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The Melksham, Calne and
Chippenham Branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal
Trust |
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Press Releases |
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January 2012
CANAL CAMPAIGNERS DELIGHTED BY LATEST AWARD
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Campaigners working towards the restoration of a former waterway have
been delighted to receive a second award in recognition of their
success.
The
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has presented the ‘Pick of the Branches’ award
to the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch due to their impressive
increase in membership.
Almost
400 people are registered supporters, a leap of more than a third
compared to just five years ago.
The
total membership of the charity is now more than 2,200.
Local
volunteers have received a specially-made pick-axe, with plaques along
the handle listing all of the previous recipients of the award.
The
latest success comes after the same branch was recently presented with
the charity’s Tony Davy Award for donating the most hours of free labour
to support the restoration effort – more than 7,000 hours last year
alone.
Rob
Jones is chairman of the local branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.
He
said: “We were thrilled to receive the Tony Davy Award before Christmas,
so we were absolutely delighted to follow this with the Pick of the
Branches Award as well.
“The
volunteers are continually engaged in workparties across the area,
rebuilding bridges, wharfs and towpaths or dredging canalbeds and
refilling them with water.
“Other
events include sponsored walks, quiz nights and presentations for local
groups, which all help to raise the profile of the charity and our
ongoing campaign to restore this wonderful waterway linking our local
towns.
“Some
members of the branch are ‘armchair supporters’ who simply want to
donate some money and be kept informed of progress through our quarterly
newsletters, while others prefer more active roles which utilise their
skills and enable them to meet new people.
“Volunteers range from teachers and musicians to engineers and farmers,
from teenagers to the retired.
“Whatever their level of engagement, we appreciate each and every member
and their valuable contribution to bringing the canal back to life.”
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December 2011
PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR CANAL
VOLUNTEERS
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HARDWORKING volunteers have been praised for their success in bringing
a former waterway back to life.
This
year the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust introduced a new award for the branch
which provided the biggest boost to the restoration campaign.
The
‘Tony Davy Award’ – named after the Trust’s first chairman – has been
presented to the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch.
Over
the last year the local volunteers have offered more than 7,000 hours of
free labour during 116 workparties, equivalent to almost £100,000 if
paid contractors had been used.
Rob
Jones, chairman of the local branch, is delighted by the accolade.
He
said: “We are thrilled to be the first recipients of such a prestigious
award which recognises the amazing achievements of our volunteers.
“They
work tirelessly throughout the whole year, whatever the weather, because
they all recognise the benefits of a restored canal – a new wildlife
corridor linking our towns and providing increased tourism and
employment.
“They
have helped to rebuild bridges, culverts, spillweirs and towpaths, as
well as installing birdboxes, batboxes, benches and information boards,
and supporting youth groups in planting new trees.
“They
have also removed rubbish, maintained rights of way and opened up the
countryside to walkers and cyclists who are keen to make the most of
their local environment.
“Thanks
to their outstanding dedication and commitment, residents have realised
that the Wilts & Berks can – and will - be restored.
“We
hope this new award will encourage even more people to make a New Year’s
Resolution to join our campaign.”
The
biggest workparties have taken place at Pewsham Locks near Chippenham,
which was refilled with water and officially opened by Duncan Hames MP
earlier this year, and Chaveywell Bridge in Calne where the former wharf
has been completely rebuilt.
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December 2011
HELPING HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK OF LOCK
CLEARANCE
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Grateful volunteers received a helping hand during this year’s final
workparty on the Wilts & Berks Canal near Chippenham.
A national team from the Waterway Recovery Group spent a day clearing
trees and bushes from Bottom Lock at Pewsham.
The structure once formed part of a flight of three locks which lifted
the canal on its journey from Melksham towards Chippenham.
The team removed obstacles which had been growing in and around the
brickwork at the southern end.
This will allow the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust to eventually extend the
current stretch which has already been restored, becoming a popular
attraction for walkers and cyclists.
The last year has been the most successful in the history of the
Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Trust.
During the summer the charity officially opened a mile of restored
waterway, including culverts and spillweirs, and even organised
tripboats for families.
Since then the volunteers have also introduced benches and information
boards, as well as widening and raising the towpath.
Local groups of children and young people have also been involved,
building birdboxes and batboxes or planting saplings alongside the
canal.
All of the work has been funded by generous grants and donations,
supported by the charity’s own fundraising events.
Rob Jones, chairman of the local branch, is delighted by everything that
has been achieved.
He said: “This was our final workparty of the year at Pewsham and we had
a huge amount of support.
“Aside from the national volunteers with the Waterway Recovery Group,
who provided specialist help with the tree removal, we also had lots of
local volunteers helping with bridge repairs and other tasks.
“Their impact can be measured by the positive comments from passing
members of the public, who are often amazed by the pace of restoration
which seems to be getting faster with every passing year.
“An important part of our local heritage had been lost in undergrowth
and used as a dumping ground for rubbish, but now we’re creating a
wildlife corridor which is already attracting swans and kingfishers.
“We hope people will be impressed by the transformation and want to join
our campaign to bring this canal back to life.”
