1977 - 1980 (1 - 12)
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
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.
Diary of Events from August to October 1978
Weekender: An article on the canal in the Swindon Evening Advertiser is referred to on page 8.
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 MPand 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
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 Callow. 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
>>
1981 - 1985 (13 - 25)
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).
1986 - 1990 (26 - 40)
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
Read this article in "The Story of the Trust - The first 10 years"
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
1991 - 1995 (41 - 59)
Cover Picture: View from Grove Top Lock towards Lime Kiln Lock Jan 1991
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 Branches
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 dredged.
Cover Picture: Grove Common Lock Tail Bridge. Brian Gower and team during the WRG Summer Camp, just before replacing the earth on the concrete arch.
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
Cover Photo: Luke Walker (front) and Peter Smith finish the brickwork on the nearly-completed culvert at Wootton Bassett (Photo Allan Winrow)
Notice of an Extraordinary General Meeting to alter the Articles of Association.
Fundraising: Co-ordinator Sue Liebow reviews the year's fundraising activities and looks ahead to the next challenge.
Around the Branches: It is interesting to see, for example, in the Foxham report how Landowners are working on and around the canal restoration sites, and how the Bath & Bristol branch are helping at Foxham
Years of Consolidation ? Having described the formation and first year of the Group (Dragonfly No 49) Neil Rumpol looks at the challenges facing the embryonic Group in the second part of his series. (Part 3 in Dragonfly No 53)
Cover photo: Bob Airey and digger in the entrance to Grove Top Lock, February 1994 (Photo - Ian Graham)
Chair Chat: An interesting overview of current status of restoration work on all parts of the line and problems and hopes for the future.
Moredon Canal A brief look at Swindon's newest recreation site.
Project Officer's Report - Mainly about sources of funds
Cover Photo: Desmond Mottram receiving a cheque for £1500 from Burmah Castrol's Roger Mepstead at the IWA Weekend at Moredon in March (Photo courtesy of Burmah Castrol)
Boats to Lacock In the final part of his potted history of the Group, Neil Rumbol looks back at the last decade and brings us up to the present day. (Previous parts in Dragonfly 49 and 51)
Restoration Round-Up: A brief look at activities at the various restoration sites with reports from Work Parties at Foxham and Swindon.
Canal into Highway - Fleming Way, Swindon. An article by E.V.Tull and K, Walter and shows the line of the Wilts and Berks Canal through Swindon Town Centre.
Around The Branches: News from along the line including the completion of 3/4 mile of 'real' canal at West Vale. Another success was the Official opening of the East Vale Elm Farm section on May Bank Holiday Monday
Cover photo: Trip-boat 'Damselfly' makes the return journey through Bonds Mill Lock on the Thames & Severn canal (Photo Dawn Parsons)
Chair Chat: In his last 'Chat' before his retirement as Chairman, Peter Scatchard covers a range of topics, including the importance of landowner communication, the value of getting restored sections in water as soon as possible, and successful restoration and on-going projects.
The Project Officer's Report includes a section on fundraising and the importance of studies to back fund requests, although the studies themselves are costly
Cover Photo: Kevin Last (Calne Branch WPO) gets into spirit (and costume) of things at the annual Canal Day Event - see Calne branch Report (Photo Ann Last)
Chair Chat; The new Chairman Desmond Mottram, writes his first 'Chair Chat' including the completion of the 'Allen & Harris Report' on the Canal, the need for safety guidelines at work sites and a look at future plans.
Membership News. "By the time you read this the Group should have enrolled its 1000th member since it was formed in 1979.
Allen & Harris Report
Newbury Show: A Report on the Show "Of the proceeds £70+ went to the Group for sales items, £120 for teas, cakes & other handicraft items and a £20 donation paying for the marquee"
Around the Branches - What's been happening along the line, including a statement on the vital importance of maintenance in the Calne report, further dredging at Wootton Bassett
Tockenham reservoir: Archivist Gerry Townsend describes a visit to the reservoir and valve tunnel Map West to East 16 Hart Farm
Dragon-Fly becomes Dragonfly !
Cover Photo: Scrub bashing at Dauntsey.Around the Branches looks at what is happening along the line, including Wootton Bassett which now has 1000 yards of Canal and Swindon West Leaze which has a length of canal which will shortly be filled with water. The Foxham report announces that completion of the Elephant Spillway. They also assisted the East Vale Branch with their bridge at Grove Common Lock which is now completed. Bath & Bristol branch, although not located on the canal, continue to work at other W&B; Canal sites.
Vice Chair Chat which reports that Desmond Mottram, who only recently became chairman, has stood down for various reasons and that a new Chairman is needed.
Restoration Round - Up continues to report work in progress and planned
Cover Photo: Wootton Bassett - 'showing what we are working for !'
Chair- Chat: This is the first report by the new chairman Graham Johnson.
Restoration Round - Up: Includes work in hand and information about regular work parties.
IWA Restoration Committee: An article about the remit of this committee.
Among The Letters section are a light hearted one about the haul of bottles dredged up at East Vale, comments by Luke Walker on a Feasibility study, and thoughts arising from a view of the recently restored W&B; at Wootton Bassett.
"Memories"; Comments, by Revd Dr FWT Fuller on Dr Eric Tull's book "Canal days in Swindon"
Conservation Corner A simple A to Z associated with the Canal Environment by CanalGen. The 1st of 22 Part Series Part 1 Alder and Alderfly
Photo: Wootton Bassett Canal Open Day 19th August 1995
Chair Chat speaks of the intention to commission a full professional feasibility study of the restoration of the canal. It also points out the significance of the new Construction Regulations which now govern Health & Safety aspects of all signicant construction works.
In Around the Branches there is the usual review of branch activities including the cruising of a narrowboat on the restored section of canal at Wootton Bassett on Open Day
So Do We Want To Restore The Wilts & Berks Canal For Navigation ? A number of letters and replies from the Editor discuss the Feasibility Studies and their funding.
Pictures from the Past: Telford Road looking north west now Cheney Manor Road Swindon and from Telford Bridge looking north west - now a trading estate. Both 1912
Conservation Corner A simple A to Z associated with the Canal Environment by CanalGen Part 2 Brambles, Butterflies and Birds
Cover Picture: Grove Common lock Tailbridge
Back Cover Abingdon Branch clearance work in the area of Drayton Lock and the new Group marquee in use at the K&A; Working Boat Rally
Editorial points out a variety of advertisements in the Issue, helping with the cost of the Magazine.
Chair Chat. The main item is that N.Wiltshire DC has agreed to join the Group in discussions aimed at establishing a 'Trust' to further the restoration of the Canal. Other local authorities and interested parties would be invited to join.
Developments Around The Branches are the completion of the Chaveywell Bridge at Calne, work at West Leaze section in Swindon, and the first ever work site (Drayton Lock) at Abingdon.
Dauntsey Lock Canalside. 4 members of the Group plus a property professional have purchased 11/2 miles of canal and associated land and buildings at Dauntsey forming a company to undertake sensitive canalside developments and finance restoration of parts of the Canal.
Shrivenham Canalside Pocket Park is a project proposed in connection with Canal restoration in the area.
Conservation Corner :A simple A to Z associated with the Canal Environment by CanalGen Part 3 Caddis-Fly, Carp,Catkin and Comfrey
1996 - 2000 (60 - 79)
Cover Photo: George (driving) and Derek arriving at Drayton Lock in the new dumper truck.
