| July 2003
EDITORIAL COMMENT ~
Steve Jones
Taking a leap of faith with funding, we have completed a 3-part project - a heavy
plant crossing, an aqueduct and a road bridge. Add in the soon to be constructed
slipway, the works to link each structure and the works at Drungewick lock and you
are probably looking at close to £1,000,000 worth of work. Yes we still have some
teething problems to overcome but who can doubt now that the Wey and Arun Canal will
be restored.
Continuing my occasional series of 'Ten years ago', our Hon Treasurer might well
remember a tree stump in the southern parapet of Old Toat Bridge that was impeding
restoration progress. Jim was instrumental in its removal. Meanwhile, up at
Newbridge, the 'Body Shop' volunteers were keeping the banks of the canal in this
vicinity looking very tidy.
Doubling Up ~ Colin Gibbs.
The MWWP did not meet on their normal day (Friday 13th.) in June. This was not due
to any superstition, but because two days had previously been set aside for fencing
at Harsfold on June 24th & 25th. Report next time.
A few days before the opening of the Aqueduct, the MWWP were asked to assist with
the reed clearance south of Drungewick Lane. Fortunately the Tickners Heath group
had planed a meeting on the Tuesday before this. As five of this group are MWWP
regulars, it made sense to change the venue for the day. It was obviously a great
success, as 'John Smallpiece' made the journey to the new winding hole, and back -
just!
Pump Chambers, Lock Chambers and Bulges ~ Eric Walker.
The cable, all 3 tonnes of it, to deliver electricity to Drungewick lock was pulled
into the trench by 19 magnificent volunteers who then back filled the trench. Thanks
to Bill Redpath and Gordon Limbrick for digging the trench earlier.
Colin Durbridge installed the electrical control gear for the pumps originally
constructed by Ted Williams three years ago. The second-hand pumps we had been
given, turned out to be un-usable, so new ones were bought from Pump Engineering at
Littlehampton. By this time the reeds were growing faster than the water was rising.
Gordon then made a reed cutter and by using a tractor loaned by Howard Pullen (or
Gordon's car) he made fantastic progress so that our boat John Smallpeice could make
its way into the pound by the 28 May, Clearance of the reeds was done by John Mead
and later by Colin Gibbs and his group. A tremendous effort thanks to all involved.
Following the formal opening of Drungewick Lock and Aqueduct, repairs are to be done
at the lock to cure a bulge in the wall at one corner. Further work is also required
to upgrade the lock back pump chamber to accommodate the larger sized pumps, now to
be used.
At Devils Hole lock - completing the work there is now urgent. We need to finish
backfilling behind the offside chamber wall after the harvest and before the field
is ploughed again. The replacement of the pump at Baldwins Knob lock is to be done
in the same time frame. There are two other similar jobs awaiting landowner consent
and of course the swing bridge to be painted. Busy times ahead!
The Thursday & Sunday Groups (TSG) 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 email ericwalker@onetel.net.uk
Maybe a Tradition is Born ~ Brian Crossley.
A member who recently retired from the 'Keeping up Appearances' group has very
kindly given us the strimmer that he bought when he joined us. Just a thought, but
this could be the start of a very beneficial tradition!
We find it most satisfactory for members themselves to maintain and care for
regularly used mechanical tools - they tend to break down less often and their full
history is known.
So we now have a healthy strimmer looking for a good home. It is a lightweight
machine that can be operated gracefully by a member of either sex.
Our meetings in July will be on Mondays 14 & 28. If you think you might be able to
spare one or two days a month for some worthwhile work in good company, please give
me a call.
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