THE DRUNGEWICK "MISSING LINK"
As many readers will recall, completion of Drungewick
Lane Canal Bridge marks the end of Phase 1 of the
Loxwood Link Extension Project. Phase 2 is to extend the
banks of the canal for almost 100 yards (the "Missing
Link") to reach the edge of the River Lox, build a heavy
plant crossing at this point to permit access to the
Environment Agency's gauging station, and nearby to
construct a slipway to allow boats to be launched onto the
canal.
ln view of the opportunity, which Phase 2 offers for people,
and especially children, to learn about the canal’s operation
and history, the Trust approached the Countryside Agency,
which administers the Local Heritage Initiative in
partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund and the
Nationwide Building Society's Community Award. We are
delighted to report that grants totalling £20,000 have been
promised, subject to the Trust offering schools the
opportunity to participate in a study of the canal.
Accordingly, an Education Pack has been prepared by the
Trust’s Educational Consultant covering several curriculum
periods, which is free to participating schools. Students in
Years 3-6 (8-11 years old) are able to study a Victorian
family whose members worked on the canal, or lived beside
it, or alternatively the history of the canal at the "Missing
Link" site and the methods being used to preserve that
heritage.
Should any teachers wish to incorporate such a
Local Heritage study into a planned curriculum subject
there is still time to register for involvement in the project,
which also offers a competition with prizes for the whole of
the winning class - while the teacher can win a return ticket
for a family, with car, to France with P&O Stena Line. For further
information please contact either Ian Lauder
(01403 752428) or the Trust’s Office (details below).
As a result of this wonderful support from the Countryside
Agency work has already started to complete the "Missing
Link", and the Trust is confident of completing this job
within the next 2 or 3 months.
Phase 3 of the Loxwood Link Extension Project involves
the construction of a replacement aqueduct over the River
Lox to link the two restored sections of the canal. The first
stage of this involves removing the foundations of the
original brick aqueduct which was dismantled in the 1950s
- it is now hoped to effect this work during this summer,
ahead of the original schedule. Meanwhile fundraising for
the aqueduct, the single most cost]y structure which the
Trust has tackled to date, is proceeding well.
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Bridge completed