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EDITORIAL COMMENT ~ Steve Jones

By all accounts the Trust's presentation of options for a canal corridor to the residents of Bramley was a great success. A substantial number (approx 2/3rds) of those who expressed an opinion were in favour of restoring the canal and the majority view of those was that it should follow a river route. I would like to offer my and no doubt our readers congratulations and thanks to all those who were involved in this presentation. I just hope we are able to follow up on it in some way and push the restoration of the canal forward in what must be one of the most difficult areas.

Dig Deep visits to Haybarn have been running monthly since August and will continue so until March 2005. Access to the site and work on it should be possible in all but the worst flood conditions unlike Lordings. The last two weekends with KESCRG and NWPG have been split between Newbridge and Haybarn. At Newbridge, following completion of the strengthening works by the contractor, we have been dodging the showers to put on 4 (out of 5) coats of protective paint. Preparing and painting the steel work has not been a popular task and my thanks go to those individuals from KESCRG, LWRG and NWPG who nobly stuck with the task. The bridge is now ready for its final journey south.

On a blustery day punctuated with heavy showers, the swing-bridge was successfully moved from its temporary home at Wharf Farm near Newbridge to its new location across the canal at Haybarn. The bridge had been worked on all through the spring and summer, having been successively jacked up on to stollidges, had the old rotten deck stripped off, been needle gunned and hand abraded to remove rust, undergone repairs and strengthening, been grit blasted twice, then primed and coated with four coats of paint. Considerable work had also been carried out at Haybarn. The old concrete bridge had been demolished, new base slabs poured, reinforced block-work walls built, and bridge foundations constructed. Once the original pintle had been bolted down and grouted in position, the two elements could be brought together. Much work remains to be done however, including constructing the brickwork and stepped slabs, and completing the bridge restoration. The visiting Dig Deep teams will still have plenty to amuse themselves with through the winter months!

The moving operation was carried out by J Thomas of Smalldole who used a 50 tonne hydraulic jib crane and 12 metre low loader. They also had to transport the counterweight kentledge, various loose steel members, and a considerable number of sleepers to stabilise the crane outriggers at Haybarn. The most difficult part of the operation was travelling down the narrow and twisting Blacknest Road, which in parts had ditches both sides! Many thanks to Winston and his group for their assistance.

In twelve years at Lordings have we ever laid bricks in a straight line? The horizontal arch of the lock wall is rising beautifully, what a sight. All in salvaged and cleaned original bricks that were made 200 years ago that vary in size between 8.5 and 9.75 inches in length and corresponding variance in thickness. There is a strict compliance required to follow the chalk lines that show where the perpendicular joints have to be in order to keep to the correct bond.

We are one step ahead of the floods now with the erection of the scaffold to the east side of the lock and only five courses to go to the underside of the copings. The other work in hand is dragging the slipway out of the river before dismantling it, cleaning the last few bricks and raking out and pointing to the bottom of the west wall.

A warm welcome to the new MWWP recruits; they tell me they actually enjoy themselves. How odd! The coppicing in Sidney Wood saw an excellent turn out of 13 members, and under the eagle eyes of Roger and Ray the hedge laying experts, we soon had piles of stakes and binders cut and bundled, enough for at least 100yards of hedge laying. A return visit in the near future will see us do the annual brush-cutting and tidy up.

When planning where to work, one has to bear in mind some sites are inaccessible when the rivers go into flood. The views are spectacular but ground conditions are naff! With this in mind we are back at Haybarn until the end of November, when I propose to change the work schedule to every other week, with visits to Sidney Wood, the ox-bow below Devils Hole lock and any other jobs that crop up. Also at some point there are 2 trees to cut and clear at The Three Compasses and the store at Drungewick Hill Farm needs to be tidied and cleared of rubbish, so lots to do. Don't hesitate to call if you have any queries and thanks for your support.

Cooks bridge spillway is on the mend. Of course it had to be knocked down so we could build it up. Each Sunday ballast and cement is taken to the site from our Tickners Heath depot and by the end of Thursday they are ready for more! One interesting feature noted whilst on the site was a crack in the towpath something over an inch wide. One August some years ago we lowered two 10inch diameter pipes so that they would be under the canal rather than cross it at water level. The crack was on the towpath surface where the backfill was supposed to meet with the existing towpath. The lesson to be learnt is the necessary follow up works to ensure the clay interface is sound, perhaps a year after installation. Another aspect of cutting through the towpath, as part of rebuilding the sluice, was to see a thin layer of chalk 3 inches below the surface, almost certainly put here when the canal was in use. It was noted that the landowner had a bank of clay across the canal some 30 yards beyond Cooks Bridge. So water retention back to Old Toat is a probability. Beyond the clay bank the landowner has put a 10-inch pipe through the bank to drain the canal! Chichester District Council will support WACT should there be any further damage to the heritage asset this canal represents in their district.

The tempo for the B2133 Crossing has started to quicken as the pre-planning application consultations are completed and Alan Johnson tweaks the pack for submission to Chichester District Council. The fundraising is going well enough to get started, but is just too short to merge the first two phases to give a sensible break whilst we prepare to get the bridge built.

