Some of text contained in the First edition of Dragonfly

Editorial "Our journal is named after the steam inspection launches of HR deSalis, deputy chairman of F.M.C at the time. The second launch had many connections with W & B, being photographed in the locks at Ardington and Latton Basin. It was built at Abingdon in 1895 and its engine boiler built at Wantage"

"..to protect the lines of the Wilts & Berks and North Wilts Canals, and to prevent further in-filling or any other destruction of them or their associated structional features"

"Three committee members, Martin Fryer, Jack Painter and Alan Roberts are planning the production of a half-hour T.V documentary on the on the W & B, with the equipment and advice of Swindon viewpoint community television. They need to find people to interview and photgraphs of the canals as they were; if you can help please contact them."

"What will happen no-one knows. of the fact that we shall be able to increase amenity use of what is left, we are fairly hopeful; some would like to see the canals fully restored, but time alone will tell whether this is feasible."

Secretary's Report "It is hoped that we shall be able to organise a sponsored walk or walks during the Inland Waterways Association's National Sponsored Walk weekend in June 1978. The aim of this event, in which walks will be held throughout the country, is to provide publicity and to raise funds for the inland waterways movement as a whole"

"We are a new group and we have an enthusiastic Steering Committee who are already getting to grips with the tasks facing them. However, if you have any ideas or suggestions which you feel might be of value, please write to me about them. Any comments will be considered by the committee and will be much appreciated."

Secretary's report. this outlines the problems and priorities of the very early days: contacting organisations and landowners and establishing improvement and conservation areas, footpaths and areas to be cleared, and a full survey of the route.

Monthly Meetings. A questionaire about meetings and summer activities, and eventually setting up of branches.

Working Parties. A number of neighbouring canal working parties, are operating "so there is no need to stop digging because there is no W&B; to work on"!

Lengthsmen Page 9 contains an article by Neil Rumbol on the Recruitment of, and the instructions to, lengthsmen. Neil's letter to the volunteer lengthsmen is shown at the bottom of this article.

Editorial asks for support for a full walk of our canals in IWALK, supplying much needed funds, and for the first work party at Kingshill. Both these projects are given coverage in full articles.

Secretary's Report includes discussions with NFU about the best way to contact Landowners, and the steady growth in membership. A full list of members is shown at the bottom of this article.

Shopping List "a short list of things we could use in our work" This includes, shovels, crane, cement mixer, wheelbarrows, lorry, tea urn and barrel of beer!

Monthly Meetings. Details are given of monthly meetings already held & to come on Waterways and related topics. Also details of 2 summer outings to Crofton and the River Severn are outlined.

Editorial includes comments on the Government's rejection of a report urging improvement to the Waterways

The Secretary's Report describes the favourable results of the IWALK, both financially and contact with farmers. Also further work at Kingshill and contact with Shrivenham Parish Council were reported. The group outing to Crofton Beam engine was mentioned. Separate article on page 6.

IWALK - an article by a 14 year old Carol Gray on their walk from Abingdon to Grove. £300 was raised by 35 walkers.

News from Wootton Bassett included an exhibition in the Youth Centre and a successful IWALK resulting in favourable contact with the Parish Council.

News Items: Work on the Calne branch: Near completion of the Cambria Bridge (shown on the front cover): A colourful "canal race" by Thamesdown school children.

The Editorial draws attention to bridges relevant to the canal, those built, or rebuilt, or those in various states of repair. It also mentions weed clearing on the canal at Kingshill.

The Secretary's Report contains information on interest and support from various Councils, both local and county, and from landowners. Permission for canal restoration at Wootton Bassett is being sought. Work will be starting shortly at Shrivenham.

Bourton to East Challow. Clearance and survey work on this stretch of the canal are discussed in an article by Neil Rumbol. He also reports on the AGM.

News from Wootton Bassett. The branch was represented at an Antique Fire Engine Rally . In September a project report on developing the Templars Firs section of the canal was submitted to the Town Council and is now with Wiltshire County Council.

Cambria Bridge Swindon. An historical article by Cecil Mason who also praises the new restoration work.

Secretary's Report Work continues at the B4000 bridge at Shrivenham; more work has been done at Kingshill. The survey walk from Bourton to East Challow has been carried out and much information gained and contacts made.

