February 2003 Diary | Directory EDITORIAL COMMENT ~ Steve Jones Having notched up 10 years of W.P.News, I thought it might be interesting on an occasional basis to look at what was happening all those years ago; and what better way to start than with the birth of the Mid Week Working Party (MWWP) who’s first outing was helping with clearance work alongside what was then British Aerospace - Dunsfold Aerodrome. A ‘birthday bash’ was held on the same site last month.

Hot Soup and Champers at MWWP 10th Anniversary ~ Colin Gibbs Can anyone remember if it rained on January 15th 1993? Well ten years on - it did, of and on in the morning, and then drenched everyone just after the hot soup and champers had been consumed! Quite remarkably, five of the original nine were present - Jim Phillips, David Robertson, Pat Arman, Peter Stirling and myself. I’m sure Bill Manning was keeping an eye on us - especially the fire lighting. Working south from Compasses Bridge, both banks and the towpath were cleared down to the site of Simmonds Bridge. Earlier in the year (Jan 9th) we cleared the first 80 yards of the towpath bank, south of Harsfold. This first time clearance was almost jungle bashing, and took the 17 present until dark to complete the task. We have now completed the work planned for Lee Farm this year (see list); ie Harsfold Bridge to Haybarn Bridge. I’m sure we will return later in the year, when water levels are lower perhaps. This may be a good time to explain why we’re working on 2 sites at the same time. This is because sometimes it’s impossible to judge how long a particular task will take. (See Wey-South issue 121). I am writing this report on Jan 17th for W.P. News copy date of the 20th and have just made quite a few phone calls to landowners in planning work for the end of February - that’s 6 weeks ahead. The only way I’m able to change a venue half way through February would be to send out letters or make 30 odd phone calls!! Wey & Arun Globally Positioned ~ Eric Walker At Devil's Hole Lock the last of the copings should be poured before the end of January. Gordon Limbrick will continue filling behind the wall towards the field with the digger. Other major tasks here are to install the infra structure for back pumping and bring the towpath up to coping level. A start has been made marking the boundary for the Sidney Wood lease. The installation of the Permanent Ground Markers (PGM) along the summit level should be completed before the end of January. The position of the PGM’s, latitude, longitude and height above sea level, will be measured using the Global Positioning System, a satellite technology surveying technique. The need for the technology comes about because of the rural nature of the area. From the lat’ and long’ the Ordnance Survey reference easting and northing for each PGM can be obtained. The PGM’s will be located at Lock 17 where we also hope to repair the parapets, Fastbridge, Three Compasses, Tickners and the site of the former Lock 16. After being flooded out a further couple of times Richard Julian has connected the aqueduct to the plant crossing and the aqueduct railings have been sent for galvanising. What about preparing for the installation of the swing bridge? What about the surveying? Well these and many other items will make 2003 a busy year. The Thursday & Sunday Groups meet at 09:30 at the Onslow Arms, Loxwood. Lots of jobs, mostly construction related. For more details contact Eric Walker Tel/Fax 023 9246 3025 or ericwalker@boltblue.com A Miscellany Of Tasks ~ Brian Crossley The snow is melting as I write this, and no doubt the grasses and brambles are already preparing their plans for taking-over the world. But before we need to be mowing and strimming the road crossings, there’s a variety of jobs to be tackled assisting the other groups. These include fitting new gateposts at Tickners Heath, helping with the survey of alternative routes through Sidney Wood, installing fingerposts on the Wey-South Path and enjoying burn-ups of the spoils from hedge-laying near Baldwins Knob. In February we shall be meeting on Mondays as usual - 3rd & 17th (I hope to be away sunning myself on the 24th). Prospective new members are always welcome - just ring me during the previous week for details. January Treat ~ Graham Baird The Trust gained the unexpected benefit of an unscheduled Dig Deep camp; which took place over the weekend of 11th and 12th January. The weather was cold and sunny, ideal for strenuous scrub bashing and bonfires, and a turn out of 25 volunteers from London WRG and KESCRG made light work of clearing accumulated undergrowth for 500m either side of Gennets Lock. The campers were particularly impressed with Plaistow Village Hall; which has recently been refurbished, and provides the luxury of showers, although the nearby pub may need advance warning next time of an invasion by volunteers. Living on the 'Edge ~ Keith Nichols November saw the Hedge Laying Team extend the layed hedge towards Baldwins Knob Lock from the original 20m to 42m, clearing bramble and fence as we went. In December, the total cleared with fence removed, jumped to 202m, thanks to help from the Mrs Bucket Group. The total hedge layed in that month was 73m meaning that by the 28th a grand total of 115m had been layed passing my '100m by Christmas' milestone. By the time you read this we will have passed the halfway mark ie 200m out of 400m because on Tuesday 14th January at 17.30 I completed the 180m layed - yes, it was dark! The two burns of cut material provided me with excellent baked potatoes on the following days, so I look forward to the next bonfire as I might branch out into toast. At the moment the team varies from just me to 6 people. I can always do with more help, as there are still another 200m of clearance, fence removal and hedge laying plus coppicing for materials as well as 60 odd saplings to be planted. I am at a loss as to what to do in my spare time. Oh well, there is always Devil's Hole, feeding the swans and talking to passers-by, ie PR. Brush up your Skills ~ Graham Baird We are endeavouring to arrange some courses to increase the skills level and safety of our volunteers attending working parties. Initially we plan to run one day course on the use of brushcutters and on emergency first aid, which would cost in the order of £20 each, dependent upon numbers. In order to set up this training, we need to gauge the level of support it would attract. So if you might be interested in be interested in participating in either course please let Graham Baird know on 01403 262515 or e-mail graham.baird@btclick.com. There would be no commitment at this stage but we can then make detailed arrangements and advise you accordingly.