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October 2011
SPONSORED WALK GIVES BIG BOOST TO CANAL
CAMPAIGN
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THE
RESTORATION of a former waterway has received a welcome boost thanks to
a £1,300 donation from local supporters.
The
money was generated by this year’s sponsored walk in aid of the Wilts &
Berks Canal Trust, following the old line from Chippenham to Lacock.
Around
200 people took part in the high-profile event, in May, which also saw
the official opening of a newly-restored and rewatered stretch between
Pewsham and Reybridge.
It was
the first time that boats has been along this part of the canal in
almost a hundred years, with Duncan Hames MP cutting a ribbon to mark
the occasion.
More
than £1,312 has now been presented to the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne
branch of the charity.
Event
organiser Peter Williams said: “Everyone has been delighted by the final
total, which is one of the biggest amounts generated in the eight years
that we have been arranging the walk.
“The
rewatered section has created a real ‘buzz’ in the local community and
continues to generate so many positive comments from walkers and
cyclists.
“In
years to come I think it will be considered as a turning point, when the
doubters finally realised that it really was possible to bring this
canal back to its former glory.”
Branch
chairman Rob Jones said: “We are sincerely grateful to everyone who took
part in the sponsored walk and helped to collect such an impressive sum.
“Most
of the money for the project will hopefully come from national
organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund, but in the meantime we
can use local grants and donations to make a start on some of the work
today.
“This
enables us to raise the profile of the charity and attract even more
volunteers and supporters, taking us another step closer to our ultimate
goal of a fully restored canal which will bring a major boost to local
tourism and employment.”
Next
year’s sponsored walk is due to take place on Bank Holiday Monday, May
7th 2012.
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August 2011
FORMER CANALSIDE PUB IS
PRESENTED WITH ORIGINAL LOCK-GATE RECOVERED DURING
RESTORATION
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A
Lacock pub is highlighting the hidden history of the village, thanks to
an unusual addition to its beer garden.
Few
people realise that The Bell Inn, at Bowden Hill, once stood next to the
Wilts & Berks Canal.
The
waterway, which connected Melksham and Chippenham, was used to deliver
wine and spirits as well as transporting goods for the former Lacock
Brewery.
Abandoned almost a century ago, the original line below Bewley Common is
now lost under homes and gardens.
However, the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is steadily restoring many miles
of the waterway through the local countryside, including a significant
stretch between Pewsham and Reybridge.
The
Bell Inn is raising awareness of this campaign thanks to a unique gift
from the charity.
It has
presented the pub with an original lock gate which was recovered during
excavations, having been lost underground for almost a century.
The
remains were discovered at Moredon, near Swindon. They had been buried
and forgotten when the canal was abandoned in the early 1900s and many
landowners simply filled the waterway with soil, rubble or rubbish.
Only
the bottom half remained, although they were still upright and in
position.
They
were delivered in pieces over the last few weeks and have now been
attached to the outside wall adjacent to the beer garden, together with
information on the history of the canal.
Canal
Trust volunteer Peter Williams said: “The lock-gate could have been kept
in storage but we agreed it would be better to have it on permanent
display.
“The
Bell Inn has supported our charity for many years and kindly hosts our
annual sponsored walk from Chippenham to Lacock, so we thought it would
be nice to offer them this unique gift.
“There
used to be several lockgates along this stretch of the canal, both north
towards Chippenham and south towards Melksham, but this will be the
first time that any have been seen in public for a very long time.
“We
hope the display will become a talking point among customers and help to
encourage even more interest in our ongoing restoration campaign.”
Reminders of the canal can still be found today – The Bell Inn’s address
is ‘The Wharf’.
Owner
Alan Shepherd, pictured with his wife Heather in front of the
display, said: “The team at The Bell are delighted to offer the lockgate
a new home and thank the Trust for their kind gift.
“It’s
wonderful that a small piece of history has come full circle in that a
part of the Wilts & Berks Canal is back at the The Wharf, Lacock.
“Canals
improve the enjoyment of town and country for so many people, and we
hope that through the hard work of the local Trust volunteers this same
benefit will be enjoyed in our own area.
“It is
exciting to imagine The Bell Inn once again being canalside at some
point in the future.”
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August 2011
CANAL TRUST INVITES WALKERS TO RETRACE ROUTE OF MELKSHAM
WATERWAY
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WALKERS are invited to step back in time and follow the fascinating
trail of Melksham’s former waterway.
The
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has just reproduced a popular guide showing
where the local stretch once passed through the town.
Complete with illustrations based on archive images from more than a
century ago, it uses public rights of way to retrace much of the
original route and even highlights remaining evidence such as bridge
parapets and culverts.
More
than 3,000 leaflets have been produced and are now available from
Melksham Tourist Information Centre in Church Street.
The
leaflet was produce thanks to a £250 grant from Melksham Town Council.
The
Trust hopes it will encourage residents to learn more about their local
heritage and how they can support the current restoration campaign.
The
one-hour walk begins at the southern end of Melksham opposite the West
End Inn and follows part of the old towpath behind houses and around to
the site of the Spa Road Bridge, lowered in 1924, which once carried the
Devizes road over the canal. Melksham Wharf was on the left and the
former Maggs rope factory on the right.