A Dragline Excavator is now owned by the group. It is to be used in work at Kingshill and later at Wootton Bassett. Volunteers are asked to do some work on the machine before it is brought into use.

News Dauntsey Lock Negotiations are taking place for a licence to carry out work on this lock over the next year.

Historial Records on W&BC; from the Public Records Office have been collected by Neil Rumbol; Notes on William J Ainsworth, General Manager of the canal during it's last 25 years of operation have also been obtained and appear on Page 9.

An insert into this edition was a copy of the Constitution and rules of the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity and is shown below.

Editorial: The Group has objected to 2 planning applications for infilling affecting the North Wilts Canal

Secretary's report: Work at Kingshill and Shrivenham continues. A sponsored canal walk in the Wantage area is planned for October 1979.

Historical Notes: Another set of documents held by the Public Records Office is described by Neil Rumpol

Southern Canal Association: "informal gathering of representatives of the canal societies of Southern England & South Wales" Report by Neil Rumpol

Wootton Bassett reports rejection by the Wilts CC of the Templars Firs proposal, but the Wootton Bassett Town Council has rejected the County's comments and the project plan is to be presented to the Amenity Committee of County Council. "Sabres are being sharpened !"

Editorial outlines the problems of recruiting navvies for the Group's on-going project.

The Secretary's Report: Plans for the bridge at Cornhill Lane are described and the County Council will place a temporary bridge in position, while plans for a replicate Drawbridge are drawn up. (See also Cornhill Lane Bridge page 4)

Book reviews: "Swindon in Camera" provides some interesting canal pictures.

WB Roadshow: A description of future activities.

The Politics of restoration by M A Handford: The 3 interrelated processes involved in waterway restoration are described - the initial education of local authorities etc, together with general public, the raising of funds, and the actual restoration. Without the first two no restoration can be possible.

Wootton Bassett: Still has trouble with the Templars Firs proposal. but the Town Council has reaffirmed its support.

Editorial Favourably compares the Oxfordshire County Council's attitude to canal proposals with that of the Wiltshire CC

Wootton Bassett Report Ron Churchill writes of a conversation with the Grandson of the last Chaddington Lock keeper. Plans for resurrecting part of this hertiage are still pending.

The Secretary's Report speaks of the Council of the Group being under strength, of sponsored walks and Roadshows. The local MP and the District Council have shown support and interest for the Templars Firs project. Work continues on various sites and Grants towards the work have been made by the Shell Inland Waterways Restoration Scheme.

Sponsored Dig; This will take place on 1st and 2nd March 1980. Most of the navvies will be from schools etc. If successful, other such events will follow.

Progress 77-79: Brief details of the works in progress

Southern Canals Assocation Meeting; Wilts & Berks was represented by Neil Rumbol and Pete & Helen Boyce. Details of the meeting and activities are given.

Book Review Historic Waterways Scenes - Britain's Lost Waterways Vol 2; Some paintings and photographs of the Wilts and Berks are shown. An enclosed leaflet reviews a new Book by R W Squires on the Waterway restoration Movement called The New Navvies (shown below)

Editorial concentrates on the successful sponsored digs on March 1st & 2nd and on March 30th. The canal is back in water with hopes for a canoeing event in July.

Wootton Bassett; The Town Council are to appeal against the County's rejection of the Templars Firs Project. Work has been started, however, on clearing the old towpath.

Secretary's Report: Unfortunately fly-tipping of soil has postponed progress on the lift bridge project at East Challow. Gratitude is expressed for the co-operation of the Oxfordshire CC at Shrivenham and it is hoped that detailed surveys on W&B; Oxfordshire locks and canal can be carried out in 1980. Survey work at Dauntsey Lock continues and investigations are being carried out on the canal line in the Calne area.

A Haven of Wildlife is an article on the old derelict W&B; canal in February 1977

Worksites: An up to date list is given

Editorial: Peter Boyce reports on his visit, with the Southern Canals Association, to the Basingstoke Canal under restoration.

