The Wey & Arun Canal Trust's Southland Lock rebuilding fund will benefit by around £12,000 (figure updated 30 Jul 2010) following the 2010 'Poddle' sponsored walk in June.

Now that the sums have been done, the Trust reports that the annual event, held this year in the area south and east of Guildford, will raise an estimated £12,000. 223 walkers took part in the 12-mile walk, and enjoyed views of the canal, the River Wey and, from other vantage points en route, some much more extensive vistas. The walk started and finished at Bramley Village Hall Welcome refreshments were provided at strategic halts - the day was bright and sunny, but not too hot - as well as the lunch stop at Blackheath.

Walk organiser Jo Holcombe said "The walkers all seemed to greatly enjoy the day, and many commented favourably on the organisation by our band of enthusiastic helpers. People tend to come back year after year for a pleasant day out, and a chance to help a project whch can benefit the whole community."

For further details of the 'Poddle' and the canal project, please telephone the Wey & Arun Canal Trust office on 01403 752403,.

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Notes for Editors

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust

The Wey & Arun Canal, "London's lost route to the sea" was originally opened in 1816 between the River Wey at Shalford, near Guildford, and Pallingham, near Pulborough, the head of navigation of the River Arun. It closed in 1871, due to railway competition. Since the 1970s the 23-mile waterway has been the subject of a campaign by volunteers led by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust to restore the route to navigation. Work has been undertaken in a number of locations, most notably the stretch near the Sussex/Surrey border at Loxwood. Over two miles in length, this includes five working locks, two public road crossings, an aqueduct, two farm bridges, and numerous minor works, all built or rebuilt through voluntary effort. Boat trips are available on this stretch, onboard several craft, including the 50-seater electrically-powered Wiggonholt.