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Tuesday, May 15th 2012
12:09 AM
Back to the Basin on Wednesday
After another very productive day at Smallmarsh Lock last Saturday we are back the Basin again this Wednesday.
The work between Smallmarsh Lock and Gypsy Lane has really shown what can be done in improving the canal and towpath for the benefit of the local users. We always get a number of people stopping to express their appreciation and in some cases amazement at what we have done and what we are intending.
Whereas last Saturday was a very pleasant warm day we don't know what to expect on Wednesday, so Wellies and Waterproofs will be "at the ready". Ray is bringing along a small group from RCUK so I hope the ground conditions are not too muddy. We might give that "STUMP" on the aqueduct another talking to; perhaps even get it to a state where it could be Tirford out.
It will also be interesting to see how much water is flowing down the Leat; with it being so clear now it might. look quite impressive.
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Thursday, May 10th 2012
1:43 PM
Smallmarsh again on Saturday
The Events Team along with our East Vale support were at the Abingdon Air Show on Sunday with the display marquee. As it was an Air show the level of interest in the Canal was really encouraging.
I never made the last work party at Smallmarsh; I got as far as Chieveley Services and gave up because of the heavy rain and terrible road conditions. Hopefully this won't be the case on this Saturday (12th).
Bob says...
"Greetings out there on a slightly drier day ...
The weather forecast looks better for the weekend, if you believe it !!!
In our best tradition, we shall gather at the big layby at the east of Grove on the A338 at about 09.00 ish, then wander up Gypsey Lane to Smallmarsh Lock. Hopefully the vans will still be able to get to the gateway to carry our sandwich bags +etc.
We shall attempt to Tirfur out some of the remaining bits still in the bed of the canal and a few stumps around the lock entrance ...
We shall continue with the exposing of the lock structure and reclaiming as many bricks as possible for later use to cosmetically stabalise the whole structure ...
Mike says we will have another bonfire to finish off the last bit of the big willow stump in the lock entrance !!!
Wellies are highly recommended !!!
hope to see some of you there ... "
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Wednesday, April 25th 2012
11:28 AM
Saturday at Smallmarsh
Our regular workparty this Saturday is again at Smallmarsh Lock .
Bob says....
"Mother Nature permitting, the plan is to meet at Smallmarsh Lock at the Grove flight at our usual 09.00 ish ...
Park in the big layby on the A338 on the north east of Grove and cross the road to wander up Gypsey Lane ...
Hopefully the vans will be able to negotiate the grotty conditions to get the tools a bit nearer !!!
Having had very positive discussions with the owners over our restoration plans for the area, we can proceed with our activities better than I had hoped for !!!
The remaining roots/stumps +etc can be pulled out from the bed of the canal and with a bit of luck recycled with the aid of a bonfire
Some further clearance of the area around the lock can proceed taking care not to disturb the wildlife too much
The possible wharf walls can be explored, exposed and stabalised/restored
The lock entrance brickwork can also be exposed and stabalised/restored
Bat boxes and bird boxes can be constructed and positioned throughout the whole section
One fine day, in the not too distant future, we could even clean out the canal bed to make a very nice long pond to enhance the local wildlife/wetland habitat ...
So if you're into "Time Team" activities, bring yer trowel/brush/shovel/hammer/bolster chisel or whatever takes yer fancy, Oh yes and a silly hat, then we can crack on with revitalising another canal structure or two !!!
Don't forget yer wellies and waterproofs."
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Monday, April 23rd 2012
12:01 AM
Wet Wednesday
Sixty miles down the M4 in the driving rain was not my ideal way to start the day, but by the time I reached the Basin (with my coffee and egg,bacon and sausage butty from the local Esso garage) the rain had eased off.
Only six of us, but given the conditions not a bad turnout. We completed a short length of fence and a lot of loose material that was in danger of floating off down the Leat was collected and disposed of. Mike strapped on the strimmer and proceeded to "tidy up" around the site.
I sneaked off with the camera down the towpath to the other side of the River Thames. As well as some useful photographs I made an interesting discovery. There was an aqueduct over the River Churn which has now been replaced with a footbridge. I had been told (and I have repeated) that when the aqueduct collapsed, blocking the river, the river was diverted around the southern end of the aqueduct. As the water level was still very low I went exploring, and guess what? The river was not diverted. The original abutments are clearly visible and the top of an arch is just showing on each arch. Just goes to show; don't believe everything you are told.