Secretary's Report The result of Templars Firs Planning appeal is awaited. A new road has been authorised for construction crossing the Kingshill length and will leave it permanently isolated. Further survey work as been carried out at Dauntsey and restoration work may soon be possible on the canal itself.

Wootton Bassett report gives very interesting detail about Templars Firs planning appeal.

Calne Branch: Prospects appear good for restoration of a section of the canal leading out from Calne. Towpath clearance has already started. Historical details of the Calne branch are given.

2 Letters about the old North Wilts Canal are published

Editorial A volunteer for the post of Archivist is sought

Diary Work, meetings etc to May 1980 are listed

Secretary's Report gives details of future activities and contacts on the Oxfordshire stretch of the canal. A Public Service broadcast on ATV requesting volunteers has received 30 replies, and the same announcement led to a landowner's permission for investigation. Work around Dauntsey continues.

This and That: A number of historical photographs and prints have come to the attention of the Editor.

Calne Branch: Progress continues towards the start of reconstruction on Lord Shelburne's section of the Canal. Interesting historical details are given of activities at the original opening of the Wilts & Berks canal.

Kingshill Project: Working parties on the canal (including schools and cubs) go from strength to strength.

Book Reviews are on "Narrowboats at work" and "Canals and their architecture"

Wootton Bassett Templar's Firs project still on ice

Insert of Minutes of AGM 27 September 1980 are shown below

Press Coverage of the Calne Project is shown

Secretary's Report: Work at Shrivenham is now completed. The rubbish has now been cleared and the site left "to nature" until the time for restoration. Thanks are given to all the Councils etc involved for their support. Arrangements are forging ahead for restoration between Uffington and East Challow.

Calne Branch: Details are given of the work started at Chavey Well Bridge and the adjacent canal. Lessons are being learnt on negotiations with private landowners

Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council The work of this body and misgivings at its impending abolition are discussed in some detail.

Stop Press Insert "The Secretary of State has approved of the idea to develop Templar's Firs Wootton Bassett as an amenity area. More details in next Dragonfly issue "

Wootton Bassett Report: The approval for the Templar's Firs project is given in detail. However, some pipes have appeared in the canal at the site and give cause for concern.

Calne Branch: A survey from the Wiltshire Trust for Nature Conservation has recommended no clearance work on the canal but this objection has been answered with reference to similar objection that the Conservation Trust made at Cromford. A leaflet supporting the W&B; work has been written by Richard Porter entitled on "How canal restoration can enhance wildlife interest"

Kingshill Project: New tools have been donated and mechanical help for the site is being arranged

Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council is not, after all, to be abolished !!

Kingshill: A photo and short article about the clean-up here

Wootton Bassett: A summary of correspondance about the pipes laid in the canal, particularly concerning how the bed of the canal is defined.

Secretary's Report is largely concerned with the Uffington to Grove section and present and future negotiations for survey and work on the canal. It seems likely that a general clearance will take place in the coming months at West Challow. A call for more W&B; Group Council members and experts is made.

Southern Canals Association: A visit to the Wey and Arun Junction Canal is reported by Neil Rumbol

Calne Branch reports on work at Chaveywell Bridge current and planned.

Dauntsey Site: Towpath clearance continues

Secretary's Report: The future of the Group depends on more active support forthcoming.

Southern Canals Association: Wilts & Berks hosted the gathering on Sunday 23rd May. Visits were made to various sites on the Wilts & Berks Canal.

Editorial: Great concern is expressed over the gradual demolition of Chaveywell bridge, and various in-fillings, "making mockery of our first aim" (see also Calne Branch report)

Calne Branch report: It is hoped to eventually rebuild the drawbridge at Mosses' Mill

Secretary's Report: A Sales and Fund Raising Officer and Archivist have been appointed. The stretch of canal between Uffington Wharf and West Challow bridge has been surveyed and survey will be continued towards Grove and ultimately Abingdon. The final proposals will be discussed with various parties concerned. The North Wilts District Council has asked for and been sent a report on the section of the canal in their area. There is an urgent call for a brickwork restorer and also surveyors, designers and engineers. The continued intransigence of Wilts CC over Templar's Firs is noted.

Secretary's Report: Experts are required to add technical details to canal reports

Moredon Junior School: It is hoped for a project on an old aqueduct over the River Ray near Swindon as part of studies on transport.