Around the Branches looks at what has been happening along the line.
Among the letters to the Editor are further lively replies to the earlier subject 'So Do We Want To Restore The Wilks & Berks Canal For Restoration ?'
Conservation Corner: A simple A to Z associated with the Canal Environment by CanalGen
Part 4 Dragonfly, Damselfly and Duckweed
Cover Photo: Moredon Aqueduct - in the early stages of restoration
A brief Editorial appears critical of the Council of Management
Chair Chat - again quite brief. Tony Davy has taken over as Chairman. He speaks particularly about restoration of the canal developing into a local government project, giving much more creditiblity with public.
Around the Branches looks at activities along the line. Bristol & Bath continue their 'roving commission'; Melksham have a programme of walks examining 3 alternative routes, round or through Melksham. At Calne a new spillway has been completed. There is an update of work at Dauntsey including the canalside properties. 4 houses are on the market.
Dumpers; Following from Dragonfly No 60's front cover, an article on the use of dumpers for canal work.
Conservation Corner A simple A to Z associated with the Canal Environment by CanalGen Part 5 Ecotone
2001 - 2005 (80 - 99)
Cover Photo The "bluebox" container crossing the collapsed Steppingstone Bridge near Shrivenham (Orph Mable)
Chair Chat noted the restrictions imposed owing to Foot & Mouth disease. A further worry was the possibility that the lLandfill Tax Scheme might be abolished, although there is the possibility of other Government funding..."for worthwhile projects" !!
Wantage Wharf Crane. Thoughts and request for information on the Wantage tramway
Publicity Bits by Doug Small reports on the status of the Web Site and on the importance of background and archive information when the canal is re-opened.
Total Membership is now 1227
Press release. With the Crapper Company's latest contribution to the Swindon Branch the total now reaches over £108,000. Chairman Roger Crapper is being made a Vice-president of the Charity.
Landfill Tax Credit Scheme may end. Further details are given.
Cover Photo Celebrating the Partnership Launch; Left to Right Cllr Jenny Stratton (W&BCP; Chairman), Brian Atworth (NWDC Chairman), Lord Lansddowne, Tony Davy and Chaloner Chute (Project Officer) (Photo Doug Small)
Chair Chat: The Foot & Mouth outbreak has prevented work on the cut but other developments continue. The W&BC; Trust has now become the Partnership with much wider membership.
The Annual Report includes an overview of the year's activities and a list of restoration projects.
New Partnership and Patron: A report on the launching of the new Partnership with an address by the new President Lord Lansdowne. A list of organisations forming the Partnership is given.
Around the Branches: reports from Bath & Bristol, Melksham, Calne & Chippenham, Foxham & Lyneham, Wootton Bassett, Cricklade, Swindon, West Vale, and East Vale
Cover Photo The finished Purton Road Culvert on the North Wilts Canal Swindon (Peter Smith)
The IWA National Waterway Festival 2001 is the subject of an article by Tim Preece. It points out the value of the W&B; presence at this Festival.
Activities Around The Branches are reported, including Melksham's report on the good publicity value of the West Wiltshire 2001 Show at Trowbridge and the continuing importance of the Semington Boat Rally. Foxham & Lyneham report includes the need to work only one side of the lock to avoid dusturbing nesting wagtails. Wootton Bassett continue reconstruction work at Summit Lock, The recently established Cricklade branch report an increase in membership from 26 to 48 and that the River Key Aqueduct has been approved for grant by Entrust.
The Partnership Project Officer reports on the many negotiations and plans in the pipeline for future developments.
Cover Photo Summit Lock. Pouring concrete reinforcement for the chamber walls (Vic Miller)
The Editorial notes the bringing together in the magazine of branch officers, reports and restoration news. Also noted the way the branches help each other as well as work on their own projects.
2 Work Pictures: Seven Lock (Luke Walker) and Summit Lock (John Bower)
Chair Chat gives a number of interesting pieces of news, including highlights of branch activity, the change of Group name to the W&B; Canal Trust, and a mention in the House of Commons
Around the Branches produces lively reports. Bath & Bristol are out and about helping work parties along the line. Melksham report begins with the news "When the highway engineers next come to Queenfield Farm they will have an uninterrupted view of the canal in water". Foxham & Lyneham have been awarded £6000 of Landfill Tax funding from Viridor Waste Management. Wootton Bassett speaks of significant progress at Summit Lock, with help from other branches and working groups. There are a number of exciting activities and plans at Cricklade including good progress at the River Key Aqueduct. At Swindon, developments in the Front Garden Housing Project should ensure that the canal will be restored as part of the initial site development works. At Moredon the first new canal bridge on the W&B; has been completed. These reports together with those of the other branches make interesting reading.
The PR/Publicity Group reports on its various activities.
The Wiltshire Waterways Festival is to be held at Wootton Bassett in June 2002
Cover Photo Part of the newly dredged section at Foxham (Doug Small)
Chair Chat: IWAAC now have W&B; in their "Top 10" list of nationally significant projects. Funding organisations use the IWAAC Report as a reference. The importance of Studies is stressed and these must be carried out, but they are expensive.
Partnership News: Project Officer Chaloner Chute writes of the preparatory stages of work, the most important being the 3 major engineering studies to provide the routes at Cricklade, Melksham and Swindon, with Wootton Bassett and Abingdon hot on their heels. He emphasises the heavy costs of such work and fund raising strategy needed. An important issue is the contact and relationship with landowners. Much progress has been made here. Finally there are exciting new possibilities for boating on the canal.
Cover Photo Boats and canoes on the canal during the opening ceremony of the Wiltshire Waterways Festival at Wootton Bassett.
Annual Report of the W&B; Canal Trust includes an overview of the year's activities and restoration projects.
Around the Branches reports on activities along the line. It now includes the information on Branch Officers and work parties.
What the Papers Say: A look at what the local papers are saying about our canal by Justin Guy, Group Publicity Officer
Cover Photo The completed lift bridge at Foxham demonstrating it's ability to support the combined weight of F&L; Branch Chairman, Phill Cardy, Plant Officer, George Eycott and a Land Rover ! (Luke Walker).
The Editorial points out the excellent growth in membership recently.
Reports from Around the Branches give a regular look at what is happening along the line, events, negotiations & planning, maintenance & restoration work.
What the Papers say: report on an extremely successful event organised by the Melksham branch on the K&A; Canal. Enthusiastic members are looking forward to the day when they can hold their Annual Boat Rally on a restored waterway.
The Wilts & Berks Canal company: An article by the Company Chairman, Rachel Banyard on the current activities of the Company. This company was set up to restore sections of the W&B; Canal, develop canalside amenities - such as visitor's centres, marinas, undertake sensitive restoration and development of canalside sites
Cover Photo Clearance work continues at the site of Pewsham Locks near Chippenham.
Editorial: The main subject of this section was the merger of branches. East Vale and Abingdon have now merged and further merging might take place.
25th Anniversary Celebration: 64 people including 7 founder members were at a special dinner at Marsh Farm Hotel , Wootton Bassett on Friday 4th October to celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the W&B; Canal Trust ( formerly the Amenity Group).
Partnership News mainly contains thoughts on strategy, plans, reviews & consultation and the way the Trust & Partnership work together.
