Diary | Directory

Editorial Comment ~ Tim Jolly.

I haven't quite got to grips yet with issuing this on time or printing of envelopes for those who should get a copy by reason of working party attendance/new members expressing an interest in working parties - but don't have Email. I'm on holiday until the 9th so not everyone will get their envelope until after that - sorry. This edition is slightly late again, so apologies to Winston for making some of his comments irrelevant. As Brian Crossley has retired from the Monday Group (see below) he hasn't given any dates for the working party diary - the dates below are guessed! Ring John Empringham On Saturday July 2nd there were 2 big diggers and a dumper at the new lock site and they'd put in the sheet piling. They'd nearly finished digging out the clay between the pilings. What clean machines too!

Coping with the Heat ~ Winston Harwood.

Pointing to the Aqueduct floor brickwork. is complete, so concreting to the copings on Lordings Lock east wall is in progress and its in the shade - what a bonus when temperatures are in the 90's. Thursday 30th of June. All hands to scaffold the aqueduct ready for KESCRG (Kent & East Sussex Canal Restoration Group) to pour the concrete infill to the walls. Two days continuous pour to avoid joints. Anyone want to join us on 2nd and 3rd of July? After the camp it's back to copings. The end is in sight so come and join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays before the Lock and Aqueduct are finished.

Mrs Bucket hands on the Torch ~ Brian Crossley.

I suggested the formation of the Monday Group at the EGM in October 1988, nearly 7 years ago. The TV series `Keeping up Appearances' was not just a distant memory at the time. Since our remit was to do just that at the principal road crossings, we also called ourselves `Mrs Bucket's Group'. First there was the backlog of scrub and litter to clear. As we got on top of the work, the main requirement became grass cutting and strimming. We find that the current team of skilled and dedicated volunteers can just about cope with the present workload (with occasional overtime) However, as more of the canal is opened up, there is obviously a need for ever greater effort on maintenance, and perhaps a new vision for the group. It is an appropriate time for me to hand over to a more youthful leader having both the enthusiasm and the peculiar qualities needed for managing a bunch of very willing but very independent volunteers. Fortunately John Empringham (01483 562657), who fits this job description perfectly, has kindly volunteered to take on the challenge. The ceremony of handing over the logbook, keys and tools is scheduled to take place on Monday July the 18th in the bothy at Tickners Heath, where the group traditionally discusses the meaning of life over elevenses. Thank you for volunteering John, All of us (including me of course) look forward to many seasons of mowing, strimming and many other worthwhile tasks under your leasdership. And, finally, a most sincere thank you to all the members of the group, past and present, who have made our meetings so successful and enjoyable. Brian, the answer is George (he'll know what I mean - Ed!).

'Loxwood Lock' ~ Eric Walker.

The contractors arrived on site of the new lock in Loxwood on the 20th of June. The previous month had been either preparing for their arrival or installing the fence on the non-towpath side of Devils Hole lock. As transmitted to those on E-mail, the reed cutting was postponed from the 16th of June when Richard Emsley had unexpected shift pattern changes. A new date was set later in the month for the 28th/29th June. The next major event will be the laying of the concrete blinding for the base of the new lock. The contractors have to finish their work and this is scheduled for 1st July. So, this concreting should be done in the week 4th - 8th of July before the heavy rain starts!

Press date for articles for inclusion is the 20^th 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.

MON JUL 4 - MONDAY W P.

FRI JUL 15 - MIKRON THEATRE - Fishers Farm Park 7.30 pm

SAT JUL 16 - HAYBARN BRIDGE re-opening - see Wey-South 131

MON JUL 18 - MONDAY W P.

MON AUG 1 - MONDAY W P.

FRI AUG 12 - PLAQUE UNVEILING - 3 Compasses, Alfold.

John Empringham (Monday Working Party) 01483 562657
Tim Jolly (W P News Editor) 01403 267408 e-mail: tim.jolly@tesco.net
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