Industrial Archaeology: An article on work by the Group on the W&B; Canal

Book Review: Waterways Postcards 1900 - 1930 by Hugh McKnight

Cover Picture: This drawbridge stood at the point where a public right-of-way now crosses the canal near the end of Castle Walk in Calne

Editorial: Looking to the future we need to do much more to emphasise that the various isolated bits of the canal are part of a long-distance waterway which is still substantially intact.

Secretary's Report: There is need for a publicity officer, a permanent editor and worksite organisers. Various major schemes are suggested for development but if we don't make REAL progress during the next 12 months we might as well give up !!

Calne Branch: Work has continued steadily on the Calne worksite. The site is about to double in size due to the purchase by the North Wilts DC of the eastern end of the branch.

Templar's Firs Project Wootton Bassett Council "trying for fairer terms for the lease and have laid claim to a small area of unknown ownership"

Southern Canals Association: October 23rd visit to view progress on the Basingstoke Canal

The practical outcome of the Moredon School Canal Project is reported in the Wiltshire Star and further details are given in an article on Page 4

Editorial: The Moredon scheme is noted and also hopes to eventually link the K&A; Canal with the W&B; via the Avon.

Secretary's Report; Varies comings and goings on the Council are noted

Calne Branch; Repairs are going ahead at Chaveywell Bridge, and tree trimming on the Castle Park section.

Discussion Document; "Boats to Lacock and Beyond" The link from Semington onto W&B; is outlined in considerable detail (Pages 6 to 9)

Secretary's Report: Proposals for the canal from the K&A; to Vastern Wharf have excited the interest of the Chairman of IWA who is to be taken on a fact-finding tour of the Western section of the Canal. We are also awaiting opportunity to survey and produce a similar plan for the Eastern Section ( Abingdon - Swindon).

K&A; Revisited: A report on the Courage - K&A; Walk July 1st and various works taking place on the K&A.;

Southern Canals Association 29th April: The visit was to the Stroudwater & Thames & Severn Canal Trust and a tour of various activities in this area.

The Politics of Restoration: A very interesting article on the history and politics of canal restoration from a time when "there had been a real prospect that the entire canal system outside the main river navigates would be closed for good" See also Dragonfly 22

Editorial: Wiltshire CC's Landscape Local Plan now encouragingly adds in "opportunities for countryside recreational facilities" W&B; and North Wilts and other old canals" (previously only K&A; and disused railways featured at this point)

West-End Diary: An interesting diary of events related to the Great West-End Restoration (GWR).

Working Parties: Monthly parties are starting in January at Calne

Moredon Project: A Manpower Services Commission Scheme at Moredon has now begun - details are given.

Southern Canals Association: Gathering held at Newbury and visiting parts of the K&A.;

Politics of Canal Restoration: The second and final part (See Dragonfly No 21) of Michael Handford's article

Secretary's Report: looks forward to examining a possible route for re-linking the canal to The Thames at Abingdon. Early thoughts on Charity status

Presidential Thoughts: Jack Dalby on pre-1971 exploration of the old W&B;

The future now seems safe: £2000 was needed to avoid infilling at the B4000 bridge at Shrivenham. Appeals donations brought some response, but thankfully these were not needed as the County Council decided to finance bridge repairs.

West-End Report: Philip Ogden Engineer to the K&A; Canal Trust has started investigating the feasibility and costs of the West-End restoration scheme .

Working Parties: Details are given of a number of working parties at Calne.

Moredon: A Garden for the Blind, the Canal Support Group, and a donation of £2000 are reported.

Editorial: The help of outside groups with work parties is detailed.

Secretary's Report: The Regionalisation of the Group (West, Central & East) is noted. Shrivenham Bridge is now a listed structure. A new constitution is proposed prior to application for Charity Status Page 12 & 13.

West End (Melksham): Survey on the River Avon Links has continued and some rough costings have been produced.

Working Parties: Work has re-started at Dauntsey Lock. At Calne at excavator should be arriving on loan in September so dredging can begin.

Central News: Good progress is being made on various aspects of the work at Moredon.

East Enders: Problem sites at Abingdon, Grove & East Challow are discussed.

