Video The Lost Wey to the Sea reviewed by Roger Dunbar

PURCHASE Copies of this video can be obtained from John Wood   PURCHASE Copies of this video can be obtained from John Wood

On 7th November 2002 a new video about the Wey & Arun Canal was launched at a reception held in the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust at Arundel. The video shows how, accompanied by his faithful companion "Rowan", Tony Pratt sets out in his collapsible boat "Frog" to retrace the diaried account of Victorian yachtsman J.B. Dashwood and rediscover his epic 1867 inland voyage along the Surrey & Sussex canals.   Roger Dunbar writes - It was in the early Seventies that I first heard about a small group of people, some from the Worthing area, who were interested in an old canal, and curiosity led me contacting them to learn more. Having then travelled into Sussex and Surrey to explore further, it was not long before I was completely hooked and found myself hanging from trees at Newbridge trying to put up a huge banner (donated by Shell) promoting the restoration during the early days of work at Rowner lock. Leaving Rowner Lock   Tony Pratt journeying along the canal I was, of course, fascinated by Paul Vine's meticulously researched book, and curious about the people who would have used the canal, eventually becoming almost paranoid about finding a real copy of Dashwood's adventure. Until one day - bingo! I could not believe that I had found a copy and was spellbound at the wonderful story of the trip along "London's Lost Route". However, it was many years later that I visited the small town of Steyning, where for some time the Grammar School teachers tried in vain to educate unkempt youths (yes, I was one) who were much more interested in sneaking off to put pennies on the tracks of the evocative 'Steyning Stinker', and I was intrigued to see in a model shop window, a video about the old railway.

PURCHASE Copies of this video can be obtained from John Wood   PURCHASE Copies of this video can be obtained from John Wood

It is exceptionally good! Nostalgia for those magical days of steam overwhelmed me and I was even prompted to look out my ancient train spotter's book from the late Fifties. On location along the canal   Filming after reaching the sea When I heard that the same team were to put together a video about the Wey & Arun and the Dashwood voyage, I could not have imagined anyone more capable of creating a superb video, and I was not disappointed it is fabulous!   They have managed to capture the atmosphere of the Dashwood trip, but also provide much historical information, social history and lovely views of the Wey & Arun, some of which many viewers will not have seen before. Peter Boyce as "Mr Dashwood"   A Victorian picnic afloat Without doubt this charming video will appeal to a much wider audience than Trust members, from those who will fall in love with Rowan the four-legged star, to others who will appreciate the delights of the beautiful countryside in which the story unfolds.   What the Press has to say.. "The Wey & Arun is lucky to have a record of a passage through it so close to its closure - now we are lucky in being able to follow that historic journey." Hugh Potter "Waterways World" March 2003 "Backed by an excellent script and filming par excellence, this video is by far the most captivating waterway production I have ever seen." Will Pearson "Canal & Riverboat" April 2003 "This charming video will appeal to a much wider audience than to Trust members, from those who will fall in love with Rowan the four-legged star, to others who will appreciate the delights of the beautiful countryside in which the story unfolds." Roger Dunbar "Sussex Life" February 2003     If you have anything at all on your Christmas list, or are looking for that special present, just make sure it is a copy of this most delightful video ... it is a winner.   A Postscript by Arthur Dungate -- Having had some experience of film and television production in my earlier years I tend to view with a critical eye. Over the years I have seen a number of video films on canals and railways. Few, if any, have given me satisfaction, most being poorly made and often boring as well. This one, The Lost Wey to the Sea is different. The journey is portrayed in both an interesting and charming manner and the film gives a sense of expectation and excitement for the continuing restoration of the canal. An experience of around 1 hours of delight and relaxation to view again and again. Do not miss it!   More "production stills"   At Baldwin's Knob Lock, the part of an "enebriated lock-keeper" is re-enacted by John Wood.   "Mr Dashwood" writes in his journal.   "Frog" on the canal below Baldwin's Knob Lock.

BACK Last updated November 2004