IN THIS ISSUE 122 Part 1- Editorial Chairman's Report Restoration Roundup Secretary's Column How the Money Rolls In Part 2 - Horse-drawn Boat LLEP Manager's Report Hedge Laying Miscellany Trip Boat Matters News from The Granary Previous issues Contact the Trust

Wey-South issue 122  March - May 2003

PART 1 EDITORIAL - Tim Jolly Winter is traditionally a quiet time of year and at first I feared there might be enough copy to fill the magazine. Far from it, it was a struggle to fit it all in! You’ll see a lot of material from WAEL, all about their forthcoming cruises as well as appeals for crew and skippers to man them. John Wood has done his normal splendid job in providing the Restoration Roundup, also asking for volunteers. There's always a lot of maintenance to do - and more as we open more canal. Talking of more open canal, our next project is D2N (Drungewick to Newbridge) and the first structure is Drungewick Lock. As it's on private land, with no public access, you may not hve seen it. Iris Piggott has sent some atmospheric shots and one of those [is included] along with some old ones. DRUNGEWICK LOCK Before clearance (photo: Tim Jolly) Bridge repaired (photo: Iris Piggott) Awaiting gates (photo: Tim Jolly) Talking of photographs — thanks to both Andrew Belton and Jonathan Robertson for theirs — sorry I can’t publish them all! Perhaps this is a response to my plea in the last issue for copy from Working Parties. Not very much response to my plea for feedback about Wey-South though. However there were a few things.... Explanation of acronyms. A map of the whole canal with places mentioned in that issue highlighted. A diary of forthcoming events. All good suggestions. 1. Has been addressed although lack of room may make 2. & 3. more difficult. (Thinks — hasn’t an acronym got to be a word in its own right — like RADAR?). Good to see the Wey & Arun featured in other publications. The WRG (Waterway Recovery Group) magazine “Navvies” has a picture of the aqueduct. The Lost Wey to the Sea video has a review in the February “Sussex Life“, along with some very sad pictures of the Brighton West Pier. We also get featured regularly in the Byfleet Boat Club “By the Wey”. The Arundel Christmas Dinner seemed to go very well. 62 people paid, although for various reasons only 58 came along. The date for 2003 is already booked for 4th December, and we are charged for 60 diners minimum. Other dates:   April 25th:   AGM.   May 11th:   Small Boat Cruise.   May 31st:   Aqueduct Opening.   June 8th:    Poddle.   June 22nd:  Orfold Bridge Plaque. The Drungewick Aqueduct opening is so significant that we plan to have an extra-special Wey-South to help celebrate it. As the event is so close to the next issue’s deadline it may well delay it a little bit (what’s new you might say!). Excitingly (at least for me!) it would be very nice to have some colour photos and if we can get a kind soul(s) to sponsor this, that would be great. Contact me if you’re interested. Extra cost would be in the region of £200. Finally. I was very sad to hear that Betty Beresford, wife of our Vice-President, passed away on January 29th. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Editor: Tim Jolly All communication and copy either by post to: 2 Southdown Close Roffey Horsham RH12 4LD Or email to: tim.jolly@tesco.net Material published in this bulletin represents the views of the contributors and should not, unless specifically indicated, be assumed to be the policy of the Trust. Next Issue will be published in June. Copy MUST reach the editor by mid May please — note, later than usual. If at all possible please email copy by attachment in Microsoft Word format. However, typed / WP copy can be scanned and ASCII data on floppy disc is acceptable. Photos particularly welcome. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT - Peter Foulger As I write this report there are a couple of inches of snow laying on the ground outside, a fairly unusual experience in West Sussex. The weather pattern does seem to have changed in recent years, we never seem to get a light shower of rain any more, it is always a downpour leading to frequent flooding. The floods have been responsible for delaying ground work at the Drungewick Aqueduct site, however the heavy flow of water has served to test the design. I am pleased to say our advisers have got the calculations correct and we can be confident that the aqueduct will not have any adverse effect on the flow of the Loxwood Stream or increase any risk of flooding upstream. Over the past few months three major projects have been completed, Devil’s Hole Lock, Lording’s Flood Lock Bridge and the Loxwood Link Extension Project. Where do we go next? Our strategy is to reach Newbridge by the end of 2004 and it’s possible. There are three locks needing gates, back pumps and electricity supplies to operate them. One or maybe two accommodation bridges, a winding hole, bank work and overflow spill weirs. We are dependent on agreement with landowners, permission