June at Sorrell's Farm Chaddington Lane, RWB SN4 8QT from 6 pm for a walk along th ecanal to Chaddington Lock and BBQ afterwards. By kind invitation of Keth and Mary Lambert. Contact Margaret Mason on 01793 855195, 07812 109731 or email: margaret.mason@wbct.org.uk to book your place

MCC

Radio Interview: Project manager of Melksham Link, Paul Lenaerts interviewed by BBC Radio Wiltshire about the plans for the canal in Melksham.

Heritage Walk: a guided walk retracing the original canal route from Chippenham to Pewsham Locks.  Approximately 4 miles return.                

June 26th from 10 am for 10.30 start, at the Buttercross in Chippenham.                    Or from 10 am for a Family Fun Day at Pewsham Locks. 

Contact Malcolm Hitchinson 01373 859207            email:walk@wbct.org.uk

Foxham & Lyneham:

PA Sponsors & Volunteers Event 18th June. A very successful afternoon. Sponsors & volunteers together with representatives from community groups very appreciative of the work done so far. Even the weather was accommodating! Many thanks to MCC members who came to help. 

East Vale:

Branch involvement continues with the Wantage Summer Festival.
Guided walks taking in the canal line led by Brian Stovold on 30th June starts from the Sack House at 7.30 pm. This Thursday walk starts from Childrey Village Hall at 7.30 pm. 
More info from www.wantagesummerfestival.com

WBCT Executive

Directors attended the launch of the joint  CRT H4H project at Stroudwater Navigation. WBCT direct involvement will be in Spring 2017. 

Find out all about the W&BCT by:

Read “On the Button”, our monthly email newsletter, available on request from the web site and read about us in Dragonfly, our quarterly journal: next issue due out shortly, and look at our web site  (new web site coming soon): www.wbct.org.uk

Follow us on twitter: @wiltsberkscanal, and like us on Facebook: Wilts & Berks Canal Friends

Headlines for 2 weeks ending 10th June

Branches

Swindon 

Swindon Branch AGM: Maureen and Keith Walker thanked by Roderick Bluh, WBCT Chairman, on behalf of the Trust for all their 30 years of volunteering for the Trust.

RWB  

Many members of the Trust attended the funeral of a member, friend and volunteer, Keith Parsons. The huge turnout reflected the fondness felt for him by many people. 

Flying Scotsman passes RWB close to the canal track. Our President, Sir William McAlpine was instrumental in rescuing and restoring the Flying Scotsman

Branch BBQ on 25th June at Sorrell's Farm Chaddington Lane, RWB SN4 8QT from 6 pm for a walk along th ecanal to Chaddington Lock and BBQ afterwards. By kind invitation of Keth and Mary Lambert. Contact Margaret Mason on 01793 855195, 07812 109731 or email: margaret.mason@wbct.org.uk to book your place

MCC

Pewsham Locks: work continuing on south east wing wall and pound.

Heritage Walk: a guided walk retracing the original canal route from Chippenham to Pewsham Locks.  Approximately 4 miles return.                   

 June 26th from 10 am for 10.30 start, at the Buttercross in Chippenham.                    Or from 10 am for a Family Fun Day at Pewsham Locks. 

Contact Malcolm Hitchinson 01373 859207            email:walk@wbct.org.uk

Foxham & Lyneham:

PA Sponsors & Volunteers Event 18th June. Planning well in hand for Saturday. Well done team! Such a shame we won't have access to the canal!

East Vale:

Lots happening in association with the Wantage Summer Festival.
Guided walks taking in the canal line led by Brian Stovold on 14th June, 23rd June and more, starting at 7.30 pm. Pubs may be involved! 
More info from www.wantagesummerfestival.com

Saturday 18th June: Branch will be attending Childrey Village Church Fete. 

WBCT Executive

Fund raising and PR initiatives being worked, on plus procedures and processes and organisation for projects and volunteers. New web site work continues with a big push to get to end of first phase.