Working Party Diary for February and early March. Press date for articles for inclusion is the 20th of the month by letter or e-mail. If you do not attend regularly, please contact the site manager before joining a work party. MOST TUESDAYS maintenance sessions at Tickners Heath. Check with Colin Gibbs first. EVERY THURSDAY and SUNDAY at Devil's Hole. Meet 0930 at the Onslow Arms, Loxwood. Lots of jobs Site details from Eric Walker. MON FEB 3 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley. WED FEB 5 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at Tickners Heath depot. We need to share cars for work north of Fastbridge. Tree and branch removal as well as some work for brush cutters. Contact Colin Gibbs for more details. MON FEB 10 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at Dunsfold Aerodrome (now Dunsfold Park) main gate; which is round the back of Dunsold village - Compasses Gate is now locked. Park across the airfield at the ‘Burnsite’. Latecomers must ask security for route around airfield. Colin Gibbs for more details. FRI FEB 14 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at Dunsfold Aerodrome (now Dunsfold Park) main gate; which is round the back of Dunsold village - Compasses Gate is now locked. Check in with security and obtain directions to Compasses Gate. Bring your brush cutters if you can. Colin Gibbs for more details. MON FEB 17 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley. MON FEB 17 - MWWP. Meet 0930 for work at Bonfire Hangar. Go down Oakhurst Lane near the Sir Roger Tichbourne pub. Turn right at dog kennel sign. Follow track across field (1/2 mile) and park just inside copse on right. Walk along track between the lakes on the left - work site on right of stile. Contact Colin Gibbs for more details TUES FEB 25 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at Tickners Heath depot. We need to share cars for work north of Fastbridge. Tree and branch removal as well as some work for brush cutters. Contact Colin Gibbs for more details. Working Party Directory ~ Brian Crossley (Monday Working Party) 01737 843192 Steve Jones (W P News Editor) 01444 811747 Colin Gibbs (Mid-week Working Party) 0208 2417736 e-mail steve@stumblemead.fsnet.co.uk or Mobile 07870 371019 John Ward (General Enquiries) 01483 527124 Winston Harwood 01293 424672 or Mobile 07971 336535 Peter Wilding (Loxwood Maintenance) 01483 422519 Eric Walker (Loxwood Area) 02392 463025

Last updated February 2003