| July 2004
Diary | Directory
EDITORIAL COMMENT ~ Steve Jones
Continuing again with my '10 years ago' series; the construction of Brewhurst Bridge was almost finished along with the repairs by Trust volunteers to the culvert north of the bridge. Whilst at Bignor Bridge the 'Dig Deep' consortium were relieved to find that following the removal of spoil, the arch of this bridge was in remarkably good condition, enabling them to proceed with repairs to the deck. 20 Members of the Mid Week Working Party visited the canal north of Fastbridge and under the watchful eye of Jack Pocock cleared about 1000yards of canal and replaced the dam near the Mill Farm boundary.
Custodians of Trust Equipment ~ Colin Gibbs
Various members of working parties have custodianship of Trust equipment. This equipment is available to other qualified members on contacting the custodians, as follows:-
4 x brushcutters - available from Phil Broadley, Brian Duck, Jonathon Robertson, and Ray Welch.
2 x chainsaws - available from Peter Jackman.
1 x hedgecutter - available from Keith Nicholls.
Telephone numbers can be obtained from any of the group leaders, listed below. Please allow a few days notice, for easy collection.
Clearing Away from Drungewick Lock ~ Eric Walker
Clearance of the materials and tools from Drungewick Lock is to take place, the work there being finished. With the grass growing and the first strimming of the area this year, it will soon return back to normal. In the middle of May the swans and their brood of eight signets moved into the pound below the lock to tidy up the duckweed.
As mentioned previously we have to return to Devils Hole lock (DHL) to finish off the restoration there. But, and here the bluebell rule applies (why one does a job once when you could do it twice?), there is a spillway near Cooks bridge that we have been asked to repair.
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 mobile 077 1785 5340 or email ericwalker@onetel.net.uk
Saturday Archery at Lordings ~ Winston Harwood
Having got the open day and the 'poddle' and all the things that they entailed behind us, we are full steam ahead with the lock reconstruction. Its going really well and taking shape nicely. From Saturday July 3rd, I will be rebuilding the remaining two aqueduct arches over the river, so loads to do. Come and join us for a productive day with quite a few laughs thrown in. Incidentally we will be painting double yellow lines along the towpath as we frequently have the Mrs Bucket group on site and I don't want any of them parking precipitously on the bank. See you on site 0930hrs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
A Little Encouragement Goes A Long Way ~ Brian Crossley.
So often we work away tidying-up the road crossings and the local residents and passers-by seem to try to ignore us. Maybe we look as if we're on Community Service. Anyway, it was very encouraging at the Small Boat Rally, Lordings Open Day and during the Poddle when people came up to us to say how much they appreciated our efforts both in preparation for these events and for our routine road crossing work.
The grass seeds at Devils Hole Lock have germinated well despite the strong competition from the long established thistles. It seemed sensible to mow at the highest cut, above the little grass shoots but massacring the thistles. Hope the treatment works.
We're back to normal with our meetings on alternate Mondays in July - 5th & 19th. Just ring me during the previous week for more details.
Working Party Diary for July and early August.
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 at Lordings. Site details from Winston Harwood.
WEDNESDAYS. Loxwood Link maintenance. Site details from Peter Wilding.
EVERY THURSDAY and SUNDAY Meet 0930 at the Onslow Arms, Loxwood. Lots of jobs mainly
construction. Site details from Eric Walker.
SAT JUL 3/SUN 4- DIG DEEP with London WRG. WACT members are welcome on any day. Phone the
WACT office for site and more details.
MON JUL 5 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley.
SAT 17 to SAT JUL 24 WACT CANAL CAMP. Organised by NWPG. Members are welcome on any day.
Phone the office for site and more details.
MON JUL 19 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley.
THUR JUL 22 - MIDWEEK WALK. The Wey & Arun Canal. LimeburnersInn - Guildenhurst Bridge
section.5mls. 2.5-3hrs. Contact Don Gibson for more details.
SAT 31 to SAT AUG 8 WACT CANAL CAMP. Members are welcome on any day. Phone the office for site
and 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
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