| August 2004
Diary | Directory
EDITORIAL COMMENT ~ Steve Jones
As part of their stated intent in their 'Plan for the Future 2003-2007' document, British Waterways has published Waterways 2025 - 'Our vision for the shape of the waterway network'. This identifies 18 restoration or new build schemes and gives details on each, prioritises them and explains why each is part of BW's 'vision'. In addition, three schemes have been listed as having a significant contribution to enhance the waterway system but have issues still to be resolved. The 'Wey & Arun' falls into this category. Some of the schemes amongst the '18' have many of the same problems as us and I believe if we can find a route for the canal through the Bramley corridor which has the backing of residents and authorities, we could well become part of BW's vision.
Back to Square One at Tickners Heath ~ Colin Gibbs
Over the past 2 years we have disposed of 3 old unserviceable concrete mixers. Very recently, we acquired 3 replacements, 1 petrol driven and 2 electric. Our thanks to Mrs Samways and the lady from Brook Street for their gifts. More work for our repair team.
Flagship Site in a Sorry State ~ Brian Crossley
While the team have been beavering away keeping the road crossings spruce, the grass slope up from the car park behind the Onslow Arms to the trip boat landing stage, has been neglected. The grass was not quite as high as an elephant's eye, but getting that way. Certainly not giving a good impression to anyone new to the Trust's activities. No matter that the pub's contractor always used to cut that patch, we could only benefit if it is tidied up immediately and regularly. So we've added that area to our 'round' and hope that potential sponsors will be suitably impressed.
In August, juggling with the forthcoming Bank Holiday, we'll be meeting on Mondays 2 & 23. Just ring me during the previous week for more details.
Busy 6 Months Planned for TSG ~ Eric Walker
We returned to Devils Hole Lock (DHL) in mid July, there being the jobs to be done there that were not completed last year. August will be a quiet month for the TSG with the first two weeks as a holiday.
Once we return from our 'hols', we have a large batch of blocks to be made at Tickners Heath. There are a number (8) of training walls to be built and of course, the preparations for the Loxwood New Lock. With some jobs still outstanding at Drungewick Lock, the possibility of work on the summit pound and as mentioned previously the work at Toat, will volunteers please check the notice at the Onslow Arms giving the work site location(s) for the day. It all sounds like a busy six months, but there are many other jobs waiting to be done, many in anticipation of a busy boating season next year.
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
Bricks Win. Floods Go Down ~ Winston Harwood
Who would believe it, a flood in July? Well just after we installed the aqueduct arch former which is a huge piece of polystyrene the size of a small car, down came the rains and up came the river. Fortunately this happened whilst we were on the site on Thursday. Emergency action by the team to load the polystyrene down with 1/4ton of bricks prevented it from floating away and after checking the wedges on the support structure and finding that nothing had been dislodged, brickwork continued and the second arch was completed. Picture Brickwork is also finished to the west side lock wall and now continues with forming the gate recess. Picture Interestingly this lock has a single gate at the top end. We will very soon start laying the 9000 bricks just delivered for the actual wall of the aqueduct.
Working Party Diary for August and early September.
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 31 JUL to SAT AUG 8 WACT CANAL CAMP. Members are welcome on any day. Phone the office for
site and more details.
MON AUG 2 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley.
MON AUG 23 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley.
THUR AUG 26 - MIDWEEK WALK. The Wey & Arun Canal. Limeburners Inn - Loves Bridge
section. 4mls. 2.5-3hrs. Contact Don Gibson 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 (Lordings Lock & Aqueduct) 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
Don Gibson (Midweek Walks) 01903 201375
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