| January 2004
Diary | Directory
EDITORIAL COMMENT ~
Steve Jones
During a recent conversation about the canal and comparisons with the Bluebell Railway
Society, a colleague who is a WACT member said, well naturally they attract more members
because it's more exciting . Well yes possibly if you are looking round the engine shed or
better still actually driving one, but beyond that I'm not so sure. Can you walk alongside
the track - well strictly speaking, no. Can you operate the mechanisms that allow the train
to pass? - only if you're qualified and one of the staff, so again no. Can you enjoy the
countryside and immediate surroundings? - well yes but generally only at speed. However, all
these things you can do on a canal, even steering a boat with minimum tuition. So steam
railways are great for children and enthusiasts such as me, but I believe canals have more
to offer the general public.
The production team (that's me and my better half), and our site managers Brian, Colin, Eric, Keith,
Winston and the 2 Peters hope you have all had an enjoyable festive season and would like to take this
opportunity to wish you all a very happy New Year.
Drungewick Lock Wall on Target ~ Eric Walker.
Extra days working at Drungewick Lock means that the rebuilding of the wall is now above water level and the
project target of enabling boats through by the end of February looks a reality. Picture
The need for a pipe to be installed for the second back pump and two waterfalls at Drungewick Lock means
there is lots of work to be done. Picture
For the B2133 crossing we now have two models. Discussions continue with Southern Water and BT as to where
and how the diversions of their services may be undertaken. West Sussex CC has been very helpful in respect of
permission to dig up the highway for this work. By the end of January there should be a clear idea of the way
ahead, for by that time we will have received the drawings and costing should be well in hand.
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
Mrs Bucket Expands Her Horizons ~ Brian
Crossley.
Before the Christmas lunch, we enjoyed a very necessary big burn-up of all the brambles and dogwood
that had been removed from the hedge beside the Gauging Station Meadow by the Hedge laying Group. On the
following Monday we helped the Mid Week Working Party tidy-up the towpath from the Loxwood crossing to
Devils Hole and on towards Southlands another particularly worthwhile PR exercise because this is a
very popular path.
In this connection we have been asked to add Devils Hole Lock (restoration by the Thursday and Sunday Group
being virtually complete) to our circuit of sites whose appearances we look after throughout the year. In the
New Year we shall be levelling and raking the ground for seeding on the towpath side. Later in the year when
the back-pumping pipework has been installed we can level and seed the far side. Bench seats on a neatly
maintained lawn will provide an attractive finishing touch. So we'd be glad to hear from anyone who would
like to sponsor one or more commemorative seats.
Our two meetings in January are on Mondays 5 and 19 just ring me during the week before for details
of the meeting place and jobs to be tackled.
Working Party Diary for January early February.
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.
TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS and SATURDAYS. Site details from Winston Harwood.
TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS and THURSDAYS afternoons. Hedge laying with Keith Nicholls.
EVERY THURSDAY and SUNDAY Meet 0930 at the Onslow Arms, Loxwood. Lots of jobs mainly
construction. Site details from Eric Walker.
MON JAN 5 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley.
WED JAN 7 MWWP. Meet 0930 in the WACT car park at the Onslow Arms. Contact Peter Jackman for
more details.
MON JAN 19 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley.
WED JAN 21 MWWP. Meet 0930 in the WACT car park at the Onslow Arms. Contact Peter Jackman for
more details.
Working Party Directory.
Brian Crossley (Monday Working Party) 01737 843192
Steve Jones (W P News Editor) 01444 811747 e-mail:
steve@stumblemead.fsnet.co.uk
Peter Jackman (Mid-week Working Party) 01483 772132
WACT office (General Enquiries) 01403 752403
Winston Harwood 01293 424672
Peter Wilding (Loxwood Maintenance) 01483 422519
Eric Walker (Loxwood Area) 02392 463025 email:ericwalker@onetel.net.uk
Colin Gibbs (Tickners Maintenance) 020 8241 7736
Keith Nicholls (Hedge laying)
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