Following one of its most successful visitor seasons, the Wey & Arun Canal Trust's public trip boat, the "Zachariah Keppel", has been taken out of the water and onto the slipway at Drungewick, West Sussex. This is in readiness for the spring season and, as a result of a legacy, (from Mrs Joyce Parsley) the boat is now going to be refurbished by installing a new engine and giving the inside some tender loving care

The original plan was to lengthen the boat to increase the capacity to accommodate coach parties, but, thanks to a generous donation from the Wiggonholt Association to the Trust, a new electric boat is now being planned which will increase the Trust's public boat fleet to three and provide a variety of sizes for charter parties. All profits from boat trips go towards the further restoration of the Wey & Arun Canal.

Dusty Miller, Chairman of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust's boat group, said "The generous donations from Joyce Parsley and the Wiggonholt Association have enabled us to increase our passenger potential and upgrade the present boats." The work on the boat Zachariah Keppel is expected to be finished by early March. Already bookings for the very popular Easter Cruises have begun (the dates are Friday, 21st, Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd and Monday 24th March). These 40-minute trips are immensely popular with young children who receive a special Easter gift, while adults enjoy seasonal refreshments on board. Tickets are only £7 and must be booked through the Trust's office on 01403 752403 (easter@weyandarun.co.uk).

Further information and photographs in the form of JPEG files can be obtained from the Wey and Arun Trust's Public Relations Officer: Sally Schupke (01483 560543): e-mail: pr@weyandarun.co.uk