from the Environment Agency and the Planning Departments of Horsham and Chichester District Councils, and the ability to raise the cash needed. . Some of the above work is already in hand, gates are on order from Calderdale Leisure Services at Rochdale for Drungewick Lock, the cost of these has been generously sponsored by a private individual. A winding hole below the lock is being constructed to allow boats to use Drungewick Lock and both are expected to be ready for use on the 31st May. The Drungewick Slipway, mentioned a year ago, should make progress again shortly. Planning consent needed for the alteration made to the original design has just been granted. The project is being financed via a bequest from the late Roger Dimmick through the IWA and the track leading to the slipway will be known as Roger Dimmick Lane. I would hope that the slipway will be available for this year's Small Boat Rally on the 11th May. I said that last year I know, but there should not be any further changes to the design. To add to the enjoyment of the canal in the area the towpath running alongside the canal from Loxwood to Drungewick has received improvement on two sections. South of Brewhurst Bridge a section of the bridleway, which had been all but impassable on foot during winter months, has been improved to a very high standard as a result of working in partnership with West Sussex County Council who paid for the material and machinery hire, with WACT supplying the labour. At the Drungewick end the new banks formed beside the aqueduct have raised the bridleway by five feet (1.5m) or more which means that even in times of flood the path will still be usable rather than being cut off as in the past. All this provides a valuable public amenity giving a great number of people a lot of pleasure. Coupled with the operation of the trip boat, which carried a record number of passengers during the last season, it adds up to a marvellous shop window for the Trust. Further interest along this section has been provided by some first class hedge-laying done by WACT volunteers during the winter. The number of opportunities the Trust has to plan restoration projects at present is almost bewildering; canal diversion in Sidney Wood, highway bridges on the A272 at Newbridge, the B2133 at Loxwood and Compasses at Dunsfold. Meetings have been held with the Rutland Group, the developers at Dunsfold Park (former Aerodrome site), in the expectation that the Trust will benefit from development of the site. They are our landlords anyway, as we lease the section of canal they own and our maintenance yard at Tickner's Heath from them. A reminder to all WACT members and friends that they are invited to the Drungewick Aqueduct opening ceremony on Saturday 31 May at 12.00 o’clock. Provided the weather is kind to us it will be a truly great day. As stated in the last Wey-South Dr. David Fletcher CBE has agreed to cut the tape. Further details will be available from the Trust office nearer the date but this is the last chance, before the day, to announce the event in Wey-South.

RESTORATION ROUNDUP - John Wood A look at what's been happening over the last few months The Monday Working Party Group "Keeping Up Appearances" MEETS: Usually twice a month. Leader Brian Crossley - 01737 843192 During the winter months when the grass is not growing at our canal road crossings, the Monday Group mainly assists the other Groups in a variety of tasks, which has included fitting new gate posts at Tickner’s Heath, helping with surveying work, installing fingerposts on the Wey-South Path and assisting with hedge laying etc. The Mid-Week Working Party (MWWP) MEETS: usually twice a month. Leader: Colin Gibbs - 020 8241 7736 or mobile 07870 371019 The MWWP has been very busy during the last 4 months. Considerable effort was expended on the section between Southland and Devil’s Hole Lock in dealing with removal of tree roots, and cutting logs which are then sold to some regular customers. Of course removing tree roots requires something stronger than basic muscle power, so it was arranged for a 13 tonne excavator to come on site in what was hoped to be the driest part of the year. Despite the fact that the canal bed was still very muddy, the machine was able to proceed as planned. However, when it reached the enormous winding hole just above Devil’s Hole Lock, the digger began to sink to a level where water was entering the driver’s cab! It then took two hours for the driver to extricate himself, leaving behind a very disturbed muddy pool, so that area had to be abandoned. Fortunately the rest of the pound proved manageable almost up to Southland Lock. Resources now have to be found to clear the tree roots from the canal bank and dispose of them. On the 15th January this year MWWP celebrated its 10th anniversary working at Dunsfold Park (formerly Dunsfold Aerodrome). Can anyone remember if it rained on January 15th 1993? Well ten years on it did, off and on in the morning, and then drenched