We had an earlier than usual finish as the rain returned after lunch. But it was a good day.
The return journey on the M4 was again horrendous.
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Monday, April 16th 2012
11:50 PM
Wednesday Workparty
It might be a bit wet on Wednesday so we'll have to play it by ear. Hopefully, though, perhaps it might be a bit warmer. We were spoilt earlier this year by the sunshine.
One job that needs finishing is a short length of fencing near the new gate. Plus we still have sections of wall to complete and some shelves to go up in the cabin.
It will be interesting to see what the water levels are in the Leat, if it hasn't come up too far we may clear some more of the debris from the channel.
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Thursday, April 12th 2012
11:55 PM
Busy Weekend
Saturday 14th will see the East Vale team back at squirrel bank finishing off the work started earlier this year. No doubt Bob will find plenty to keep everyone amused. Unfortunately John M. and I will have to miss out as we will be at Dauntsey Lock assembling the Trust Marquees in preparation for the Sunday Canal Event.
The event is being organised Sunday 15th by the Foxham and Lyneham branch of the charity.
The tripboat Willow will offer journeys along the re-watered section, costing £3 for adults and £2 for children.
The event also includes an illustrated talk by Jan Flanagan on the history of the canal, taking place inside The Peterborough Arms, and a raffle offering a top prize of a boat trip for up to 12 people along a restored stretch on the southern side of Swindon.
All funds raised will support the local restoration effort.
Visitors will be able to enjoy boat rides, refreshments, stalls, displays and children’s games.
Branch chairman Rachael Banyard said: “There are currently no rights of way along this part of the canal and all of our activities have to be agreed with landowners, so this is a rare opportunity for the wider community to take a closer look at an important piece of their local history."
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Thursday, March 29th 2012
10:33 AM
Elm Farm Tow Path
A good turn out on Monday (26th) enabled Bob's trusty gang to relay the the path from above Grove Top Lock to below Lime Kiln Lock. It was a glorious day and the work was completed much more quickly than had been expected.
The solid surface makes wheelchair access very easy as one lady proved in the afternoon by easily driving up the slope by the lock. No that's not her in the picture; that's a one ton dumper.
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Monday, March 26th 2012
7:37 AM
Smallmarsh Lock 24th March
A great "summers" day as we worked on the section between Smallmarsh Lock and Gypsy Lane. Bob lost count of the number of volunteers 17, 18.... The canal bed is now nearly totally cleared; we just need one more day to finish off.
Mike made the discovery of the day. After spotting a a large stone by the lock entrance he explored further and unearthed a set of stone steps that the boatmen would have used to get on/off the boat.
As on previous days locals passing by were very appreciative of our work, and this, of course, bodes well for the Trusts Tow/Foot Path project.
Pictures later.
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Wednesday, March 21st 2012
12:38 PM
Bob's Spring Special Offer
Two for the price of one ...
Bob, our genial Wantage WPO, announces a fun filled weekend.
Saturday 24th. March
Gather at about 09.00ish at the big layby at Grove and wander across the road and up Gypsy Lane to Smallmarsh Lock ... Here we will attend to the remaining fallen and dismantled bits of Willow tree as well as dragging out the stubborn rooty bits of trees using our revitalised Turfer ... The far bank needs tidying up and a few wildlife habitats made from the scrubby bits and branches ... All the remaining stuff will be tidied up with our favourite implement, the bonfire !!!
Monday 26th. March
We shall gather at the Elm Farm section at Grove from about 08.00 onwards. (Machines arriving 08.30, first load of ballast before 09.00 ) Either park in the car park at the Rugby Club and walk across the playing fields , or on the verge along Mably Way , or up past the aeroplane on a stick and walk back to Mably Way.
If you want more information email Bob bob.airey@tiscali.co.uk
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Monday, March 19th 2012
12:29 AM
More clearance
Our regular workparty was smaller than usual, but we had a very productive day. There was a lot of debris around one of the big trees overhanging the Leat. In order to prevent any of this getting into the water if we have any heavy rain, we cleared the area. At some time the bank of the Leat has been repaired in this area with steel piling. This makes me wonder if there had been a collapse of the bank there, as it is higher than the surrounding land.
Water is flowing well down the Leat now and there are even a few fish who seem to be enjoying the clear water.