Southern Canals Association: Report of visit to Wey & Arun Canal

Council Changes: Change of Archivist, and of catalogues onto computer.

Review of the Year: Many important activities, reported in earlier editions are reviewed.

West End Report: The possible route of the canal - Avon Link just north of Melksham and rough costings.

Dauntsey Lock: Buildings are being sold. It is hoped that these may be preserved.

Working Parties: The Eastern Parapet of Chaveywell Bridge is almost completed; the other parapet is postponed until Spring. The WRG Smalley excavator is unsuitable for dredging at Calne but will be used at Dauntsey.

Central News: Work on the Garden for the Blind at Moredon is described. A draft report "Navigation through Swindon" has been produced and submitted to Thamesdown BS.

EastEnders: Details are given of a report by Philip Ogden on 3 major problems of restoration at this end of the canal.

Higher Thames Trust has been formed with the objective of making it possible to use the existing right of navigation from Lechlade to Cricklade.

The Wessex Waterway Network: A meeting of various bodies and individuals is described (See Cover Map).

Secretary's Report looks towards possible Trust or Company formation for the Group.

West- End Report: Active members dramatically increased (details given). Further surveying at the Melksham Link. The possibility of a linear nature reserve is being discussed with a land owner at Lacock. At Calne negotiations have begun with Lord Shelburne for access to, and work on, his section of the canal.

Central News: MSC work at Moredon is proceeding and a scheme is being organised to renovate the Aqueduct.

Walks, water & wildlife: An interesting article by Richard Porter on the amenity value of canals and even unnavigable old canal routes in town and country.

EastEnders are looking for a co-ordinator

The Wilts & Berks Canal by L J Dalby New Edition to be published in late September.

Secretary's Report: A new Chairman and Consultant Engineer, Noel Griffiths has been appointed, but a Treasurer and Membership Ssecretary are urgently required.

West Wiltshire DC: Policy Statement on the K&A; and W&B; Canals (Pages 4 to 7) showing broad support for the concept of restoration. (See Also WestEnd report Page 8).

WestEnd Report: Survey results on River Avon depths and bank contours have been received from John Walters and further studies are likely. At Calne work has continued between the lock and Chaveywell Bridge. Discussions have taken place with landowners on the Seven Locks area about possible extension of the Dauntsey to the east.

A week in the life....of a Foxham Fund Day organiser.

Central News: A walk by Keith Walker with the Thamesdown Environmental Forum who are endeavouring to save an area which also includes the original W&B; route.

Southern Canals Association 20th April: Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust hosted at Newport.

Secretary' Report: An application has been made to D of E for a Grant towards a full-time manager for the Group. A Treasurer is still desperately needed.

WestEnd Report: Contacts with Councils and Appeals for finance for certain projects. At Calne Chaveywell Bridge parapets are finished and the canal prepared for dredging. North Wilts DC have a Community Programme Scheme which has performed a number of impressive tasks. Dredging of the Canal at Lord Shelburne's section and Castle Park is being organised and the District Planning Dept. is seeking funds from the Council for dredging. At Foxham work parties have re-started and 2 crossings on Bob Kinch's farm north of the Locks will need bridging. The aim is to produce a continuous length of restored canal for 3/4 of mile. At Dauntsey Lock proposals for restoration above the lock for a trip boat. Group opposition to Planning application for 3 houses at the lock site. The amenity area is now 4 miles long and an appeal to cover the costs has been made.

Central News: An open meetings at Nythe was held to discuss Swindon Canals and possible routes for the future.

Wilts & Berks Canal opens at Abingdon ( Sept 19th 1810)

Archivist's Report on various matters.

Secretary's Report: The post of EastEnd Co-ordinator has been filled (by 2 people) and an Advanced Planning Co-ordinator - a new post - has been appointed. Unfortunately the Grant towards a full-time Manager has been turned now.

WestEnd Report: Dredging costs at Calne are more than estimated so new requests for grants are needed. This plus environmental considerations will delay work for 6 months. A co-ordinator and more active people are needed before investigating problems in connecting Calne to the Main Line. Dauntsey Lock Amenity area: Planning Permission for house building on the canal site was refused but the owner will appeal so work is on hold. However, discussions to define the work to be done at 7 locks are to take place and a go-ahead for a Heritage Trail has been given. Work continues at Foxham.