The
walk continues along alleyways to Pembroke Road and the site of the old
Gallows footbridge then past the Brookside residential home built
directly on the line of the canal and across the embankment which
carried the waterway above Clackers Brook.
The
walk continues north to the junction of Sandridge Road and Forest Road
where a bridge parapet is still clearly visible, and ends just beyond
Methuen Avenue and the site of Melksham Forest Lock.
Canal
Trust branch chairman Rob Jones said: “We are sincerely grateful
for the generous support of Melksham Town Council in helping to
reproduce this popular guide.
“When
it was first published many years ago there were very few people who
were aware of the canal’s existence - and even fewer who thought it
would ever be restored.
“Today,
however, we are steadily bringing many miles of the waterway back to
life and creating new wildlife corridors, footpaths and cycle routes
through the local countryside.
“A new
Wilts & Berks Canal from Semington would have to take a different route
through the town, most likely across open fields and then up the River
Avon towards the recently restored sections near Lacock, but it would
still transform Melksham’s future prospects by generating increased
tourism and employment.
“Until
then, we hope local people will take the time to explore some of the
history of the original route - they’ll be surprised by what they find!”
The
charity is keen to hear from Melksham businesses interested in funding
further material including local information boards and signage.
Call
Kath Hatton on 01380 831231.
Melksham volunteer Brian De'ath is pictured at the Clackers Brook
culvert at the bottom of Hampshire Place.
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June 2011
WATERWAY WEBSITE PASSES
MAJOR MILESTONE
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Hardworking volunteers have been delighted by a surge of interest in
their restoration of a former waterway.
The local branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has received more than
250,000 visitors to its website, doubling the number in just one year.
The charity hopes it will lead to even more support from local residents
and businesses in the busy months ahead.
The website – www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk – is managed by members of the
Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch.
It includes maps, photographs, press releases and social events, as well
as information on joining the popular campaign.
Branch chairman Rob Jones has been delighted by the impressive level of
public interest.
He said: “The website is maintained by our own volunteers so it’s a huge
tribute to their hard work and dedication that they’ve managed to
attract so many visitors.
“Our public profile is steadily increasing and this is another way of
reaching out to an even wider audience of potential supporters.
“Residents can follow the progress of the restoration campaign and see
pictures of everything that has already been rebuilt.
“It’s a great way for more people to get more involved.”
The website features details of branch meetings, workparties and
fundraising events, as well as extensive picture galleries.
Images include the recent reopening of the rewatered stretch near Lacock
which saw boats back on the canal for the first time in a century.
The website also features a previously published map outlining how a new
link might be created from the Kennet & Avon near Semington to the River
Avon through Melksham.
The map is for illustrative purposes only, with final details subject to
landowner agreement and full planning approval, but supporters can see
how it might include a marina, moorings, footpaths and cycleways, as
well as new wildlife habitats and reedbeds.
Rob said: “The website will continue to grow as we bring mile after mile
of this wonderful waterway back to life.
“We hope it will encourage people to support our campaign to provide a
popular amenity for the whole community, boosting tourism and employment
while improving access to the countryside.”
Picture: Rob Jones, chairman of the local branch
of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
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May 2011
‘WILTSHIRE’S LOST WATERWAY’ BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE
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HARDWORKING volunteers have celebrated a major milestone in their
campaign to restore a former waterway through the Wiltshire countryside.
Following tens of thousands of hours of free labour, the Wilts & Berks
Canal Trust has officially reopened the two-mile stretch from Pewsham to
Reybridge.
Over
the last few years the charity has been clearing rubbish and
undergrowth, dredging the canalbed, raising the towpath, and repairing
spillweirs and even an entire bridge.
The
impressive results were enjoyed by hundreds of people taking part in
this year’s annual sponsored walk, which included a formal
ribbon-cutting at the start of the rewatered stretch.
Guests
included John Laverick, chairman of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust,
together with campaign supporter Duncan Hames MP.
They
then boarded a tripboat to become the first passengers to travel along
the waterway since it was abandoned almost a century ago.
Mr
Laverick said: “Only a few years ago there were still some people who
said we were trying to achieve the impossible. They claimed it would
place an intolerable burden on local taxpayers.
“But we
managed to repair and restore this wonderful piece of our industrial
heritage almost entirely through our own fundraising efforts, together
with generous donations from local businesses and the kind support of
local landowners.
“It
used to be described as Wiltshire’s lost waterway but we’ve successfully
brought it back to life, thanks to a wide range of volunteers ranging
from teachers and musicians to engineers and farmers.
“Over
the years they have cleared undergrowth to reveal locks and a
lock-keeper’s cottage, a dry-dock, saw-pit, lime-kiln and the remains of
a lift-bridge, as well as smaller items such as nails, pottery and even
a boot-scraper.
“We
still have a small number of earth dams in place to help locate leaks
but these will eventually be removed, otherwise it probably looks very
similar to how it appeared a century ago.
“This
stretch is already hugely popular with walkers and cyclists but our aim
is to extend it to Chippenham in the north and Melksham in the south,
ultimately connecting Calne, Swindon and Wootton Bassett.
“It
will be a major project requiring the support of national organisations
such as the Heritage Lottery Fund.
“Yet we
only have to look at other restored canals to see the dramatic
difference they have made to our local towns – increased tourism and
employment, improved access to the countryside, and enhanced habitats
for wildlife.”
