At a presentation on August 26th, the charity "Sussex4Sussex" gave the Wey & Arun Canal Trust a cheque for £8,000. This generous gift helped to fund an access lift which will enable visitors with mobility difficulties to enjoy boat trips on the canal.

"Sussex4Sussex" is an initiative by Sussex Freemasons to support charities whose work benefits Sussex people. Provincial Grand Master Kenneth Thomas presented the cheque to Sally Schupke, Chairman of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust.

One of the Canal Trust's volunteers, who lives in Worthing, encouraged Sussex4Sussex to support the new access lift. The Trust has been fundraising for some time to improve access for visitors who have difficulty with the boat's steps. The arrival of the Trust's new electric boat "Wiggonholt", with enough space for an access lift, provided an ideal opportunity to take this project forward.

Speaking after the presentation, Sally Schupke said "We are delighted to receive this generous donation from Sussex4Sussex. This gift will enable the Trust to offer a wonderful opportunity for less able people in Sussex and other areas to enjoy the beauty of the Wey & Arun Canal. This year has been an outstanding success for the Canal Trust with the opening of the new bridge and lock at Loxwood and a record number of people taking boat trips on the canal."

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

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