Over 200 members attended the Wey & Arun Canal Trust's annual meeting at Cranleigh on 19 April. Members were delighted that a founder member, Mr John Markwick, was able to be present. In 1970, John Markwick and John East had the idea of forming a restoration society for the Wey & Arun Canal. John Markwick told members how delighted he was at the tremendous progress the Trust was making towards its objective of completely restoring the canal. People had said that restoration was impossible because the main road at Loxwood blocked the route; now the Loxwood blockage was being removed, the Trust had nearly 2,500 members and more than half of the canal length was substantially restored.

Another highlight of the day was the award of the "Jack King" cup to Colin Durbridge who had worked hard over the past year to install float meters for the back-pumping system at locks. These devices allow precious water to be recycled every time a lock is used and gauge how much water is needed to keep the water levels correct.

After the formal business part of the meeting, members enjoyed a talk by Tony Pratt on the River Arun, followed by an update on the B2133 Loxwood road crossing by project manager Eric Walker. In the morning before the meeting, about 80 members took part in guided walks and boat trips along the canal route.

For general information on the work of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust, please telephone the Trust office on 01403 752403.