Duncan
Hames has taken part in the sponsored walk for several years, but this
was his first time as a Member of Parliament.
He
said: “I’ve been delighted to follow the progress of the Wilts & Berks
Canal Trust and how it has grown in popularity.
“I’m
repeatedly amazed by everything that has been achieved and the
incredible progress that has been made.
“The
transformation is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the small
army of volunteers who are breathing new life into this former waterway.
“I look
forward to the restoration of many more miles in the years ahead.”
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April 2011
EASTER FUN ON CALNE CANAL
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Boats made a rare return to a Wiltshire waterway on Saturday, as part of
a town’s Easter celebrations.
Around
a hundred people enjoyed trips along the Wilts & Berks Canal during the
event at Castlefields Park in Calne.
They
were taken several hundred metres aboard the ‘Willow’, from the newly
rebuilt wharf at Chaveywell Bridge.
Rob
Jones is the chairman of the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.
He
said: “It was a long day under a hot sun, but it was definitely worth
the effort to see so many people wanting to take a trip along the canal.
“We had
people of all ages joining us throughout the afternoon, from groups of
teenagers to whole families.
“For
some of the youngest children it was their first time on a boat but they
thoroughly enjoyed it.
“All of
the money raised will support the charity’s local projects to bring this
wonderful waterway back to life.”
The
charity’s next big event is the annual sponsored walk from Chippenham to
Lacock this Bank Holiday Monday, May 2nd.
Starting at The Buttercross at 10.30am, the five-mile route follows the
original towpath through the local countryside and includes the official
opening of the latest stretch to be refilled with water.
Visit
www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk
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March 2011
CHARITY DIGS DEEP TO
RESTORE CALNE CANAL
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Hardworking volunteers have been improving the appearance of a former
waterway on the edge of Calne.
The
local branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is spending almost £3,900
on the area around Chaveywell Bridge.
Calne
Area Board of Wiltshire Council provided almost £1,800, together with
£700 from the charity and the equivalent of £1,400 in volunteer hours.
Work
includes not only raising the wharf to make it easier for people to
climb aboard tripboats, but also improving drainage.
Canal
Trust work party organiser Doug Harris said: “We are very grateful to
everyone who has supported our latest project, through grants or
donations or volunteering their time to help with the labour.
“This
part of Calne is very popular with walkers and families and so we wanted
to do our best to make it even more attractive.
“Within
the next few weeks we will raise the level of the landing stage and lay
new paving slabs, as well as build a small brick retaining wall to
prevent the soil from slipping down.
“Other
volunteers are improving the local drainage and uncovering some of the
original area of hardstanding. This should make it easier for people
holding public events at this end of the park.
“The
aim is to have everything ready to potentially offer boatrides along the
canal as part of the town’s Easter events.
“We
would be delighted to welcome anyone interested in working with us to
restore this waterway to its former glory.”
For
further information on joining the workparties, email doug.harris@wbct.org.uk
To help
with fundraising, email kath.hatton@wbct.org.uk
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February 2011
BOATS WILL BE BACK ON THE
WILTS & BERKS THIS SPRING!
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A
formerly forgotten waterway will be brought back to life this Spring
when boats return for the first time in a century.
Volunteers with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust have spent tens of
thousands of hours restoring part of the stretch between Chippenham and
Melksham.
The
charity’s fundraising campaign is boosted by an annual sponsored walk
through the local countryside, following the towpath from Pewsham Locks
to Reybridge.
This
year’s event will be held on the morning of Bank Holiday Monday, May 2nd.
However
- after many months of careful engineering work - this will be the first
time that much of the stretch has been returned to water.
To mark
such a major milestone, the charity will be arranging boat rides along
the canal as part of the celebrations.
The
five-mile walk starts at The Buttercross in Chippenham Market Place at
10.30am and ends at The Bell Inn at Lacock, with the return journey
making it ten miles in total.
Entry
is just £5 per family/group. Sponsorship is optional.
There
is also the added fun of the ‘walk a boat and back’ event which
encourages schools and other youth groups to carry canoes or other
lightweight craft, with small plaques for those taking part.
Event
organiser Peter Williams said: “This is the eighth year that we have
arranged the walk, and every year people have been able to watch a
remarkable transformation taking place.
“Undergrowth has been cleared, rubbish removed, and many of the
structures conserved and then restored.
“All of
this has been achieved purely from our own fundraising and from local
grants and corporate donations.
“Today,
thanks to the hard work of so many supporters, we have finally been able
to return much of the stretch to how it looked more than a century ago.
“To
celebrate this success, we plan to launch a tripboat just below Pewsham
Locks which will carry some of the guests towards Reybridge. Other
people may be bringing canoes and skiffs to add to the spectacle.
“We
hope people of all ages will want to join us at such an historic moment,
when we finally showcase all the benefits of a restored Wilts & Berks
Canal.”
For
further information, call Peter on 01249 652248, email peter.williams@wbct.org.uk
or visit www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk
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February 2011
CANAL CAMPAIGNERS PLAN NEXT STEPS FOR THE NEW YEAR
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VOLUNTEERS are planning an ambitious new project for the New Year, as
part of their ongoing campaign to restore a former waterway.