Central News: Discussions on restoration of the canal to the east of Swindon have continued. The opening of the canal site at Moredon is scheduled for July. The Moredon canal may form part of a major footpath route.

EastEnders: A very interesting article by EastEnd co-ordinators, Peter & Val Scratchard, who live very near the canal.

Southern Canals Association: Conference at Devizes on Feb 15th 1987

Extract from Tom Brown's Schooldays

Secretary's Report: A new treasurer has been appointed. Increased activity means a need for more helpers including a Publicity Officer and Working Party Co-ordinator.

Wilts & Berks Canal Liaison Group: The setting up and activities of this Group.

WestEnd Report: Evermore active members are needed. A Fund Raising Officer and an Official photographer are recent arrivals. At 7 Locks improvement of the Towpath is planned. Work on the Towpath at Foxham aims at a canal trail. The Castle Park section of the canal at Calne awaits dredging. Proposals at Chippenham and Melksham are reported.

Central News: Various aspects of the routes through Swindon are noted and the Opening of the Moredon canal is reported

EastEnders: A 1st meeting was called by the new Co-ordinators (15 present). A last ditch attempt has been made to persuade Authorities to provide a bridge over the canal between Grove Top Lock and the Denchworth Road. Good support for a organised canal walk on May 17th

Southern canals Association: Trip to Basingstoke Canal in April

Tenth Anniversary Edition

Cover Picture: Browns Excavation at work, Calne, October 1987

Ten years On...the Secretary looks back over a decade of downs and ups

The membership now stands at 206

Review of year Chairman's Report to the AGM

WestEnd report: Comments on various schemes including Melksham/Lacock. At Calne we now have 300 yds of navigable canal complete with its bridge. Quite a bit of tidying up remains to be done. NACRO should be able to start work soon on 7 locks. Dauntsey Lock appeal has now reached £4000. Work Parties are continuing at Foxham.

EastEnders report: Various negotiations and possibilities for future restoration are discussed.

Cover Picture: WRGers at Foxham

Secretary's Report is about the support of IWA financially and with the move of the W&B; towards Company status.

Melksham Waterway: Studies are now looking towards restoration to the East of the Town rather than the previous Avon-Link.

WestEnd Report: Proposals are set out for a walking/cycling path from Chippenham to Lacock. Sections of the Canal to be restored and eventually the Main Line restored to full navigation. Current & future work by NACRO is reported. IWA have helped with clearance work at Foxham and the landowner, Bob Kinch, has done clearance and bridge construction work.

Working Party Activities Past & Future are decribed.

Dauntsey Lock Appeal stands at £2571

Canal Enterprise: Historical article from the 'Swindon Guide' for 1884

A Year of Achievement: Chairman's Report to AGM

Secretary's Report: The Group is now a Company Limited by Guarantee.

WestEnd Report: Details of the Melksham Waterway Scheme have been presented. Calne section was the venue for small boats on its Canal Day.

Central News: Various plans, projects and problems are discussed.

EastEnders: Permission has now been granted to start work between Grove Top Lock and Limekiln Lock aiming at 300 yds of restored and re-watered canal.

Cover Photo: Pete Smith and the intrepid Winter WRGers at Elm Farm

Canal Clean-Up: An article from the 'Wantage Herald' Jan 5th 1989. (See EastEnders report for this and other work)

Swindon Memories by White horse; This article appeared in the Swindon Review June 1961

Cover Picture: At the Calne official opening. From right to left: The Earl of Shelburne, Mayor of Calne, Councillor Mjrs E Syms, Noel Griffiths, John Henn

Editorial: Mentions current good relations with nature Conservation Groups but also need for the Group to have its own Conversation Officer. Noel Griffiths has resigned as Chairman and a new Editor is to take over the magazine - Geoff Newland.

Notice of AGM includes visit to Canal sites to be made.

Official Opening of Chaveywell Wharf Calne, reported in detail, was a great success.

A Work party at Foxham, Elm Park and Dauntsey, over the Christmas / New Year period is described in lively detail.

