June 2000 Diary | Directory EDITORIAL COMMENT ~ Steve Jones It seems now that anything is possible where canal restoration is concerned. All that is needed, and I know it’s a big ‘all’, is the political will and the money. Canals and restoring canals are enjoying an unprecedented revival of interest and fortune. It matters little what the obstructions might be. Pictures recently of the cut and cover operation to restore the Huddersfield Narrow Canal through an industrial site - indeed through the middle of one building, are testimony to this. Further proof of how canal restoration and conservation is seen as an increasingly desirable thing by those in influential positions is the award of an MBE to our very own John Wood. When I joined the WACT, John quickly channelled my initial enthusiasm in the right direction, we quickly became friends and he was always there offering encouragement and advice, indeed he still is! His knowledge of and dedication to the WACT over the last 29 years is almost legendary within the canal restoration movement; so much so that there really ought to be a BAR for his long suffering wife Joy who has supported John and the Trust over the same time. John is a reader and occasional contributor to this Newsletter so I’m sure you will all join me in congratulating him on this richly deserved award. Once again the ‘Poddle’, our annual sponsored walk, has been a huge success. Yes the numbers where down and consequently the money raised. But what other voluntary organisation of a similar size as the WACT can raise in excess of £6000 in such a manner. All credit to Kerry Ball and her dedicated team. A new organiser will be in charge next year. We are not sure who yet, but I hope he or she receives the same support and help that has helped make the ‘Poddle’ such an important event for the Trust.

An MBE for the WACT ~ John Wood To have been awarded the MBE is something which still hasn’t yet quite sunk in. However, from the outset I would like to share this honour with all the members and friends of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust, past and present, whose tremendous efforts over almost the last 30 years have enabled the Wey-South Project to reach it’s present exciting stage. In addition I wish to acknowledge the help, support and tolerance of my wife, Joy, which has enabled me to give nearly 28 years of continuous and enjoyable service to the Trust. There is no doubt in my mind that the Wey-South Project will continue to flourish and that the canal will be re-opened in the not too distant future. Clumps of Daffodils not so Wonderful Six Weeks Later ~ Brian Crossley Those knowledgeable about daffodil propagation say that the stalks and leaves should not be cut down until six weeks have passed since the flowers are over. By the time of our last meeting that period had elapsed. However, with the warm and remarkably wet weather we have had this year, the islands of uncut vegetation had grown to record heights. At the Loxwood road crossing we had to do a strim, a rake-up, a high mow, another rake-up, a low mow, and then a final rake-up. Quite exhausting, but hopefully appreciated by the passers-by. Our next meetings will be July 10 (Nick Wood on 01371 831416 in charge) and then July 24. In August they’ll be on the 7th & 21st (avoiding the Bank Holiday). My apologies for getting two dates wrong in the May W P News. If you’d like to consider joining the group, give me a ring and come along to see how we operate. The only vital qualification is a sense of humour! Bridge Formers Ready for Their Next Job ~ Colin Gibbs For the second time of asking, the bridge formers last used in the construction of Brewhurst bridge have offered themselves up for painting. All five sections have now received their coat of red oxide primer lovingly applied by the Mid Week Working Party. There will be no prizes for guessing where they will be used next. Does anyone know where? Conditions Right for Trial Sealing of DHL Pound ~ Eric Walker Work on Devils Hole Lock (DHL) continues, but the search for the leaks in the canal south of DHL has been affected by the very wet months of April and May. However, the canal is now dropping to a level where trial sealing can be introduced. In preparation for the start of the building of the bridge in Drungewick Lane, the stop planks were removed from Drungewick Lock; part of the process of de-watering the canal for the contractors. We are still awaiting Chichester District Council Planning Authority to approve our proposals for the planning consent conditions. This has now been reported each month since March this year! Everything else is on schedule to start the bridge at the beginning of August. We meet at the Onslow Arms, Loxwood, Thursdays and Sundays, at 9:30. Check the notice board there, just in case there has been a late change. My answerphone and fax are on all the time on 02392 463025 or you can e-mail me on eric.walker@cwcom.net.

Working Party Diary for July and early August If you do not attend regularly, please contact the site manager before joining a work party. EVERY SUNDAY AND THURSDAY at Loxwood. Meet 0930 at the Onslow Arms in the field car park. Lot’s of jobs as well as construction. Details from Eric Walker. EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY at Orfold. Details from Winston Harwood. THUR JUL 6 - MAINTENANCE UNIT. Meet 0930 in the WACT car park at the Onslow Arms. Phone Peter Wilding for more details. SAT JUL 8/SUN JUL 9 - DIG DEEP with WACT. Members are welcome on any day. Phone John Ward for site and more details. MON JUL 10 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley FRI JUL 14/SUN JUL 22 - DIG DEEP with NWPG. WACT members are welcome on any day. Phone John Ward for site and more details. FRI JUL 14 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at Lordings farm, on B2133 between Adversane crossroads and the Limeburners pub. Wait inside the field by the road. Phone Colin Gibbs for more details. THUR JUL 20 - MAINTENANCE UNIT. Meet 0930 in the WACT car park at the Onslow Arms. Phone Peter Wilding for more details. THUR JUL 27 - MID WEEK WALK. ‘Stopham Stumble’. ‘6mls, 5hrs. Depart 1000hrs from Pulborough Garden Centre, A283 by Stopham bridge. Please park in overflow car park (by kind permission). Bus no 1 passes garden centre. Trains 1 mile. Map ref 032183. Pathfinder 1287, Landranger 197. Theme of old & new transport remains, countryside, river and canal. Lunch at the Labouring Man, Coldwaltham en route at about 1230hrs. Contact Don Gibson for more details. THUR AUG 3 - MAINTENANCE UNIT. Meet 0930 in the WACT car park at the Onslow Arms. Phone Peter Wilding for more details. FRI AUG 4/SUN AUG 12 - WACT CANAL CAMP. Members are welcome on any day. Phone John Ward for site and more details. MON AUG 7 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley. Working Party Directory ~ Brian Crossley (Monday Working Party) 01737 843192 Geoff Perks (Hon Sec) 01403 262855 Colin Gibbs (Mid-week Working Party) 0181 2417736 Steve Jones (W P News Editor) 01444 811747 or mobile 0797 1234 338 John Ward (General Enquiries) 01403 268833 Peter Wilding (Trees / Maintenance Unit) 01483 422519 or mobile 07971 336535 Winston Harwood (Orfold) 01737 768781 Eric Walker (Loxwood Area) 02392 463025 Don Gibson (Mid Week Walks) 01903 201375 Dr J Heatley (Green Gym) 01403 260937