The
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has almost finished dredging the former line
from Pewsham to Reybridge, rebuilding the towpath and slowly filling the
canalbed with water for the first time in more than a century.
Their
next step is to consider how to make the most of the locks and dry-dock
which have been cleared of rubbish and undergrowth.
The
charity hopes to restore the structures and eventually have them filled
with water and connected to the rest of the canal.
However, it is keen to receive any photographs, drawings or other
documents which might reveal how they once looked.
Trust
director Colin Fletcher said: “We have been delighted with the progress
made in dredging the canal over the last few months.
“We
have received so many kind comments from walkers, cyclists and other
residents who have been impressed by everything that has been achieved
so far and asking about our plans for the future.
“Our
next step will be to breathe new life into Pewsham Locks, which once
raised the canal almost 30 feet on the journey north towards Chippenham.
“Excavations suggest it would have been a busy site, with a carpenters
workshop, sawpit, dry-dock and lime-kilns, as well as the lock-keeper’s
cottage.
“We
have already found several pieces of metalwork and pottery and even a
handrail from the top of one of the lockgates, still attached to the
gate itself, but we are keen to learn even more about the history of
this site.
“Then
we can consider a planning application to rebuild as much as possible,
eventually connecting it to a fully restored waterway.
“As
with the dredging operation, the aim would be to fund any work through
donations and grants so that there is no burden on local taxpayers –
although ultimately everyone would benefit from increased tourism and
employment.”
To
offer information on the site, or to volunteer in support of the
restoration, call Colin on 01380 828254 or email colin.fletcher@wbct.org.uk
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January 2011
CANAL VOLUNTEERS PRAISED FOR ANOTHER RECORD
BREAKING YEAR
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ENTHUSIASTIC volunteers have enjoyed
another record-breaking year while working towards the restoration of a
former waterway.
Local members of the Wilts & Berks
Canal Trust provided the equivalent of almost £81,500 of free labour in
2010, up from almost £74,000 in 2009.
This ‘volunteer matched funding’ is
used to demonstrate the equivalent of a real cash contribution when the
charity seeks grants and donations towards larger projects.
The Melksham, Chippenham & Calne
branch now hopes to attract even more volunteers for its growing work
programme for 2011.
Workparty organiser Doug Harris said:
“We have been delighted by the generosity of our volunteers in offering
so many hours of their free time, during weekdays and weekends, whatever
the weather.
“It is thanks to their wonderful
support that we have been able to achieve so much in the last year,
bringing the waterway back to life at a faster pace than ever before.
“Much of our effort has been focused
on the dredging and rewatering of the stretch between Reybridge and
Pewsham - supported by generous funding of £28,000 from Viridor Waste
Management through its Landfills Communities Fund - and this will
continue to be one of our highest-profile projects over the coming year.
“Work will include removing debris
from the locks, repairing culverts and rebuilding towpaths, as well as
scrub clearance and general maintenance.
“We also hope to clear more of the
canalbed on the edge of Calne and mow the towpath to improve public
access.
“With so much going on, there has
never been a better time to join us. Our workparties are a great way to
make new friends while bringing our local heritage back to life.”
Potential volunteers should call Doug
on 01249 652236 or email doug.harris@wbct.org.uk
People can see the restoration by
taking part in this year’s sponsored walk from Chippenham to Lacock on
the morning of Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.
Sign up by calling Peter Williams on
01249 652248 or email
peter.williams@wbct.org.uk
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September 2010
RECORD-BREAKING RESULT FOR WILTS & BERKS
WALK!
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DELIGHTED fundraisers have set a new record for their annual sponsored
walk in aid of a canal restoration project.
The
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust collected an impressive £1,300 from the April
event, which attracted more than 150 supporters.
They
enjoyed a four-mile route along the remains of the former stretch from
Chippenham to Lacock, before work started to clear the canal bed ready
for the return of water later this year.
The
money will be used to train local volunteers in the use of chainsaws and
other equipment which will speed the pace of restoration.
Event
organiser Peter Williams (pictured, right, presenting the cheque to
volunteers) is a member of the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch.
He
said: “Whatever the weather, every year we seem to attract more people
and raise more money. It’s a sign of the increasing popularity of our
campaign.
“This
was the last time that people saw such an empty stretch as we’ve now
begun the next stage of restoration, which involves raising the towpath
and clearing thousands of tonnes of earth from the overgrown canal bed.
“Thanks
to the efforts of our volunteers, we hope that next year’s event will
see it looking like a waterway again for the first time in more than a
century.”
Next
year’s sponsored walk is due to take place on the morning of Bank
Holiday Monday, May 2. To register an interest in taking part, email
peter.williams@wbct.org.uk
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August 2010
CANALBED IS CLEARED READY
FOR THE RETURN OF WATER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A CENTURY
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The
restoration of a former waterway is taking a massive leap forwards in
the countryside between Melksham and Chippenham.
Bulldozers, diggers and dumper trucks have been brought onto the Wilts &
Berks Canal as part of the biggest engineering operation since it was
first built more than two centuries ago.
Thousands of tonnes of earth are being scraped out of the old canalbed
in preparation for the return of water later this summer.
