We work
towards the restoration for navigation of the Wilts &
Berks Canal which was abandoned in 1914 just prior to
the outbreak of the First World War, through traffic
having ended in 1901. The Canal ran from the
Kennet and Avon Canal near Semington in Wiltshire to the
River Thames at Abingdon via Melksham and Swindon.
Branches were constructed to serve Chippenham and Calne.
In addition the North Wilts Canal ran from Swindon to
connect the Canal with the Thames and Severn Canal at
Lechlade.
On the
closure of the Canal the ownership of the land was lost
and our work now is dependent on the kind permission of
the current landowners.
Our
Branch covers that part of the Canal from Semington
Junction to Pewsham including the Branches to Calne and
Chippenham..
We
have Branch Meetings once a month and Work parties
restoring the Canal on local sites at least twice a
month.
We also organize fund raising
social events including an annual Quiz Evening in
February and a Sponsored Walk in April.
Of great
importance recently has been the foundation work to set
out a line for a new route for the Canal. The Trust has
funded a number of feasibility studies and a final route
using the River Avon is now in place. This will bring
the Canal back to The Bell at Lacock which will once
again be a canal-side pub.
Please use the links to explore further.