Dragonfly

Don't forget to get copy in asap now to John: editor@wbct.org.uk 

Find out all about the W&BCT by:

Read “On the Button”, our monthly email newsletter, available on request from the web site and read about us in Dragonfly, our quarterly journal: next issue due out shortly, and look at our web site  (new web site coming soon): www.wbct.org.uk

Follow us on twitter: @wiltsberkscanal, and like us on Facebook: Wilts & Berks Canal Friends

Headlines for the week ending 30 May

Out and About

Branches

Swindon and Boat Team: Cheque presentation at Waitrose

Rod Bluh, Chairman of WBCT received the cheque from Waitrose Wichelstowe store manager Dan Morehead.

Waitrose has donated £7,000 to WBCT as a contribution towards the installation of the landing stage.

Rod Bluh said: “The Trust is delighted to receive this contribution from Waitrose towards this great facility, which has enhanced the canal side at Waitrose Wichelstowe and has allowed many people who visit the store, to access the canal and discover the pleasures of enjoying the canal environment from our trip boat Dragonfly. We are very grateful to Waitrose for their generous contribution, and look forward to working with them again in the future.”

Dragonfly and crew plus Swindon Branch event team were there for the day and kept busy.

NEV Consultation figures in:

Out of the 369 responses sent to SBC, 330 related to the canal and the vast majority of those were from Trust members and supporters.

Fantastic result! Well done everyone.

RWB:  

Good news: 8 cygnets have hatched with our two resident swans as proud parents. 
Suggestions for canal related names for the babies to our facebook page please, and more photos to look at.

MCC: Pewsham HLF Bid

Bid finished and submitted: well done to Val and team! A lot of work, done well and on time.

MCC: Chippenham Folk Festival

Very successful 3 days with stand and Damselfly at this popular event. Many thanks to all who helped including 3 members from F&L Branch. And weren't we lucky with the weather!

WBCT Executive

Strategy and procedures still the focus of much work, including policies and procedures in various Director's portfolios.

Destination Lacock

Results for the funding appeal: 
Total as at 27.05:£32,926 
Keep going:we are getting there!

Find out all about the W&BCT by:

Read “On the Button”, our monthly email newsletter, available on request from the web site and read about us in Dragonfly, our quarterly journal: next issue due out shortly, and look at our web site  (new web site coming soon): www.wbct.org.uk

Follow us on twitter: @wiltsberkscanal, and like us on Facebook: Wilts & Berks Canal Friends

Headlines for the week ending 20 May 2016

Out and About

Branches

Swindon and Boat Team: Cheque presentation at Waitrose

All planned: cheque will be presented by Waitrose to WBCT representative at 11am on Friday 27th with Dragonfly taking centre stage.

Peterborough Arms:

Work continues on the Community Rooms refurbishment. Walls and woodwork now sanded and cleaned, floor made good, and first wall has been plastered. Hope to start on disabled toilet very soon.

RWB:  

5 RWB members attended a Volunteer Fair at RWB library on Wednesday 18th May, held by Cricklade and RWB Area Board. Met some existing members and talked to a number of interested people.

Working party are busy weed cutting from the boat above the Lock at Chaddington. Much more water than last year with the water from Studley Grange, and more vegetation under the water that we need to control.

East Vale:

Event stand at Fawley Park Steam Festival, Henley over the weekend. Many thanks to Sir William and Lady Judy McAlpine for the invitation to exhibit. Great weekend and many thanks to members of East Vale for attending over the three days.

Foxham & Lyneham:

Members helped set up our marquees for Dauntsey Parish Council's "Party in the Rec Ground" and attended to recruit new members.


MCC: Pewsham Top Lock Project

Work started on Top Lock project using Area Board funding. Fund raising for Lock Keepers Cottage is about to start. Look out for Prize Draw tickets in next Dragonfly.

Fund raising race night held on Saturday 21st at Melksham Conservative Club. Fun and excitement had by all!

WBCT Executive

Attended Chiseldon Parish Council Annual Meeting to present the case for the inclusion of the canal in the New Eastern Village development. Packed room and general support for the canal. 

Strategy and procedures still the focus of much work, including project life-cycle document.

Destination Lacock

Results in at end of second week for the funding appeal: 
Total as at 20.05:£31,159 
Over half way there! Well done everyone. 