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 07717 855340 or email

The locks at Tickners are a pain, I know, but please ensure all combination locks are scrambled when leaving by setting them at 1111. Do not leave doors or the main gate open if you are the last to leave the yard, even if you will only be away for a short time. Many thanks to all the members who donated tools, following recent requests in 'Wey South'. They are much appreciated. One particular tool we are still short of at the depot is a very large wrench. (A new one would cost between £60 and £100.) Our "Wizard of the Listers and Petters", Michael Whyte-Venables, had to hire a chain wrench at £6 per day. As a result of this action he has managed to rejuvenate the "mud" pump, which is now seeing service during the repairs at Drungwick Lock. Michael not only has the magic touch, he also has the expertise to bring our tired concrete mixers, as well as the pumps, back to life. All bar one of the pumps now work. One of his next projects is to fix the pumps onto wheeled trolleys for easier access to and from sites. Sop as you may have guessed, the point of this preamble is to ask if you happen to have an unused wrench hanging up in the garage or even lying around through lack of use. Talking of lying around, whilst you are looking for a wrench would you also see if you could find an unwanted crowbar or two, or even a Black & Decker type workmate or dumper truck. We are usually asking members to give us items of equipment, but this time we can do something in return, for a small fee perhaps. Prior to the use of chainsaws, volunteers had to use two handled crosscut saws. We have 3 of these saws (lengths 7', 5' and 4' with 18 Labbat's 47 written on the latter - an early toolmaker perhaps?). Do you know of a pub that's desparate to display one of these? Also we are very happy to give away 50 old tyres. Do you know of anyone who is into shredding tyres? Then of course there are the 3 engines, of which 2 are suitable for narrowboats - we are open to offers for these.

Because of the very limited skills of the Tickners Group - David, Michael, Peter and Phil excepted, we require the services of a carpenter or someone who is good with wood, for approximately 5 or 6 half days during the winter - nothing very taxing. Over the past few years, in fact mainly since he retired, David Kersley has been at everyone's beck and call to drive the Trust's Landrover - almost always with a trailer attached to it. David regularly does the site deliveries and collections, sometimes 3 or 4 times a week. In addition to this he is responsible for the whole Landrover operation within the Trust, on the spot maintenance, keeping it topped up and all the other tasks associated with running a vehicle. You can often see him hosing it down in the Depot or clearing one of the working party's equipment from the back. Many thanks David for your support, on behalf of all the working party leaders. What's more, currently he's the only Landrover driver we have on a regular basis. I have spoken with David about this and he would be delighted if someone could assist with the driving - even if it was only a couple of times each month. He would be delighted to instruct any frustrated 4 x 4 off road driver, in the art of manoeuvring the Landrover around the W & A, and indeed, around the yard at the Depot. Talking of frustration, are you a frustrated brushcutter or strimmer user? The Trust now have a first rate selection of petrol driven brushcutters and could do with more operators. All the gear is readily available - harness, helmet, ear defenders and tools for on the spot maintenance. Your services would be much appreciated, and training will be arranged.

We are slowly (remarkably slowly) approaching the closed season for grass cutting. Our winter programme of worthwhile tasks appropriate for the group so far include: - Installing more bench seats along the 'Loxwood Link'. Painting the roof of the lean-to store behind the Onslow Arms. Installing new gatepost(s) at the Tickners Heath depot. Smoothing and adding topsoil to the 'lawn' by the Onslow landing stage. Repositioning some of the signs appealing for more maintenance volunteers. Possible burn-ups for the hedge-laying group. Supporting the Mid-Week Working Party.

If you might enjoy working on a diversity of jobs in a variety of locations with a welcoming cross-section of the membership, do give me a ring and then come along to see us. In November, we'll be meeting on Mondays 8 and 22. Our first meeting in December will be Monday 5, the day of the traditional Working Party Christmas Lunch at the Onslow Arms. As usual, our group will squeeze a day's work into the morning and then arrive looking not quite as spruce as some, but disgustingly smug and self-satisfied. If booking through me, please let me have your money and choice of menu at least a week before. As always, I'm sure well have a really enjoyable get together.

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.

EVERY THURSDAY and SUNDAY Meet 0930 at the Onslow Arms, Loxwood. Lots of jobs mainly construction. Site details from Eric Walker.

WED NOV 3 - MWWP. MWWP. Meet 0930 at Haybarn. Look for direction signs on leaving metalled road. Contact Peter Jackman for more details.

MON NOV 8 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley.

WED NOV 10 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at Haybarn. Look for direction signs on leaving metalled road. Contact Peter Jackman for more details.

SAT NOV13/SUN 14 - DIG DEEP with NWPG. WACT members are welcome on any day. Phone the WACT office for site and more details.

WED NOV 17 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at Haybarn. Look for direction signs on leaving metalled road. Contact Peter Jackman for more details.

MON NOV 22 - MONDAY W P. (Mrs Bucket Group). Details of site and meeting time from Brian Crossley.

WED NOV 24 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at Haybarn. Look for direction signs on leaving metalled road. Contact Peter Jackman for more details.

WED DEC 1 - MWWP. Meet 0930 in Sidney Wood car park. Contact Peter Jackman for more details.

MON DEC 6 - ALL WEEKDAY VOLUNTEERS. An optional mornings work followed by Xmas lunch at the Onslow Arms. 1200hrs for 1245. ( Pick up a menu when you next pass the pub or ask your group leader).Cost £18 including tip. You must book with either Colin Gibbs or Brian Crossley by November 29th if you wish to attend.

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.com
Colin Gibbs (Tickners Maintenance) 020 8241 7736
Don Gibson (Midweek Walks) 01903 201375