The
towpath is also being raised as part of a wider scheme to demonstrate
the viability of a fully restored waterway and the benefits it will
bring to the local community.
The
latest work is expected to cost more than £40,000, with £28,000 funded
by Viridor Waste Management through its Landfills Communities Fund and
the remainder funded by the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.
This
means there has been no burden on local taxpayers.
Rob
Jones (pictured) is chairman of the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch
of the Trust.
He
said: “A decade ago people would never have imagined that this wonderful
waterway would ever be restored, and there were many who argued that we
were wasting our time trying to protect it.
“But in
the last few years the charity has seen a surge of support from
volunteers and donors who share our vision of what could it achieve for
our local towns – increased tourism and employment, improved access to
the countryside, and enhanced habitats for wildlife.”
Last
year the branch was supported by more than 4,300 hours of free labour,
an increase of more than a third on just two years earlier.
Teams
cleared rubbish, removed dead trees and maintained the towpath, as well
as restoring spillweirs and culverts.
The
arrival of heavy machinery means the next phase – the dredging of
hundreds of metres of canalbed – has now begun.
Local
streams and brooks will then be reconnected to the canal so that it
slowly fills with water by the end of the summer.
When
complete, it will be the first time the stretch has looked like a canal
since it was abandoned at the start of the last century.
Rob
added: “Unfortunately the scale of the project means we have had to
temporarily close some sections of the towpath for public safety,
although rights of way remain open.
“We
apologise for any inconvenience caused but we hope that people remain
patient while we carry out this important work.
“The
result will be an improved amenity for walkers, cyclists and many other
members of the local community.”
The
ultimate aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the waterway
from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal
near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, linking Chippenham,
Calne, Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
Visit
www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk
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July 2010
CANAL VOLUNTEERS PRAISED FOR “FANTASTIC FEAT”
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Hardworking volunteers have
enjoyed another record-breaking year breathing new life into a former
waterway.
Over the last year the local
branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has arranged almost 60
workparties around Melksham, Chippenham and Calne.
Volunteers donated an amazing
4,600 hours of their own time, up from 3,000 in 2007/08 and almost 4,000
in 2008/09.
The charity believes this
latest effort is worth the equivalent of more than £60,000 if
contractors had been used.
Workparty organiser Doug
Harris (pictured) said: “This is a fantastic feat which brings us even
closer to our ultimate goal of a fully restored waterway linking our
local towns.
“We are often joined by more
than 20 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds – including many new
recruits - which allows us to achieve so much more and at a much faster
pace.
“Workparties have taken place
at Forest Farm and Queenfield Farm on the edge of Melksham, as well as
Chaveywell Bridge in Calne, but the focus of our attention is on the
former line around Lacock.
“Working together, we have
cleared rubbish, rubble, tree stumps and undergrowth while maintaining
the towpath and restoring spillweirs and culverts.
“This has given us the
opportunity to move onto the next stage of the restoration, the dredging
of the canalbed before it is refilled with water later this summer.”
Potential volunteers are
invited to call Doug on 01249 652236 or email doug.harris@wbct.org.uk
The charity’s ultimate aim is
to restore the line from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the
Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon,
providing a multi-million pound boost to the local economy.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust
hopes to fund the project through approaches to the Heritage Lottery
Fund and other national bodies.
Visit
www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk
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April 2010
FIT FUNDRAISERS WALK THE
WILTS & BERKS
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FUNDRAISERS took a last look at an empty canal-bed before it
is filled with water for the first time in more than a century.
The
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust held its annual sponsored walk on Sunday
morning, following the former line of the waterway from Chippenham to
Lacock.
Around
150 people enjoyed the four-mile journey through open countryside and
past the remains of locks, dry-docks and cottages.
Some
groups took up the challenge to walk the route while carrying boats of
all shapes and sizes, from small models up to inflatable dinghies – and
even a Viking longship left over from a school play!
Later
this year, the charity hopes to start engineering work to fill most of
the stretch with water as part of its ongoing restoration campaign.
Event
organiser Peter Williams said: “We were delighted to see so many people
of all ages taking part in the event.
“The
weather had been forecast to rain but we actually enjoyed bright and
sunny weather all the way to Lacock.
“Walkers were able to see just how much of the canal has already been
restored, including towpaths, culverts and even an entire bridge.
“Everyone agreed that the area now looks much more attractive and has
become a haven for local wildlife.
“But
this will be the last time they can see so much of the empty canal-bed
as we aim to start filling it with water later in the summer.
“Together with the stretches which have already been refilled closer to
Lacock, we hope it will bring us a big step closer to full restoration.”
Groups
taking part included Redland Primary School, St Paul’s Primary School,
Chippenham Sea Cadets, Chippenham Air Training Corps and Calne Air
Training Corps.
The aim
of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the waterway from the
Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near
Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham,
Calne, Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
The
charity hopes it will provide a multi-million pound boost to the local
economy through increased tourism and employment, as well as improving
access to the countryside for walkers, riders, cyclists, anglers and
others.
For
further information on the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the
Trust, visit www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk
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April 2010
CALNE CANAL BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE FOR EASTER
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Canal enthusiasts defied the weekend weather to offer a
different view of a popular park.