Restoration Progress: The first half of 1989 has seen great activity along the line of the Canal. There are now 6 work sites. Work is described by Peter Smith, Work Party organiser. Forthcoming Work Parties are listed.

Editor's Desk: The new Editor Geoff Newland pays tribute to Richard Porter the previous Editor and also describes the move to home computer for Editorial Work.

Secretary's Report stresses the availability of Deeds of Coverent for subscriptions to increase revenue.

WestEnd Report Devolution in the form of Wootton Bassett branch and a WestEnd (South) branch. In spite of exciting developments at Calne local help is hard to come by. However, contact with and help from local authorities are going well. There are various restoration plans at Chippenham.

Wootton Bassett Area Report: News from the new group appears for the first time.

Jack Dalby: A warm obituary for a well-liked and respected Canal enthusiast whose interest in the W&B; stretched back to 1960's

WestEnd Report: The idea of 'lengthsmen' is mentioned. North Wilts DC has passed a motion to put a policy statement in the local plan which will protect the canal line. The Melksham Waterway and its benefits are discussed. The formation of the Calne branch and various activities are reported. Chippenham notes include successful opposition to proposals to fill in the remains of the canal spur

Work Parties Report: Activities of various sites are reported.

National Waterways Survey - Extract from English Heritage Conservation Bulletin.

Cover Picture: Construction work in progress at Foxham top lock. Some of the 7000 bricks being laid.

Secretary's Report reflects on the decrease in this section coverage because of the advent of Regional Co-ordinators' Reports elsewhere. Dept of the Environment's Special Grants Programme - again been unsuccessful

Work parties Report covers 3 pages. Photographs are shown on the inside back cover of work at Foxham Top Lock.

EastEnd Report is an insert but a long one, with details of work, plans, negotiations etc

Cover Picture: Val Scatchard, Dave Banner & Roy Murrell removing the last tree stump from Elm Farm Amenity Area.

Secretary's Report: Mainly about subscriptions but also announcing Peter Scatchard ( Formerly EastEnd Co-ordinator) as the new Chairman.

Editors Notes: Various events and activities are mentioned, including HTV filming at Calne due to be broadcast in October.

WestEnd News: The Official re-opening of the K&A; is reported. Work Parties are various W&B; locations are discussed. it is hoped to form a Lyneham branch.

EastEnders: A committee as been established with Ian Graham as the new Co-Ordinator. A highly successful Work Camp was filmed by Central TV and attracted many visitors to the canal. Elm Farm amenity area now looks like a canal.

Cover Picture: The first Swindon Work party (See East End report)

From the Secretary: Chris Toms to be Membership Secretary. Problems with Standing orders not being amended to the new rate.

WestEnd: An explanation is given of the re-organisation of structure of the Branches now having direct links with the Trust Council. A new Bath & Bristol Branch is announced. There is a plan to buy a trip boat of novel design (Hypozomata) which could be moved from one part of the canal to another. Interesting details are given.

Allen & Harris are carrying out a study of the route of the old W&B; Canal on behalf of the Trust Group.

Central Section: A survey of the proposed new canal section up to Coate is nearly completed and some tidying work is to begin. At Wootton Bassett full restoration of part of the canal is to go ahead. Branch members are also surveying the canal from Wootton Bassett to Seven Locks.

EastEnd: Work at Elm Farm and Limekiln Lock is described.

Work parties: Current & future work is reported

WestEnd: A detailed report on the new Hypoazomatic boat.

Melksham reports that they have sought permission from all the land owners from the K&A; to Lacock for an Engineering Study along the proposed route. Only one said no.

ChairChat: An interesting overview of current activities and future hopes from Peter Scatchard, Chairman of the Group.

EastEnd: Substantial achievement at Grove and Limekiln Locks.

Cover Picture The Hypozomatic boat on the Canal at Calne - May Bank Holiday 1991 which proved very popular with local children.

W&B; needs you: Call for members to get more involved.

What's in a Name: Discussion of possible new version of the Group's Name

WestEnd: The Consultation process on the possible new route between the K&A; and Lacock has started. Plans for the use of the new boat.

