The Wey & Arun Canal Trust are delighted to announce that Dr David Fletcher CBE has accepted an invitation to become a Vice-President of the Trust. David Fletcher is well known on the national waterways scene and was formerly chief executive of British Waterways. He was awarded a CBE in recognition of his services to the UK's inland waterways. David Fletcher is also a vice-president of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA). Dr Fletcher's appointment comes at a critical moment as the Trust's ambitious project to restore the canal crossing under the B2133 in Loxwood, West Sussex, gains momentum. Removal of the current blockage will be a huge step towards full restoration of the historic link between the Thames and the south coast. June 2005 saw the start of building work on the new lock on the north side of the B2133. Now in October 2005 contractors have started piling work to support the canal banks on the south side. This high-profile work is attracting wide interest from local residents and supporters who are fascinated to see the dream of full restoration becoming a reality.

David Fletcher said "This is indeed an honour which I am delighted to accept. As you know I have long been a supporter of your endeavours, and regard the restoration of the Wey & Arun as of national importance. I shall be pleased to help in any way I can in the future."
The Wey & Arun Canal Trust's other vice-presidents are:
Peter Beresford (a founder member who joined in November 1970, and was Chairman from 1975 to 1997)
John Wood MBE (former Hon. Sec and now Trust Archivist)
Paul Vine MA (author of the definitive history of the Wey & Arun Canal: "London's Lost Route to the Sea")
Sir Michael Marshall DL (former MP for Chichester and government advisor to BAE)
Peter Longley OBE DL (former MD of the famous Crawley firm of builders and Trustee of the Amberley Chalk Pits Museum)
The Rt Hon Francis Maude MP (Chairman of the Conservative Party and MP for Horsham)
Sir Peter Mursell MBE DL (former Chairman of West Sussex County Council and member of both British Waterways and IWACC).
The Trust's President is The Rt Hon The Lord Egremont DL MA.