Cover Photo WRG 'Newbury Working Party Group at Summit Lock on 8th Feb
Chair Chat by Tony Davy
Around the Branches; Reports from along the line. Melksham branch and members from Calne & Chippenham have uncovered locks, a dry dock and saw pit at Pewsham over the winter and are looking forward to repairs and partial rebuild of the aqueduct at Forest farm. The section above Foxham Top Lock has been rewatered and a local landowner, Ian Chatterton, is boating on the section ! Work continues at Chaddington Lock at Wootton Bassett. Comment from East Vale is that "the canal from Culham to Childrey is still very well defined. There are no really difficult obstacles which cannot be overcome when money becomes available. We are looking forward to reconnecting Wantage to the Thames"
Partnership News focuses on the 5 major studies to determine the new Canal route at key locations, in Melksham, Swindon, Cricklade, Abingdon and Wootton Bassett.
Volunteers Please: A table of events and calls for volunteers to help with the Trust's display stand on these occasions.
Looking Back from the Future; An article by Doug Small on the importance of collecting archive material.
Cover Photo North Wilts MP James Gray (left) and WBCT Chairman Tony Davy (right) accompanied by Chaloner Chute and several WBCT Directors celebrate "Emily's" journeys end at Westminter
The Annual Report includes an overview of the Trust's activities during the year and a list of restorations projects.
Work Parties Important Organisational Changes: In these increasingly litigious times, the Trust has had to re-examine the way we run our work parties By Peter Smith Restoration Director.
Partnership News; An update on the studies, reports and plans that are being undertaken.
Emily's Voyage: An account of the recent voyage of the skiff Emily, from Bath to Westminster via K&A; Canal, the restored portions of the W&B; Canal, the Cotswold Canals Junction at Lechlade and then down the Thames to the Houses of Parliament. (Including Back Cover Picture)
Tales from the workshop (or "Rust'n Wreaks 'R' Us"); A series of tales from the plant management side of the Trust by George Eycott.
Cover Photo A trail-boat seemingly emerges from under Beavens bridge, Swindon, during a 'Thank you to HLF' ceremony
Chair Chat: Various appointments are noted, including a change of Chairman at Swindon.
Partnership news: Comment is made on the present round of studies nearing its end at Abingdon. The cost of studies is noted and the assocaited fund-raising needed. 1 year and 3 year action plans are set out.
Around the Branches reposts steady progress on a number of canal structures, including the completion of Chaddington Lock at Wootton Bassett. There is the first report of the newly formed Pewsey Branch.
BBC Radio Restoration Day: Friday 12th September was chosen by local radio stations as their day to focus on restoration in Wiltshire. Details are reported
Cover Photo the south face of the River Key aqueduct, near Cricklade, on the North Wilts Canal, showing the start of the new towpath wall.
Chair Chat: Notes that the Abingdon Study Report is due in February and its finding will be fed into local plans which should protect the chosen line from development. There have also been favourable reports from Melksham and Cricklade.
Canal Ramblings: Details of a circular walk round Lacock and Pewsham.
Tales from the Workshop: Another article in the regular series about the plant management side of the Trust
Cover Photo Three-ton JCB mini-digger, Blue, on loan to East Vale from IWA brings yet another section of our beloved canal back to life near East Childrey.
Editorial: Writing of the Chippenham / Lacock circular walk recently reported, the Editor notes that there is another walk around the Bowood Calne Branch area to be reported in the next issue. The hope is to eventually publish a book of walks all along the Canal and possibly to link them to form a full length walk.
Chair Chat. Funding from major sources is getting tighter. However, there have been 2 significate successes lately. North Wilts DC voted to give the Trust £30,000 to spend on capital projects within the district. A grant has been received from the Underwood Trust towards the cost of providing office premises and admin staff to support the Trust's activities.
Partnership News; With 6 major engineering reports now complete the implementation stage is to be considered. The strategic junctions at Melksham, Abingdon, Swindon and Cricklade/Latton are favoured as those to be started with.
Around the Branches reports on activities along the line, including current restoration information. There has been a merger of Melksham and Calne & Chippenham branch
Tales from the workshop: The cards they are a changing by George Eycott
Cover Photo Tony Davy, with his wife, Juanita, at Pewsham Locks during the opening ceremony of the Chippenham-to-Lacock Cycleway.
Tributes to Tony Davy the Trust Chairman who died on 27th June as the result of a stroke, from Graham Smith (Secretary) , Chaloner Chute (Partnership Project Officer ) and Ken Oliver (Chairman Elect).
Chair Chat announces the opening of the offical Trust Office in Wootton Bassett. It also reports the decision to investigate the possibility of forming an "Environmental Committee''
Annual Report 2003-4 includes the Chairman's Report, details of restoration projects and a list of the major member bodies of the Partnership.
What The Papers Say; A new guide has been produced allowing people to trace the steps of the W&B; Canal through Melksham.
Southern Canals Conference at Calne visited 3 work sites in the Calne area.
Letters to the Editor: A snapshot in time from Martin Boyden and Do we have dragonflies on the canal ? from Jenny Stratton
The planned new canal route for Cricklade. A sketch map and commentary are presented.
Cover Photo Members of the WRG Canal Camp at Calne Town Lock, 4th to 11th September (Editor Tim Preece)
Chair Chat: The first by the new Chairman, Ken Oliver. Among other items he mentions the Swindon Southern Development area (housing) which will include the Canal, and the strategy of acquiring canal line as a priority.
Around the Branches reports on work all along the line. For example, in the Melksham , Calne & Chippenham Branch, work on the Calne town Lock has generated much interest. At Foxham & Lyneham work at 7 Locks continues as does that at Chaddington Lock in Wootton Bassett. At Cricklade work is finished on the north wall of the River Key Aqueduct and further work is planned. The Southern development area of Swindon is likely to produce millions of pounds in contributions to W&B; restoration.
British Waterways - Waterways 2025 is a document outlining BW's vision for the waterways network by 2025. It includes W&B; as one of the 18 restoration projects they wish to support over the next 20 years.
Cover Photo the recently excavated 'Hayes Knoll Lock' on the North Wilts Canal (Dave Warren).
Editorial: The Editor, Tim Preece bids farewell after 8 years and welcomes his successor, Richard Bellamy.
Chair Chat By Ken Oliver
Around the Branches continues to report activities along the line with such encouraging comments as "Hayes Knoll Lock is now ours and pushes the Canal 2 miles closer to Swindon" (Cricklade Report), and Wenow have a new section of Canal upon which we will be able to run trips on 'Poineer' during the summer, (Swindon).