Find out all about the W&BCT by:

Read “On the Button”, our monthly email newsletter, available on request from the web site and read about us in Dragonfly, our quarterly journal: next issue due out shortly, and look at our web site  (new web site coming soon): www.wbct.org.uk

Follow us on twitter: @wiltsberkscanal, and like us on Facebook: Wilts & Berks Canal Friends

Headlines for the week ending 13th May

Out and About

Branches

Swindon and Boat Team: 

Organising a presentation of a funding cheque from Waitrose at Waitrose landing stage, Wichelstowe for 27th May. Dragonfly will be there entertaining the VIPs

Joint F&L, MCC & RWB Teams:

Plans progressing for the Peterborough Arms BBQ & Exhibition on 18th June. Marquees have been sourced just in case of less than perfect weather. 

RWB:  

More water than usual in canal at Templar's Firs. Railway track just higher up had flooded and the line was closed by Network Rail in the pm. Possible cause, according to Network Rail: flow of run off from nearby new housing. That's what we said would happen:its time LA's listened to us about drainage! Good thing there is a canal to take the water.

Volunteer Fair at RWB library on Wednesday 18th May. 6 pm to 7 pm. RWB Branch talking about Studley Grange Wildlife Trail and looking for volunteers.

East Vale:

Attendance at first event on Saturday at Faringdon. A very busy day with lots of interest about the canal. And lots of positive comments about NEV and the consultation exercise. Pity the consultation wasn't still open! 
Next event: Fawley Park, Henley on 21st & 22nd May. Event organised by our President, Sir William McAlpine and Lady McAlpine. We are looking forward to it. Canals and steam, what's not to like!

MCC: Pewsham Top Lock Project

On-site project meeting held on Sunday May 8th (hot day so under a tree!) and the PID was approved at Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday May 11th. 

Race Night at Melksham Conservative Club 17 Bank Street Melksham, SN12 6LE on Saturday 21st May. Starts at 7.30 pm. Contact Branch for more details.



WBCT Executive

Board of Trustees meeting held on Wednesday 11th May. Lots of hard work getting ready.

Destination Lacock

Results in at end of second week for the funding appeal: £27,642 from 262 donors
Nearly half way there! 
Many thanks for your support so far. 

Melksham Link Consultation

Email request to members asking them to respond to Wiltshire Council and support our revised planning application went out using new email listing. Thank you to all members who updated their email details from recent Dragonfly request. We can tell you about everything that is happening much easier now. 

Find out all about the W&BCT by:

Read “On the Button”, our monthly email newsletter, available on request from the web site and read about us in Dragonfly, our quarterly journal: next issue due out shortly, and look at our web site  (new web site coming soon): www.wbct.org.uk

Follow us on twitter: @wiltsberkscanal, and like us on Facebook: Wilts & Berks Canal Friends

Headlines week ending 6th May

Out and About

Branches

MCC team still working hard on the HLF bid for the Pewsham Locks project. Due in by 1st June. Visit by Keith Falconer, Chairman of Association for Industrial Archaeology, to Pewsham Locks to help assess significance of site. He confirms very rare industrial survival.

Joint F&L, MCC & RWB  Team: busy preparing for the Peterborough Arms Event on 18th June.

East Vale event team to man stand at steam fair and fund raising event at Fawley Park on 21st 22nd May. Event organised by Sir William and Lady McAlpine

MCC Race Night at Melksham Conservative Club 17 Bank Street Melksham, SN12 6LE on Saturday 21st May. Starts at 7.30 pm. Contact Branch for more details.

WBCT Executive

Very busy getting ready for BoT, dealing with PIDs and continuing strategy work. 

Destination Lacock

Results in at end of first week for the funding appeal: £15,579. 
£45,000 still to go! 
Many thanks for your support so far. 

New Eastern Villages Consultation

Many thanks to all those who responded... we gave SBC NEV team, and their email system, a few problems with the number of responses! 
More details later.