The
local branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust arranged scenic boatrides
as part of Calne’s Easter activities on Saturday afternoon.
Members
of the public were taken on a short trip from Chaveywell Bridge to the
edge of the Bowood Estate and back again, raising much-needed funds to
support the charity’s local restoration campaign.
Rob
Jones is the chairman of the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.
He
said: “Despite the poor weather, we had a steady queue of people waiting
patiently at the wharfside throughout much of the afternoon.
“The
crowd included children, parents, grandparents and groups of teenagers -
and even people out walking their dogs!
“It was
a rare opportunity for them to see the park from a different angle and
to gain a greater understanding of what we are trying to achieve.
“Our
information tent was equally busy. We distributed lots of leaflets and
newsletters to people who wanted to learn more about the restoration
campaign and how they might be able to get involved.
“We are
sincerely grateful to everyone who came along and we hope that many of
them will choose to support our efforts to breathe new life into this
former waterway.”
The
charity’s next event is the annual sponsored walk on Sunday April 25,
following four miles of the old line of the canal from Chippenham to
Lacock.
Visit
www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk
Picture: Trust branch chairman Rob Jones (stern)
steering people along the Wilts & Berks Canal at Chaveywell Bridge,
Calne.
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March 2010
PRESTIGIOUS PRIZE FOR CANAL CAMPAIGNERS
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DELIGHTED volunteers enjoyed an ‘Oscars-style’ awards
ceremony where their charity was praised for its achievements.
The
Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust was
a runner-up in the prestigious Wiltshire Life Awards 2010.
Despite
a record number of nominations from across the county, it came second in
the Community Group of the Year category for its work to restore the
former waterway through the local countryside.
Branch
chairman Rob Jones and fellow volunteers Colin Fletcher, Doug Harris and
Justin Guy were invited to the awards evening in the grandeur of Wilton
House, home to the Earl of Pembroke.
The
black-tie event included a champagne reception in the Inigo
Jones-designed Double Cube room featured in ‘The Young Victoria’,
followed by dinner in the Old Riding Stables.
The
ceremony itself was presented by BBC Wiltshire presenter Sue Davies.
Rob
said: “We were delighted to be shortlisted for such a high-profile award
in what was a very competitive category, and were thrilled to achieve
second place – it’s a tribute to the hard work and dedication of every
single member of the branch.
“Everyone we spoke to was very interested in the canal campaign and
wanted to learn more about how we had achieved so much.
“It was
a fantastic evening from start to finish, and demonstrates the growing
support for the restoration of this wonderful waterway.”
The
event will be featured in the May issue of Wiltshire Life, published on
April 1st.
Managing editor Claire Waring said: “The work of award winners such as
the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust demonstrates why Wiltshire is, quite
simply, the best county to live in.
“Their
sterling work in organising volunteers to restore the former waterway
was highly praised by the judges.”
The
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust aims to link the Kennet & Avon Canal near
Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River
Thames near Abingdon, encouraging tourism and employment.
The
charity’s next major event is the annual sponsored walk from Chippenham
to Lacock on Sunday April 25th from 10.30am.
Visit
www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk
Picture: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust volunteers Doug
Harris, Rob Jones, Colin Fletcher and Justin Guy with their Wiltshire
Life Award 2010. Picture by Dominic Parkes
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March 2010
CHIPPENHAM SCHOOL SUPPORTS CANAL CAMPAIGN
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EXCITED schoolchildren enjoyed a short trip to the Chippenham
countryside to present a cheque to a local charity.
It
followed a recent party at Redland Primary School, Brook Street, to mark
25 years of service by headteacher Hilary Walton.
A
musical evening raised £1,200 for charity, split equally between the
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust and Help for Heroes.
The
Canal Trust invited Mrs Walton and a small group of children to visit
Pewsham Locks to see how the money will be spent on restoring the former
waterway.
The
£600 cheque was presented to Rob Jones, chairman of the Melksham,
Chippenham & Calne branch of the charity.
Rob
said: “We were delighted to receive such a large sum of money from such
a fun event and to be able to show some of the children how it will be
spent on local projects.
“Our
volunteers have spent tens of thousands of hours clearing rubbish,
rebuilding culverts and maintaining the towpath, as well as restoring a
whole bridge.
“Several hundred metres are now full of water and give a glimpse of what
a wonderful attraction this will be for the local community.
“But
none of this would be possible without the generosity of fundraisers,
which is why every donation will always be sincerely appreciated.”
People
can see just how much has already been achieved when the charity holds
its annual sponsored walk along the length of waterway from Chippenham
to Lacock on Sunday April 25 from 10.30am.
Call
01249 652248 or visit www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk
The
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust’s ultimate aim is to restore the link between
the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham, the River Thames near Abingdon
and The Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade.
Supporters believe it will provide a multi-million pound boost to the
local economy through increased tourism and employment, while improving
access to the countryside.
The
Trust has more than 2,000 members.
Picture: Redland Primary School headteacher Hilary Walton
and pupils present £600 to Wilts & Berks Canal Trust volunteers Peter
Williams (back) and Rob Jones (right) at Pewsham Locks. Picture by Gerry
White
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March 2010 CANAL
CAMPAIGN RECEIVES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FROM PROSPECTIVE MP |
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CAMPAIGNERS working towards the restoration of a Wiltshire
waterway have received an important promise of political
support.