Canal Ramblings 2; A Wilts & Berks Canal Circular Walk. Pewsham to Calne, compiled by Bristol Branch
Cover Photo; Chaddington Lock from bridge side. Wootton Bassett March 2005 (Peter Smith)
Partnership News speaks of future strategy including 'Flagship Schemes' ie in areas which provide key junctions and links to the rest of the waterways, allowing early traffic and visitors, and revenue streams. Chaddington Lock, which had solid Partnership funding, will be opened in April. Later a full article and pictures
Membership is now 1724
Cover Photo; Weed cutting in the Wootton Bassett stretch of the W&B; Canal (Peter Smith)
Around the Branches reports activities from all sections of the line. Bath & Bristol who do sterling work at various places. At Foxham & Lyneham work continues on Locks 3 and 4 of Seven Locks. Wootton Bassett were looking forward to the Topping out ceremony at Chaddington Lock. (An article on the same topic by Challoner Chute, Partnership Project Officer, is featured later in the edition). Cricklade reports work on the River Key Aqueduct with photographs
Walk the Wilts & Berks 2005; Following the success of the first sponsored walk in 2004, this year's walk took the same route from Chippenham to Lacock
Cover Photo; Keith, David & Rob (Foxham & Lyneham) at the tail walls of Lock 3 ( David Tarrant)
The usual 'Chair Chat' is to be replaced for the next few editions with some outlines of the Trust's 10 Year Plan. Here an overview of the Plan and an assessment of the Trust's capabilities.
Around the Branches includes details and photographs of work on Locks 3 and 4 (Seven Locks) in Foxham & Lyneham's section. Wootton Bassett report stresses the importance of maintenance on restored sections. The writer, John Bower, believes "we should not restore any section unless we can maintain it afterwards". At West Vale successful work has been done to re-build part of the collapsed Childrey wharf.
A new future for Grove & Wantage; An article about the campaign to secure canal restoration through Grove and Wantage.
Trust Short listed for £100,000 Grant by IWA; The Trust's project plan submitted is for a new junction with the Thames near Culham Cut.
Cover Photo; A photomontage of how the new junction might look where it crosses the field and enters the lake beyond the hedge. Martin Buckland and IWA Archives , Photomontage Jenny Buckland
10 Year Plan Towards Restoration 2014. The North Wilts Canal; Ken Oliver, Trust Chairman writes the second of a number of articles. which focuses on North Wilts and refers to Lottery Funding
Partnership News gives details of a bid for Lottery Funding
IWA Diamond Jubilee Grant; A short article on the New Thames Junction Proposals ( See also Map on centre pages)
2006 - 2010 (100 - 119)
Cover Photo; Double Bridge at Pewsham. Photogragher Melksham, Calne & Chippenham Branch.
From Chair to Chief Executive: Ken Oliver announces his relinguishing the Chair to take up the new post of Chief Executive of the Trust.
New Thames Junction at Abingdon; A brief article, with photographs of preparatory work for the new junction
Fundraising - What's consultation got to do with it ? An article on fundraising by Martin Buckland, Fundraising Director.
Pioneer - The Trust Trip boat at Swindon - as well as pleasure 'a splendid advert for the Wilts and Berks development'
The view from Dragonfly 1; A look back by Peter Boyce editor of the 1st Dragonfly in 1977
Our own letter from America: Another look back to the beginning of the Canal Group in 1977 by Avice Wilson, now living in the USA, but who has been a member of the Group and The Trust since its inauguration
Cover Photo; Kingshill restored section, Swindon Photographer Richard Bellamy
The editorial sums up a number of important events in the past quarter
Chairman's report; In his first report, the new Chairman, John Laverick introduces himself and calls on members to be active in anyway they are able.
Chief Executive's report; Ken Oliver explains something of his new post and outlines various plans and projects in hand. He notes the visit of the IWA Narrowboat 'Jubilee' to Canal Walk on July 4th. This is her 3rd countrywide voyage campaigning for restoration projects as part of IWA's Diamond Jubilee .
Trust welcomes Royal Patron; A short piece on the Duchess of Cornwall becoming patron of the Trust
Cover Photo; Abingdon Junction Opening with insert picture of Ribbon Cutting Photographers Graham Smith & Doug Small
Partnership News: This includes details of the Jubilee Junction celebrations and news of the progress of the Lottery bid which has reached the final stages and has already produced a £250,000 Award. a water resources report is to be produced in connection with the Lottery Bid. N Wilts have commissioned a consultation exercise to demonstrate Community support. The final Melksham report is expected in a few weeks and the route to the south and the K&A; junction is known.
Around the Branches Reports from along the line. These include from Foxham & Lyneham the completion of Lock 3 chamber (Seven Locks). An engineering study is underway which looks at the route from Chaddington Lane, past the landfill site in the Wootton Bassett area. The River Key aqueduct at Cricklade has been completed. In West Vale work is going ahead on the reconstruction of Steppingstones Bridge. At East Vale the big story is the Jubilee Junction
Cover Photo; The Canal in water at Wootton Bassett : Richard Bellamy
The Chairman's Report speaks of discussions recently held with Derek Cockrane, Regeneration Director of British Waterways. The Chairman has also had a meeting with the Swindon and Cricklade Railway which is the Trust's principal partner in the Cricklade Country Way Partnership. Looking to the future the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities have agreed to admit the W&B; Trust as an Associate Member.
A Year at Pewsham; An account of the work of the Melksham, Calne & Chippenham Branch at the section of Canal from Pewsham locks towards Reybridge near Lacock.
Cover Photo; Construction work at Purton Road Bridge, Swindon (Gary Mason )
Chairman's report congratulates all those who assisted in getting to the target of 2006 members by the end of 2006.
Around the Branches: At Foxham & Lyneham work continues on Seven Locks. In the Wootton Bassett section the spillweir at Chaddington is well on the way to completion. In Swindon reference is made to the work at Moredon "the first part of the Canal all the way from Moredon to Cricklade via the Lottery bid (watch this space)". At Cricklade work to clear the floor at Hayes Knoll Lock is under way.
Letters to the Editor. These are from writers showing interest in various aspects of the Canal acivity. They include a reader who asks for map references to sites mentioned; a young school student who would like to do his Duke of Edinburgh award working on the canal; a walker who, seeing the work at Purton Road, now wishes to become a member.
Cover Photo; 'Maiden Voyage' Jenny Stratton at Wootton Bassett Open Day (Wootton Bassett Branch)
The Reports by the Chairman and the Chief Executive both contain much comment on the recently delivered Cricklade County Way Lottery Application. The Chairman also oays tribute to recently retired Chaloner Chute, who has been project Officer for the Canal Partnership,
Easter Camp 2007: A description of the Camp which involved work at Seven locks and Steppingstones.
Bowood House Conference June 2007: Members of the Partnership met in June at Bowood as guests of Lord Lansdowne. The day was aimed at showcasing the progress of the canal along its entire length.
Cover Photo; Westleaze Swindon with a covering of weed ! (Richard Bellamy)
Chief Executive's report: Among other items this report looks at a number of proposals and projects in Swindon including the Town Centre
Abingdon has been re-activated as a separate branch
An appeal for any materials of interest to the Trust or its history
Letters to ( and replies from ) the Editor. Topics include; the Trust name; wildlife; the Canal route map; the W&B; stand at Fairford; historical points on the Canal at Swindon
Cover Photo The Bonfire Bash 2007 at Moredon, Swindon (Gary Mason)
The Editor is very positive in spite of the Lottery Bid being unsuccessful. "If anything, people are more determined to make the Cricklade County Way happen." It also mentions the reactivation of the Abingdon Branch and the opening of the Trust Shop in Regent Street.
The Chairman notes that although the Lottery bid was not successful "the £250,000 development grant shared with our partners has moved us on by a tremendous amount". Among other advances cited is the publication of the Route Selection Report for Melksham
The Chief Executive reports continuing plans for the Cricklade County Way and the recent "Bonfire Bash" at Moulden Hill officially signalling the start of the project.