Melksham: Publicity and efforts to gain local support

Calne: Duckweed and dead fish, fishing platforms, Natural History Unit of BBC and planting of wild flowers are all reported. Also news from Dauntsey, Foxham & Lyneham Branche

Cover Picture: New W&B; Canal Bouncy Castle owned by Calne Branch in use for the first time at Calne Open day 1st Sept 1991

WestEnd: Items on Dauntsey Lock study and Melksham Waterway

Central Section: A Report from Swindon with walks, work and various negotiations. The Wootton Bassett Report outlines the large amount of work to be done at Templars Firs.

Cover Picture: Rebuilding Childrey New Road Wharf on the Sunday of the BIg-Dig

In Chair Chat the Wilts & Berks 'Big Dig' is described in detail. An important visit by IWA is also reported.

The Linear Park Concept in relation to Canal restoration

New Departmental Structure is outlined

Damsel-Fly Afloat (Or Aloft?): The usefulness and versatility of the new Hypozomatic boat is described

Workparties report: The report gives a good overal view of the work in hand on all parts of the canal

A Year in the Life of the Bristol & Bath branch: A Report from the Saltford Marina where the group meet and about their work at Foxham

Cover picture: Foxham Top Lock nearing completion with the team that built it.

Chair Chat focuses on the need for redressing the balance between those who are willing to work on the physical aspects of restoration and those (the smaller number) who are willing to help in handling the administrative burden.

New logo for the Group: Nick Clements produces suggestions for a new logo

Chippenham & Calne News Reports

The Foxham report: Work at Foxham is proceeding at a steady pace and if finance permits they hope to have the Foxham Elm, Farm Section in water in 18 months time

Wootton Bassett: Various events and work activities are reported.

The Council members Report gives an overview of current & future developments.

Cover Picture: The Calne Canal Day August Bank Holiday

Editor Required: "This edition of Dragonfly has been pasted up at the last minute....There is so much going on within the Group that it is a shame that this cannot be properly documented....If you can help please contact us."

Chair Chat: presents a number of topics including a statement that the Group has been offered a reasonably substantial section of canal free of charge

The Project Officer: Outlines important work and plans including 3 sites which have been

Letters to the Editor includes a message from the Archivist.

Chair Chat speaks of the AGM, very well attended and with unusually good feedback, and of the need for balance between practical restoration and the planning and expert input that must preced it.

Project Officer's Report looks to the future under a number of headings;
- Strategy developing links with local authorities and statutory bodies;
- Demonstrating benefits of restoration by restoring sections of the canal;
- Making contact with local commerce and other potential sources of finance.

Work Parties Report: The progress and problems of various projects

Cover Photo: Hugh Sayce tackles a newly-laid hedge at Templars Firs, Wootton Bassett

Chair chat: Includes the selection and appointment of a full-time Project Officer, Honorary Life Memberships for John Henn and Neil Rumbol, and the effect of the Wantage / Abingdon area proposed Reservoir on future Canal work (See also article pages 13 and 14)

Letters to the Editor: Among these are a letter from John Henn, retiring Projects Officer, and one from the Chairman of IWA Restoration Committee entitled Credibility.

Water - The Vital ingredient: An article by Paul Darby around the need for careful thought about water supplies for the restored W&B; Canal

Foxham: The Upper Lock has been completed.

Cover Picture: A rather full very pretty canal at Challow, near Wantage. Taken during the IWA Oxon Walk in January 1993

How It All Began Company Secretary Neil Rumbol looks over the years to the formation of the Amenity Group Part 1 (Part 2 in Dragonfly No 51)

Around the Branches: Reports from Abingdon, East Vale,West Vale, Swindon, Wootton Bassett & Melksham

Restoration Round - Up; A brief look at what is happening at the various restoration sites. Further details in the branch reports.

Project Officer's Report: The new Project Officer, Paul Pennycook introduces himself and presents his first report.

Cover Photo: Desmond Mottram looks on while the Major of Thamesdown, Councillor Doreen Hart, studies a map of the Moredon Underpass with Peter Scatchard. (Photo courtesy of Wiltshire Newspapers Ltd)

Restoration Round-Up contains general information and Work Party Reports from Wootton Bassett and Foxham.

Around the Branches reports on what has been happening along the line