Prospective MP Duncan Hames has given his official backing to the Wilts
& Berks Canal Trust.
The
charity hopes his involvement will raise the profile of its ongoing
project to restore the link between the Kennet & Avon Canal near
Melksham, the River Thames near Abingdon and The Thames and Severn Canal
near Cricklade.
Supporters believe it will provide a multi-million pound boost to the
local economy through increased tourism and employment, while improving
access to the countryside and connecting Chippenham, Calne, Wootton
Bassett and Swindon.
Trust
director Colin Fletcher said: “We are delighted to receive such
prominent backing and hope it will encourage even more people to join
the restoration effort.
“We
have so many opportunities for supporters to get involved, from
fundraising, research and administration to more active roles with
digging, bricklaying and strimming.
“Every
hour will always be sincerely appreciated.”
Duncan
is the Liberal Democrat MP for the new Chippenham constituency, which
also includes Melksham, Corsham and Bradford-on-Avon.
He
said: “I live locally, so I’ve been able to follow the progress of the
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust and how it has grown in popularity.
“For
the last two years I’ve joined supporters during the annual sponsored
walks between Chippenham and Lacock and I’ve been constantly amazed by
everything that has been achieved in such a short space of time.
“Rubbish has been cleared, locks have been uncovered, and several
structures – including a bridge - have been restored to their former
glory. Some stretches are full of water once again.
“The
transformation is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the small
army of volunteers who are breathing new life into this former waterway.
“I will
do whatever I can to support their efforts.”
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February 2010 CANAL WEBSITE ATTRACTS MORE THAN 100,000
HITS |
Hardworking volunteers have seen a
surge of interest in the restoration of a former waterway.
The local branch of the Wilts & Berks
Canal Trust has received more than 100,000 visitors to its website, with
a 50 per cent leap from 2008 to 2009.
As a result the Melksham, Chippenham
& Calne branch has welcomed even more residents to join its campaign.
The website –
www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk – received more than 40,000 ‘hit’s in 2008
but this soared to more than 60,000 in 2009. The current total is more
than 110,000.
It includes maps, photographs, press
releases and social events, as well as information on how people can
join the charity.
Branch chairman Rob Jones has been
delighted by the level of public interest.
He said: “The website is maintained
by volunteers so it’s a huge tribute to their hard work and dedication
that they’ve managed to attract so many visitors.
“Every year our public profile is
steadily increasing and this is another way of reaching out to a wider
audience of potential supporters.
“Residents can follow the progress of
the restoration campaign and see pictures of everything that has already
been rebuilt.
“It’s a great way for more people to
get more involved.”
The website includes dates and
details of branch meetings, work parties and other events, as well as
extensive picture galleries.
These include images of local
restoration sites featuring ‘before and after’ shots of Double Bridge
near Lacock, together with the remains of locks and a dry-dock.
Of particular interest is the section
on the Pewsham lock-keeper’s cottage. This includes an artist’s
impression of how the building might have looked in the mid-nineteenth
century, supported by pictures of excavated steps and walls.
Local finds have included nails,
pottery, a handrail still connected to a lock-gate, and even a boot
scraper!
Rob said: “The website will continue
to grow as we breathe new life into the Wilts & Berks Canal and
gradually uncover more of its fascinating history.
“People will be able to take a closer
look at everything that has been achieved when we hold our annual
sponsored walk on Sunday April 25.
“We hope it will encourage them to
support our campaign to provide a multi-million pound boost to the local
economy through increased tourism and employment while improving access
to the countryside
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February 2010 ROADSIDE
REMINDER OF FORMER WATERWAY |
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Motorists on a main road are being reminded of a much slower
form of transport, thanks to the efforts of a team of local
volunteers.
Members
of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust have carefully cleared the undergrowth
at the side of A4 between Chippenham and Calne.
They’ve
revealed the remains of the former waterway just a few metres from the
kerbside, still full of water and stretching several hundred metres
towards Melksham.
A new
sign has been erected to mark the spot, which originally had its own
bridge carrying the old London Road over the canal. Future restoration
might involve the construction of a new lock to lower the level of the
canal so that it can go under the modern A4.
Rob
Jones is chairman of the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the
Trust.
He
said: “Almost 20 volunteers were involved in the workparty, which took
place one Sunday morning before we went to our regular site at Pewsham
Locks. We hope to return later in the year to clear the adjacent towpath
as well.
“We’re
sure people will be surprised to see how much of the canal still exists
today, even though they’ve probably driven past for many years without
knowing it was there.
“Just
south of the road, narrowboats coming from Melksham could branch off to
Chippenham where there used to be a terminus at the site of the current
bus station, or they could carry on north towards Swindon.
“There
used to be a wharf at the bottom of Derry Hill where coal and other
goods would have been delivered to local families and traders, and soon
after this there was a further branch off towards Calne where the
remains can still be seen today at Chaveywell Bridge just off the town
centre.
“There’s so much of the canal still to be rediscovered. However, thanks
to the effort s of our volunteers we’re steadily uncovering more and
more of this lost waterway for the benefit of the local community.”
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