Around the Branches: Melksham, Calne & Chippenham branch reminds the reader of the several hundred metres of restored Canal at Calne, where annual boat trips are held. Steady progress is being made at Seven Locks in the Foxham & Lyneham section. At West Vale good progress on the Steppingstone Bridge restoration is being made. Apart from various work activities, East Vale reports that the lease over the stretch of the Canal at Childrey has now been completed.
Making the difference to Swindon Town centre: An article by Ken Oliver, Cheif Executive, of a proposal currently being examined of a Canal route from Kingshill to central Swindon.
WRG Bonfire Bush; A description of 145 navvies working at 5 sites.
Cover Photo Anglers at Beavens Bridge (Richard Bellamy)
Pewsham benefits from growing support. Supporters contributed more than 3,000 hours of free labour in 2007. It is believed that such labour would have cost more than £35,000 if paid contractors had been used
Around the branches; Melksham, Calne & Chippenham has a piece on a visit by a ITV Crew to see the effects on the Pewsham to Lacock section which produced a "thoughtful and well balanced report" Concerns about Dunnington aqueduct at Wootton Bassett have promted work to be directed to that site. Permission for work parties at Dunnington has been granted to the end of March and some clearance work has already been done. The Swindon report includes information on the newly opened Trust Shop. East Vale gives information about 4 guided walks to be run as part of the Wantage Summer Festival.
Cover Photo Latton Basin from junction bridge. Foreground, the filled aqueduct over the Mill Leat. Background, Basin Cottage and entrance to regulating Lock ( Doug Small)
Chief Executive's Report; This includes news that District Councils in Wiltshire will be merged into a single Unitary Authority. From April 2009 Wiltshire Council will be the singe local Authority partner for the whole Canal west of Swindon. There will be a need to secure the new Council's political support. Plans and proposals for Swindon are also discussed.
Easter Camp at Steppingstone Lane bridge. A detailed description of work on the bridge.
Around the Branches: A regular look at what's happening along the line. Apart from continuing work parties, participation in such events as Melksham Carnival and Chippenham Folk Festival is described in some detail. There is also a short article on a sponsored walk from Chippenham to Lacock. At Wootton Bassett the clearance task at Dunnington Aqueduct has been completed. Progress at the spillweir continues and details of the work are given.
Cover Photo Lock 4 complete (bar the wing walls) taken from lock 3 end ( Richard Bellamy)
Chairman's Report: Includes the retirement of the Membership Director, Chris Toms later this year, and the process of choosing a successor. He applauds Eileen McEeever, the Environment Agency Representative on the W&B; Partnership, for her contribution to the success of the Abingdon Junction.
The Chief Executive writes of completions and future challenges in the restoration process. He thanks Roy Cartwright, Keith Walker and their team who have been running the information centre in Swindon, It is stressed that the new centre is about the whole Canal project, not just Swindon.
Membership is now 2103
Around the Branches: Apart from repair and maintenance work at Melksham, Calne & Chippenham there have been a number of events generating interest and publicity. Branch members have also worked at Seven Locks. Wootton Bassett have received a group of visitors from Hereford & Gloucester Canal. At Swindon there has been a grant of £10,000 for clearance of the Canal bed and tow path at Cheney manor. Cricklade have received a grant of £5000 towards restoring Hayes Knoll Lock.
Teenagers tackle canal restoration. Young Members of Melksham ATC Squadron have taken part in restoration work near Lacock, clearing undergrowth and canal bed to provide access for heavy machinery.
Cover Photo New Westleaze Bridge (Gary Mason)
Slough comes to Swindon: An article by Roy Cartwright about a visit by Slough Councillors and the Friends of the Slough Canal.
The Chief Executive's report highlights the news that in November the Planning Inspectorate published the report on the Swindon BC's Central Area Action Plan. In terms of bringing the Canal into Swindon Town centre this was a major achievement for all involved.
Seeing is Believing; An article by Roy Cartwright emphaises the importance of restored structures and parts of the Canal in establishing the credibility of restoration
My Beloved Coate Water Roy Cartwright's memories of his childhood.
Cover Photo Spring at Foxham (Ken Oliver)
The Chairman's Report gives details of Clare Guy's co-option to the Council of Management as Environment Director. Other posts under consideration are Grants & Contributions Co-ordinator and Trip Boat Development & Operations Manager.
In his report the Chief Executive notes a new opportunity for speeding up the restoration of W&B; Canal. Local Groups are to discuss the prospect of future severe floods occurring, and the Trust has been invited to join in these discussions because a restored canal could store or divert water flows.
Restoration News Part 1 Articles on completed and ongoing work with maps and photographs at Moredon Breathing Places, Wootton Bassett, (Bincknell Lane to Chaddington Lock) and Steppingstones Lane, Shrivenham
Cover Photo: Cutting the Ribbon (Justin Guy)
The Chief Executive, Ken Oliver, speaks about his role in that post which he is about to leave to become Canal Officer with Wiltshire Council.
Duchess of Cornwall's Visit. An article describes this visit at which the Duchess opened the Naish Hill Double Bridge (see also Around the Branches) There is also considerable background information on those involved in the restoration of the bridge.
Cover Image: Destination Melksham! Town Bridge, mooring at the end of the Melksham Link ( Photo John Laverick)
The Chairman's Report includes comments on the 200th Anniversary of the opening of the Wilts & Berks Canal and especially on the Melksham Link Project, of which it is hoped that the first excavation can be made in 2010. He also points out that the Trust has a new Website. 3 volunteers have offered to organise and manage trip boat operations.
The Partnership Canal Officer's Report speaks of his new post and also about the Melksham Link.
The Melksham Link - A new junction at Semington Further details in a sepaarate full page article.
Around the Branches; Melksham, Calne & Chippenham Report brings out the importance of a variety of shows in which Branch Members took part. Foxham & Lyneham continued their work at Seven Locks, at one stage with the help of a Canal Camp. Canal dredging at Chaddington has occupied Wootton Bassett workers recently. Work along the line is reported from all other Branches.
Cover Image; Trip Boats Damsel Fly and Willow at the Chippenham Folk Festival, with skipper Doug Harris and ship-mate Aaron Grant on Damsel Fly, and Martin Stubbs on Willow
Chairman's Report: This concerns the future of BW's properties. There was a tremendous early response to a petition against a government sell-off. The Government has issued a statement saying it wasn't immediately proposing to sell off BW property, but the future is still in doubt.
The Partnership Canal Officer writes about the Melksham Link, and various organisations who have recently joined the Partnership.
Trip Boat News; An article by Chris Coyle about the future of trip boats on the Wilts & berks Canal and the news that Tim Pyatt is now Operations Director for Trip Boats. There is also a call for volunteers who wish to become involved.
A BW view of the WBCT; An article by James Young ( Regeneration Manager South), substantially about BW's relationship with the Trust.
Letters to the Editor; Among these are responses to earlier comment on the importance of wildlife/biodiversity in the process of restoration
Cover Image; Work starts on creating brand new canal at Wichelstowe near Swindon
The Chairman's Report bids farewell to Clare Guy, Environment Director, and welcomes Dr David Cook as Project Director East, John Gantlett as Land Negotiations Director and Matt Allard as Communications Director (taking over from Richard Bellamy). Also, details of the Trust's Office move are given.
