Diary | Directory

'Edge On ~ Keith Nichols.

On October 19, work started on hedge trimming, finishing both Drungewick Gauging Station Meadow (DGSM) and Brewhurst River Field layed hedges on November 4. This was a total of 3 days for the team or about 11 man/days. Work also started on preparation of the 100m left to lay at DGSM, for fence removal. The 220 stakes and 220 binders cut by the MWWP in Sidney Wood were delivered to the meadow and further preparation and fence removal occurred on Friday 12, an Indian summer's day. Weather and a large canal edge ash tree permitting, laying will start on November 16 & 18.

Finally an Xmas quiz - how much pressure do you need to apply, to push the heathering/binding of the top of a layed hedge down? Answers please to our Chairman's cattle, Gauging Station Meadow.

There are a few tasks that the group has been asked to do, but our default option for the winter months is to join the Mid-Week Working Party on the Wednesday of their choice. One of the tasks has been to install a couple of benches made of beautiful oak from one of Peter Foulger's trees, one at Drungewick Lock and the other beside the towpath leading to the lock. Weather permitting, on November 24 the roof of the lean-to at the back of the Onslow Arms should have been painted, otherwise we will have joined the MWWP at Haybarn.

On the morning of the Christmas lunch (Monday December 6) members of all the working parties will be welcome to join us. Please contact me for site details.

The crossing of the canal at Haybarn includes a public footpath which; has been subject to a 6 month temporary diversion order. This lapsed in October. To renew it would cost WACT another £700 - a significant percentage of the overall cost of the project. Consequently one of the tasks for the sunny NWPG November weekend therefore, was to erect a scaffold walkway across the swingbridge so that walkers are able to cross the canal on the official route at least when we are not working there. The diversionary route remains in place for our working weekends. Now that the bridge is in and balanced, the work is concentrating on laying bricks on top of the block walls. About 6 courses were laid on the towpath side, an interesting task if, like Derek Williams, you happen to be volunteered to do the bricks under the bridge itself! There are about another 4/5 courses to lay before we need to swing the bridge in order to cast the concrete beam on which it will rest when closed. This in turn requires the scaffold to be taken down and so the brickwork on both sides is to be finished before any other structural work can start. On the pivot side, a couple of brick courses were laid but, there are plenty more to lay before the level can be established for the concrete slab, over which the wheels on the back of the bridge will run. With winter around the corner progress will be very dependent on the weather.

Other jobs that were continued during the weekend included towpath raising and widening above the bridge, painting the handrails and backfilling the new retaining walls with concrete and clay.

In case I forget (would I?), a merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year to you all. December with its short days will be a fortnightly working party, and hopefully we can knock off some outstanding jobs, i.e. the fallen trees at Dunsfold, and the clearance/tidy up at Drungewick Hill Fram (WACT shed and surrounding areas). This is all subject to numbers, though I believe Mrs Bucket's team will be joining up with us. If there are any changes to the published venues, I will ring regular attendees. Others who fancy a day out can contact me on 01483 772132.

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.

WEDNESDAYS Mid Week Working Party. Site details from Peter Jackman.

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

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.

SAT DEC 11/SUN 12 - DIG DEEP with wrg BITM. WACT members are welcome on either day. Phone the WACT office for site and more details.

WED DEC 15 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at Compasses Bridge, Dunsfold. Contact Peter Jackman for details.

WED DEC 29 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at The Onslow Arms, Loxwood for work at Devils Hole ox-bow. Contact Peter Jackman for more details.

WED JAN 12 - MWWP. Meet 0930 at venue to be decided by new leader.

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

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