Find out all about the W&BCT by:

Read “On the Button”, our monthly email newsletter, available on request from the web site and read about us in Dragonfly, our quarterly journal: next issue due out shortly, and look at our web site  (new web site coming soon): www.wbct.org.uk

Follow us on twitter: @wiltsberkscanal, and like us on Facebook: Wilts & Berks Canal Friends

Headlines for the week ending 29 April

Out and About

WBCT Executive

Very packed agenda at the Executive meeting on Monday with among other matters, 3 PIDs to consider: Moulden Hill in Swindon, Childrey Bridleway Bridge in East Vale and The Easter Towpath Challenge Walk 2017. All were extensively discussed and approved in principle. And all will be back when needed with updates and for further approvals.

Easter Towpath Challenge Walk and Festival 2017

Yes its back...  The PR & Communications team with Tim Pyatt is planning the re-appearance of this favourite event, and alongside it will run a series of Towpath Festivals. Still very early in the planning stage and has a number of hoops to jump through before we can confirm...  but great news!

Dauntsey Lock Canal Centre

Good progress is being made with Phase 1 refurbishment. It's a big space! Worth popping in to see: Monday to Friday 9.30 to 12 am. Ann and Justine are there to welcome you, but it is a work in progress so be prepared for dust!

First planning meeting this week to organise our celebration event on Saturday 18th June. Funders and supporters of the Peterborough Arms will be our guests. More information later.

New WI group opens in Pewsham: Lockside WI

First talk to the new group given by MCC member Alan Lank on WBCT, to celebrate their connection with the canal. Members delighted with talk and commit to ongoing relationship with the Trust.

New Eastern Villages Consultation

Many thanks to all those who have responded... and there are many!

The closing date for responses is Wednesday 4th May so, if you haven't yet responded, please do so tomorrow.

To remind you, our aim is to see the construction of the canal in New Eastern Villages as an enforceable part of the infrastructure development, and that will mean that the canal must be built as part of any built development.

We need you to influence Swindon Borough Council to place the canal at the heart of this development.

You can help us by responding, as an individual, to the online consultation document.
http://www.swindon.gov.uk/easternvillagesconsultation

The more responses SBC receive on this subject, the more likely they are to consider including funding for the canal within the development proposals, as they go through the planning process.

Respond with your individual comments by email to: nev@swindon.gov.uk.
Or by post to: 
Planning Service Swindon Borough Council, Freepost SCE5251
5th Floor, Wat Tyler House Beckhampton Street,  Swindon, SN1 2JG.

What do you need to say?

You need to use your own words but we would like to suggest the following bullet points that you might want to select from:

·         It’s very good to see that the protected canal route has been included
·         The construction of the canal must be included as part of the New  

          Eastern Villages infrastructure
·         The canal should be funded by the developers
·         The canal offers opportunities for flood relief and land drainage
·         The canal offers a wonderful opportunity to make a distinctive character 

          for NEV
·         Working canals in other location have created property uplift, and will

          do here as well

·         A built canal will create recreational and leisure assets and increase 

          peoples well-being
·         A built canal will create wildlife habitat assets, and increase biodiversity

Thank you

Please do look online and respond to the consultation: the closing date is Wednesday 4^th May, so there is not much time left.
And talking to family and friends about this, and asking them to respond as well, would create an even larger impression.

Together we can achieve our goal of restoring the canal, and this is an important way that you have helped. 

Requests

Volunteer Needed For the Boat Group

We are looking for a volunteer to lead on

taking boat bookings

You will be involved in responding to enquiries from the public via

a dedicated mobile phone and messaging system, managing a booking

speadsheet system, and communicating and co-ordinating with the boat

team, especially on the days when the trip boat is running.

This role would be ideal for someone who wants to help, but may not be

local to our canal, as the whole role can be carried out remotely. 

This role could also be role-shared with a friend or colleague.

If you are thinking “hey, this sounds like it would be good for me”

please get in touch with Derek Flexer for more information.

Email:derek.flexer@wbct.org.uk

Mob No: 07753 980 297

Find out all about the W&BCT by:

Read “On the Button”, our monthly email newsletter, available on request from the web site and read about us in Dragonfly, our quarterly journal: next issue due out shortly, and look at our web site  (new web site coming soon): www.wbct.org.uk

Follow us on twitter: @wiltsberkscanal, and like us on Facebook: Wilts & Berks Canal Friends