The Partnership Canal Officer's Report welcomes Nationwide as a member. Also mentioned are the 200th Anniversary Celebrations at Wichelstowe and Melksham Link Project. It also points out the usefulness of the paperwork done for the unsuccessful Lottery bid.
Canal days in Swindon by Dr Eric Tull. A book review by Roy Cartwright.
Waterways World article on the Wilts & Berks is reported (full article)
Around the Branches; Activites in all areas are reported. From Melksham, Calne & Chippenham, 2 successful funding bids have been made. The Branch also won 2nd place in the Wiltshire Life Community Group Award. Among activities at Foxham & Lyneham has been clearance of the Canal channel at Lower Waite Farm, while work at Seven Locks continues. In Swindon Report mention is made of the work taking place at Wichelstowe. There is also a call for helpers in the shop, now an important focal point for information on the Canal, In East Vale regular work continues at Childrey and at West Vale the Canalside Park is being well used by a variety of Groups.
Cover Image; The Trust's new boat becomes a reality
The Chairman's Report on Underwood Trust generous donation of £25000 allowing the Trust to purchase a brand new Trip Boat. A requirement to secure a green corridor right across Wiltshire, Swindon & Oxfordshire to provide a through route for a waterway, a cycleway, long distance footpath and wildlife trail. The Trust is looking for a new Environment Director.
The Partnership Canal Officer's Report Reports on the Melksham Link & the Cricklade Country Way. Speculates on funding changes after the General Election.
Good progress towards a major addition to the W&B; Trip Boat Fleet. Tim Pyatt reports.
Notice of AGM and copy of Financial Accounts for Year ending 31 March 2010
Wilts & Berks Canal revisited by Doug Small. A book review by Roy Cartwright.
Around the Branches; Activites in all areas are reported.
Retirement Ann O'Donoghue retired as Trust Administrator in July after 6 years of working for the Trust
Cover Image; HRH The Duchess of Cornwall pours the beer to name 'Dragonfly'
52 Page Bumper Issue of reports & pictures on 2 major events Firstly on 8th September HRH Duchess of Cornwall named the new Trip Boat 'Dragonfly' and also the symbolic cutting of the first sod of the proposed Melksham Link Waterway. Secondly the first ever Canal Festival in Swindon on 12th September
200 - Not Out A short resume by Doug Small, Trust Archivist, on the 200 years of the Canal.
200 Years of History A chronological Snapshort of time for the W&B; Canal by Roy Cartwright
Canalbed is cleared ready for the return of water for the first time in century Report on Progress at Pewsham.
Royal Garden Party Neil Rumpol, Vice President & Founder of the Trust, reports on his visit to Buckingham Palace
The IWA National Festival 2010 - Beale Park Report by Doug Small
Around the Branches; Activities in all areas are reported.
Cover Image; Brand new canal at Wichelstowe, Swindon (photo courtesy of Bam Nuttall)
Partnership Canal Officer's Report Ken Oliver reflects on the past year and reports on the Melksham Link and the linking of Wootton Bassett to Swindon
Whichaway to the Thames 20?? A short reminiscences on the perceived routes to reconnect the W&B; canal into the River Thames at Abingdon 1990-2008 by Geof Austin 1st part article.
Book Review English Canals Explained by Stan Yorke - Review by Roy Cartwright.
Record-Breaking result for W&B; Walk Report on the April walk from Chippenham to Lacock.
nb Dragonfly (The boat not the magazine) Mike Lang gives us an update on how our boat is faring.
The Ippey Cut What, Where and Why ? Our Archivist Doug Small provides a possible answer.
Around the Branches; Activities in all areas are reported.
2011 - 2015 (120 - 139)
Cover Image; Cleared canal at Butterfly World, between Swindon and Wootton Bassett
Reports from the Editor, Chairman & Partnership Officer.
Whichaway to the Thames 20?? by Geoff Austin. 2nd of a 2 part article describing the long history of the East End.
Dragging the Cut in the 1970's by Michael Walden All or nothing - A Proposal to WIN back Wiltshires Waterway
The WIN 'Navvy' Trophy - Does anyone know where the trophy is now ?
Boats will be back on the Wilts & Berks at Pewsham. Report and picture by Justin Guy
Cycling the Canal. Past, Present and Future by Graham Hughes
Hardware and Software helps enjoyment of Canals by Brian Roberts - IWA represenative
Abingdon Reservoir on hold - by Brian Roberts
Reports from the Branches
Situations Vacant, Maintenance Co-Ordinator, Finds Officer and Volunteer Co-Ordinator
Cover Image; Pewsham reopening celebrated in fine style by MP Duncan Hames, Mark Packard (Chippenham Arear Board), Rebecca Lamont Jiggens (Community First) and John Laverick (Photo Stephen Lewsi)
VIP Visitors celebrate return of Wiltshire's Lost Waterway Crowds of well wishers gather at the start of the sponsored walk from Chippenham to Lacock
Wichelstowe Wins Prizes in nationwide competition Waterways Renaissance Award organised by the Waterways Trust
New Exhibition at Chippenham Museum
AGM Formal notice of Annual General meeting
Around the Branches; Activites in all areas are reported.
Cover Image Uffington Wharf - A recently found picture of Uffington Wharf in the 1890's
Willow Reborn An account of the recent refurbishment of one of our trip boats by Douglas Harris
Cotswold Canals Trust Jubilee Cruise. Chris Coyle and Martin Buckland report on a historic event involving our neighbours to the north as they undertake an epic commemorative cruise.
Former Canal-side Pub is presented with original lock-gate recovered during restoration
Canal Trust invites walkers to retrace route of Melksham Waterway
Bricks - a personal view by Ken Whapples (or everything you wanted to know about bricks, but were afraid to ask)
And then there was one Doug Small reveals a fascinating new find
Around the Branches; Activities in all areas are reported.
Cover Image; Our trip boat had some very special charters over pre Christmas weekends
Sponsored Walk gives boost to Canal campaign. Walk from Chippenham to Lacock raises £1300
Trust Finances Treasurer Peter Kinsman answers questions raised at the AGM
Santa slows down and breaks the ice. Report on the very successfull Santa trips at Kingshill Swindon
The WBCT Towpath Project Tim pyatt reports on an exciting and daunting challenge
AGM Draft minutes and Notes of the "Open Forum"
Weed Clearance at Royal Wootton Bassett
Wilts & Berks canal Trust say every tree matters in the Tree Council's National Tree Week
Around the Branches; Activites in all areas are reported.
Cover Image: Top Lock at Pewsham - Plans for restoration are well in hand
Vice Chairman's Report. In the absence of John Laverick, Kath Hatton reports that HRH Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to continue to be our patron
Partnership Canal Officer's Report The Partnership will operate under the title of The Wiltshire, Swindon and Oxfordshire Canal Partnership
New Signs Retrace Route of Melksham Canal Walkers will find it easier to retrace the route of Melsham's former waterway, thanks to generous grants which provided new signs.
Book Review The Canal Pioneers - Brindley's School of Engineers. Reviewed by Chris Coyle. Copies of this book are available at the Trust Shop in Swindon.
The W&B Canal Towpath Project Tim Pyatt gives an update.
Dragonfly Successful year in Swindon Taking 700 paying passengers
Membership, 200 Club & Fund Raising News plus Letters to the Editor
Around the Branches; Activities in all areas are reported.