everyone just after the hot soup and champers had been consumed! Quite remarkably, five of the original nine navvies were present — Jim Phillips, David ('Jock') Robertson, Pat Arman, Peter Sterling and myself, Colin Gibbs. I’m sure the late Bill Manning was keeping an eye on us - especially the fire lighting. Working south from Compasses Bridge, both banks and the towpath were cleared down to the site of Simmonds Bridge. A very good turnout with 18 navvies attending. Earlier in the year (Jan 9th) we cleared the first 80yds of the towpath bank, south of Harsfold Bridge. This first time clearance was almost "jungle bashing", and it took the 17 present until dark to complete the task. We have now completed the work planned for Lee Farm this year; i.e. Harsfold Bridge to Haybarn Bridge. I’m sure we will return later in the year, when water levels are lower perhaps. This may be a good time to explain why we are working on two sites at the same time. This is because sometimes it’s impossible to judge how long a particular task will take (see Wey-South issue 121). I am writing this report on Jan 17th and have just made quite a few phone calls to landowners in planning work for the end of February - that's six weeks ahead. The only way I’m able to change a venue half way through February would be to send out letters or make 30 or so phone calls! Remember too that MWWP, most Tuesdays, holds maintenance sessions at our Tickner’s Heath Depot. Many jobs available for everyone, skilled and unskilled. The Loxwood Link Maintenance Unit MEETS: On alternate Thursdays. Leader: Peter Wilding - 01483 422519 Peter reports “... The frequent heavy rain curtailed outdoor work apart from the necessary monitoring of water levels and overflows over the low banks at Brewhurst and the pumping out of our work boat "May Upton". A load of yule logs was taken from Barnsill up to Brewhurst Lock to keep the lock keepers warm during the Christmas ‘Santa’ cruises weekends. Peter Foulger’s work boat was borrowed and also taken up to Brewhurst Lock as two boats were needed; one each side of the lock gates; to remove the broken gate paddle for repairs. When rained off from the canal, work has proceeded under cover in the dry, preparing the many pieces of timber needed to construct the stop plank shelter for Baldwin’s Knob Lock. Between now and Easter there are many tasks, large and small to be attended to and Peter would be delighted to have some help to ensure the Loxwood Link scction is kept up to scratch as our "showpiece" length of operational canal. The Eric Walker Group MEETS: Every Thursday and Sunday at least! Contact Eric on 02392 463025 Devil’s Hole Lock. By the time you read this, the last of the copings should have been poured before the end of January. Gordon Limbrick will continue filling behind the lock wall towards the field with the digger. Other major tasks here are to install the infrastructure for back pumping and bringing the towpath up to coping level. Keith Nichols continues with the hedge laying and having completed some 100yds it all looks very good and will make a super habitat for wildlife. A start has been made marking out the boundary for our lease in Sidney Wood. The installation of the Permanent Ground Markers (PGMs) along the canal’s summit level should be completed before the end of January. The position of the PGM ‘s latitude, longitude and height above sea level, will be measured using the Global Positioning System, a satellite technology surveying technique. The need for this technology comes about because of the rural nature of the canal. From the latitude and longitude the Ordnance Survey reference easting and northing for each PGM can be obtained. The PGM’s will be located at Lock 17, Fastbridge, Three Compasses, Tickner’s Heath and the site of the former Lock 16. Incidentally, whilst at Lock 17 (‘Rowly’) we hope to repair the parapets on the lock bridge. After being flooded out twice, our contractor Richard Julian has connected the aqueduct to the heavy plant crossing by constructing new canal banks. The aqueduct railings have been sent for galvanising. There are very many interesting projects awaiting our attention during 2003. Why not give Eric a call to find out just what! Visiting Groups The Trust gained the unexpected benefit of an unscheduled ‘Dig Deep’ long weekend residential work camp on 11th and 12th January, when 25 volunteers from the Kent & East Sussex Canal Restoration Group (KESCRG) and London Waterway Recovery Group (London WRG) cleared accumulated undergrowth for 500m either side of Gennets Lock. The weather was cold and sunny, ideal for strenuous scrub bashing and bonfires. The campers were particularly impressed with Plaistow Village Hall, where they were based and which has recently been refurbished. The luxury of showers was much appreciated, although the nearby pub may need advance warning next time of an invasion by volunteer navvies. Our grateful thanks to members of KESCRG and London WRG who attended this work camp.

SECRETARY'S COLUMN - Geoff Perks Busier and Busier! One often feels that, having dealt with all the subjects raised at one of the Council of Managements (CoM) wide-ranging meetings, the next month will be peaceful. Not a bit of it! New items keep turning up, as well as hardy annuals such as our Annual General Meeting (AGM). So, this time may I firstly draw to your attention the formal Notice convening this year’s AGM. You will see that the AGM is to be held on Friday 25 April at the North Hall, Loxwood and I hope to see many members on that evening. In particular, please note that, in addition to the one third (four members) of the CoM who stand down by rote, there already exists one vacancy on that august body which has a nominal membership of 12 but has been managing with only 11 members for most of the last year. Do please have a think about putting yourself forward for this vacancy - in my experience the job is full of interest and, while admitting that our monthly meetings tend to last for about four hours, the duties are reasonably optional depending on how much time etc. members have available. Winter Warmer! Early in January, you may recall, we had a very cold spell when the weather forecasters were, quite rightly, warning us of ice and snow etc. However, I was surprised not to hear a weather report telling of a sudden hot spot in West Sussex, more precisely near Pulborough, or exactly beside Harsfold Bridge. Quite apart from the body heat of the 15 or so volunteers working to clear the canal’s bank at this point, there were two of the best bonfires which I’ve ever experienced. Altogether it was a great day, bright but jolly cold, and I’m sure that my colleagues in the Midweek Working Party (MWWP) would like to thank our leader, Colin Gibbs, for ensuring our comfort in this way. The following week the tenth anniversary of the MWWP’s formation was marked by another enjoyable session, this time at Dunsfold Aerodrome, as reported here, which was another memorable occasion. Seasonal Activities With February looming over the horizon it is time to start thinking about events to take place in the summer and the CoM’s current Agenda features such items as the formal opening of Drungewick Aqueduct on Saturday 31 May, which could well be the biggest gathering of people on the Wey & Arun since the opening of the Junction Canal itself on 29 September 1816 - however, don’t expect a repetition of the roasted ox and 200 gallons of free ale consumed on that occasion! The annual Small Boat Rally will be held on Sunday 11 May along the Loxwood Link, and while in the vicinity the boats just might sneak over the new aqueduct. We certainly hope that they will be able to take to the water from the new slipways at Drungewick Lane on this occasion. [This year’s Poddle is on 8 June], and all members will appreciate how important it is for this to be successful since it is our major public fundraising event of the year. So please try to turn out on Sunday 8 June. HOW THE MONEY ROLLS IN, ROLLS IN.... - Jim Phillips The Treasurer and Fundraiser reflects on the old song. I write this as the accounts are being delivered to our auditors at Rustington. Readers should therefore accept that my comments are on unaudited accounts. Even so, I would be surprised if there were any major changes before my round-up at the AGM where the members are asked to adopt the audited accounts. The Trust had an income of some £335,000 last year, or if you prefer fewer noughts, about £918 a day throughout the year. We spent it all, as a charity should, with the Drungewick aqueduct as the most obvious result; we spent £250,000 on that during the year and the final bills, yet to come in, will probably bring the cost up to £265,000. I am being deliberately vague because the cost of removing the temporary road across Peter Foulger’s field depends how far the 330 tonnes of hardcore have to be transported. The costs elsewhere on canal restoration itself were spread over sites as far apart as Harsfold, for the repair of the breach there; through Orfold, the site of the Flood Gate Lock and bridge; and to Devil’s Hole Lock and at Bonfire Hanger. Altogether we spent £304,000 on canal restoration; £21,000 exceptionally for this year on the fees for our VAT expert and a further £19,000 on administration which pays, for example, the Office Managers and for publicity - which includes Wey-South magazine at £1,000 an issue. So from where did the money roll in such a remarkable way? Charitable Trusts were most generous in giving us nearly £102,000. Members themselves stumped up over £80,000 — a magnificent result for a Trust with about 1,500 members at the start of the year. The taxman chipped in over £18,000 in tax that these members would have paid. There was a very timely legacy of £33,568 from Mr H.E. Miller of Hayling Island. There was a Landfill Tax contribution through Biffaward of £47,500. More Landfill Tax, administered through the SITA Environmental Trust, contributed £6,450 to the work at Bonfire Hanger. The trading company’s much admired work made possible a transfer to WACT of £18,000. The PODDLE made just over £10,000. It sounds churlish to say that the balance was "miscellaneous" but the Editor has only so much space and I mustn’t rattle on. Readers might wonder why I have not mentioned VAT amongst these receipts. The accounts are now, for all practical purposes, kept ex-VAT. Thus, the payment and recovery of VAT goes on to one side, so to speak, and does not affect the sums shown above — other than the fees for our VAT professional which are now mainly paid and will cease altogether in the late summer. It has been an exceptional year for income. Fortunately we had a tangible target to aim at — the Drungewick aqueduct. This year’s target, the Drungewick to Newbridge stretch (D2N in our shorthand) is less well-known to our members; the Trustees will be on their mettle to explain what we aim to do along this 4-mile stretch. Grant-making bodies will be particularly keen to know when we have gained some public access — such as permissive footpaths — in places where the canal line is at present closed to the public. This is critical for a charity where our work has to be "for the public good". Much has been done; plenty to do. NEXT - Part 2 BACK

Last updated March 2002