Cover Image: - We are proud to display the logo of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service
Chairman's Report. The Queen's Award for Voluntary service was created in 2002. It is now regarded as the highest award given to voluntary groups
Partnership Canal Officer's Report We have had to suspend work on the project to restore the canal at Butterfly World in Royal Wootton Bassett. Planning application for the Melksham Link.
Wilts & Berks Canal Trust honoured by invations to Buckingham Palace Garden Parties. Roy and Barbara Murrell. Also a party to recognise the Queen's award.
Stround on Water IWA National Trailboat Festival Report and pictures.
Success of Dauntsey Lock Open Day Waterway enthusiasts enjoyed a flood of interest when they opened up a previously hidden stretch of canal.
Notice of AGM The Bourton Club, Church St, Bourton, Swindon SN6 8HZ Saturday 20th October at 2.00pm
Around the Branches; Activities in all areas are reported.
Letters to the Editor Towpath walkers v cyclist
No 126 Dragonfly Autumn 2012
Cover Image - Lord Lieutenant Mrs Sarah Troughton presents the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to Kath Hatton
Chairman's Report - John Laverick having a heart operation and intends to stand down as Chairman of the Trust at the next AGM in October
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Swindon's masterplan ignores the opportunity to restore the canal through the town centre
Dragonfly - Fun for Children from Near and Far
Artist - George W. Puckey, 1888-1963
The WBCT Towpath Project - Tim pyatt gives an update
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
Letters to the Editor - Towpath walkers v cyclist, Congratulations on the Queens Award
No 127 Dragonfly Winter 2012
Cover Image - Dredging and footpath creation below Chaddington Lock, Royal Wootton Bassett
Vice-Chairman's Report - John Laverick accepts the position of Vice-President
Partnership Canal Officer's Report -Melksham link planning application has been submitted
Dragonfly - Trust member 002 Richard Porter takes the helm
Book review - The Wilts & berks Canal Through Time by Doug Small
The WBCT Towpath Project - Map
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
Letters to the Editor - Towpath walkers v cyclist
No 128 Dragonfly Spring 2013
Cover Image - Tim Pyatt and Lynne at the start of the very successful Sponsored Walk from Semington to Abingdon
Vice-Chairman's Report - Swindon hosts the "Southern Canals Association" meeting, including IWA & CRT
Partnership Canal Officer's Report -Job title change, Partnership role stays the same
Dragonfly - MINI plant Swindon apprentices install wheelchair lift
Canal History - "Did the boatman get his new horse?" by Doug Small
The WBCT Towpath Project - Tim Pyatt reports on a very successful event
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
Letters to the Editor - Towpath project walkers thank you
No 129 Dragonfly Summer 2013
Cover Image - Piling of the bank at Kingshill, Swindon, to prevent further damage and deterioration
Vice-Chairman's Report - Appeal to buy land at Seven Locks
Partnership Canal Officer's Report -Melksham Link slow progress
Recollections of Jack Dalby
Dragonfly - Hopeful that water leak repaired and eventual linking of Kingshill to Wichestowe
Fundraising - Four bid awards totalling £1,985
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 130 Dragonfly Autumn 2013
Cover Image - Beavers enjoying a day out on Nb Dragonfly
Vice-Chairman's Report - Successful appeal to buy land at Seven Locks. Peterborough Arms declared an asset of Community Value
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Melksham Link promotional video
Dragonfly - Search for Santa Trips
Fundraising - Donations of more than £40,000 to the Seven Locks Appeal secures the purchase of Locks 2, 3, 4 and 5
Historic Bridge - Saved for re-use crossing the W&B canal near the River Ray Aqueduct at Mouldon Hill
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 131 Dragonfly Winter 2013
Cover Image - A striking scene on the restored section below Pewsham Locks
Vice-Chairman's Report - Discussions with Wadworth about buying the Peterborough Arms
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Assemblying a Melksham Link work programme of studies required for the Environment Statement. Disappointing news at Grove, local authority unable to secure canal restoration funding from the de-velopers of the 2,500 homes
Dragonfly - Reached £3,000 in takings
Fundraising - Pledges of loans for the possible purchase of the Peterborough Arms and £30,000 feasibility grant
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
Letters to the Editor - Risky to purchase the Peterborough Arms. Grooves scribed into the edges of Bridges
No 132 Dragonfly Spring 2014
Cover Image - One of the many children who enjoyed a canal-themed day at Chippenham Museum
Vice-Chairman's Report - Started a weekly blog posted on the Trust website
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Work on the Melksham Link Economic Benefits Study is nearly completed. Studley Grange Wootton Bassett planning application is under consideration
Dragonfly - Quiet period
Fundraising - Received £7,900 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for the sharing heritage programme
Snippets from the Past - Taken from a 1872 newspaper
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
Letters to the Editor - The Future to open navigation. Wear on stonework at bridges
No 133 Dragonfly Summer 2014
Cover Image - Nb Dragonfly at rebuilt Beavan’s Bridge
Vice-Chairman's Report - Trust has reached agreement in principle to buy the Peterborough Arms from Wadworth. Board of Biffa Waste Management has agreed in principle to grant the Trust a lease on the canal that forms part of the Studley Grange landfill site.
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - The partnership is keen to get a new project manager in place for the Towpath Challenge. The Melksham Link study published by consultants Amec, shows cumulative benefits for the town of potentially up to £55m
Dragonfly - Waiting the construction of a Landing Stage at the Waitrose site
Industrial Archaeology and Archive Group - Brian Stovold starts a group
Fundraising - Submitted a bid to Awards for ll for just under £10K to run the Melksham River Festival
Melksham River Festival - 6 & 7 September 2014
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
Letters to the Editor - Dauntsey towpath access, west side no access, east side will granted when levelled. Support to increase annual subscription. Register of Projects
No 134 Dragonfly Autumn 2014
Cover Image - A busy River Avon during Melksham River Festival
Vice-Chairman's Report - Purchase of the Peterborough Arms has been completed. Melksham River Festival event marks the hundredth anniversary of the formal abandonment of the canal by Act of Parliament in 1914
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - In the last partnership meeting Local Plans for Vale of White Horse DC and Swindon BC were discussed
Dragonfly - Dragonfly was moved to the River Avon for the Melksham River Festival
Fundraising - The 2014 Grand Draw has so far raised £3,500
Melksham River Festival - Amazing weekend, many boats and volunteers dressed in costumes
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
Letters to the Editor - It was a superb and sunny day at the water Festival at Melksham. We need a map. Message from Santa
No 135 Dragonfly Winter 2014
Cover Image - The People’s Millions Cheque presentation
Vice-Chairman's Report - Working on a walking guide and progress report on work along the canal. Embarking on a Melksham Link archaelogy study for planning consent
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - In the last partnership meeting Local Plans for Vale of White Horse DC was discussed
Fundraising - £20 million needs to be raised for the Melsham Link work and for a more comprehensive development plan to include canal focused and related educational, cultural and leisure offers
History - Joseph Hewer was Swindon’s last Canal Carrier
Dragonfly - More qualified Skippers
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
Letters to the Editor - Can we have a map like the Costwold Canal Trust. AGM disappointing. I have a boat and I am able to access the canal from my back garden. Message from Santa
No 136 Dragonfly Spring 2015
Cover Image - Top Lock at Pewsham as it hasn’t been seen for many years
Vice-Chairman's Report - Two projects that we hope to see good progress on this year are Studley Grange and the Melksham Link.
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Canal Partnership reviewed recent work on the Melksham Link Masterplan, the Towpath Challenge, Swindon Eastern Villages and other strategic issues
Fundraising - Urgent Funding Appeal For The Studley Grange Project, £600,000 needed
Letters to the Editor - More detail on locations. Videos I took during 1989 and 1990 showing Calne, Foxham and Seven Locks. A mobile canal centre
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 137 Dragonfly Summer 2015
Cover Image - Dunnington Aqueduct in Royal Wootton Basset
Chairman's Report - New Chairman Roderick Bluh, former Leader of the Council in Swindon
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Unexpected delays put the start of the Studley Grange project back by about four weeks
Fundraising - Studley Grange funding has raised over £576,000 from various organisations: Viridor Credits, the Underwood Trust, People’s Millions, Inland Waterways Association, Royal Wootton Bassett Area Board and our appeal to members
Letters to the Editor - Should the canal be re-branded Wilts & Oxon Canal? I have created an interactive google map. Let us all know roughly what is going on at each site
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 138 Dragonfly Autumn 2015
Cover Image - Our Patron with some of our front line forces after the official opening of the landing stage at Waitrose in Swindon
Chairman's Report - Rod Bluh announces the appointment of Jonathan Till as interim Chief Executive
Patron HRH the Duchess of Cornwall - Comes to Wichelstowe in Swindon to inaugurate the new landing stage
Fundraising - Studley Grange project is under way, appeal for additional £25,000 now reached £13,430
Update on the Peterborough Arms - 1 year on, a small steering group has been developing strategy and detailed plans for the pub
New Chairman - Dave Maloney elected new MCC Branch Chairman
Letters to the Editor - How encouraging are the pictures of ongoing work at Studley Grange? Hugely welcome, remember that all this 'spadework' has for many years been preceded by much 'paperwork'
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 139 Dragonfly Winter 2015
Cover Image - Cover Image - Richard Hawkins of Royal Wootton Basset Branch with his digger taking out the top of the bund at Bincknoll Lane to get the water flowing again from the newly restored section at Studley Grange
Stop Press - New Year’s Honours List congratulations to John Laverick MBE. Vice-president, Wilts and Berks Canal Trust. For voluntary service to Waterways Management and Restoration
Chairman's Report - Thank you for the amazing work in 2015, lets make 2016 better than ever
Report from the CEO - Invitation to Members to apply to join the new Executive Committee, or to join the support teams and support staff
Fundraising - Studley Grange appeal stands at £16,600 and is still open to reach £25,000
Letters to the Editor - The map in Dragonfly is pretty useless. Photographs that show what is happening and with good detailed information at last! BUT, not in ‘Dragonfly’
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Partnership members are considering the latest revision to the Restoration Strategy Document recently approved by the Wilts & Berks Board of Trustees
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
2016 - 2018 (140 - 148)
Cover Image - Cover Image - WRG (BitM) Forestry (Branch) with MCC & Foxham & Lyneham clearing the bed of the canal at the A4 near Chippenham
Report from the CEO - The new organisation is in place, it's now time to focus on the business of the Trust: progressing all our projects including the major ones: Melksham Link, the Pewsham Locks, the Peterborough Arms, Studley Grange, Wichelstowe Link, and an extension to Jubilee Junction at Abingdon
Office Move - From Spittleborough Farmhouse to the Peterborough Arms
Chairman's Report - With re-organisation done, we can focus all our attention on the big task ahead of delivering miles of new canal
Fundraising - Chippenham Area Board has awarded a grant of £19,873 towards the restoration of Top Lock at Pewsham
Letters to the Editor - Don't feed the ducks bread. Waterways.co.uk offers a free map. Grey Herons in Wootton Bassett and Dauntsey
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Submitted to the Environment Agency and Local Authorities two reports suggesting use of the canal for flood relief at Abingdon and Swindon New Eastern Villages
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 141 Dragonfly Summer 2016
Cover Image - Cover Image - W&BCT at the 2016 IWA Trail Boat Festival, Staveley Town Basin on the Chesterfield Canal. Bob Airey, East Vale's WPO works the marquee early on the first day
Report from the CEO - HRH The Duchess of Cornwall has graciously agreed to extend her patronage of the Trust for a further five years. Opportunity to purchase land at Queensfield. Wiltshire Council announced that they were transferring all their land along the canal line to the Trust
Chairman's Report - The year is already half way through and so much has been achieved thus far in 2016. Long term supporter and champion of WBCT, Chris Coyle, felt he could no longer offer his commitment to our work, for personal reasons, his resignation has been accepted
Fundraising - CRT and Help 4 Heroes announced the “Heroes Return” project funded by the Post Code Lottery, which will benefit the Pewsham Top Lock restoration. We will receive £99,000 of funding and will be able to work with H4H veterans in spring 2017. A bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for approximately £850,000 has been submitted
Letters to the Editor - Hidden Gem? the restoration at Latton Basin at the junction of the Thames & Severn and North Wilts/Wilts & Berks canals. Discussions on the transfer of land from Wiltshire Council
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Discussion on the plans for the North Wilts Canal and the Chippenham Branch
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 142 Dragonfly Autumn 2016
Cover Image - Cover Image - Cheque for £200 being presented to Doug Small for attending Braunston Historic Narrowboat Rally
Report from the CEO - Started the final phase of the Studley Grange project with the aim to complete by the end of October this year. Peterborough Arms project continues to make progress largely as a result of many volunteers
Chairman's Report - Very sad news of the death of our volunteer Peter Konitzer in August on one of our worksites, the Trust expresses deep sadness and profound sense of shock at this tragic accident
Letters to the Editor - Santa looking forward to being welcoming children on board nb Dragonfly again this year
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Changes to the way the Environment Agency is conducting it's business is a challenge to have meaningful discussions without incurring significant charges. South Swindon MP Robert Buckland is currently helping to initiate meetings with EA to see how the situation might be resolved
Fundraising - Continue raising funds to pay for the Studley Grange delays and extra costs. Destination Lacock appeal is already up to £43,000
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 143 Dragonfly Winter 2016
Cover Image - Cover Image - Site of the old junction with the K&A at Semington after painting
Report from the CEO - Review of the progress since the start of the new Executive in March of this year. Studley Grange project was saved through the efforts to raise additional funding
Chairman's Report - New website launched at the AGM in October. Spring 2017 will see the final works on the Studley Grange towpath
Letters to the Editor - Malmesbury U3A engineering group, thank Malcolm Hitchinson for hosting a group to visit the Pewsham Locks Rural Heritage Site. Could the Trust create drone videos
Fundraising - Unfortunately, GWR turned down our bid for funding a new bridge on Bincknoll Lane so that we can join Chaddington to Studley. A bid has been submitted to IWA for part of the Tony Harrison legacy
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - WBCT members disappointed that Swindon BC did not feel able to support construction of the canal as part of the developers’ obligations for the New Eastern Villages
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 144 Dragonfly Spring 2017
Cover Image - Cover Image - Family and friends of the late Allan Williams plant a tree and a plaque in his memory
Report from the CEO - Progress in recruitment. The Pewsham Lock project and the Canal and River Trust/Help4Heroes/People’s Postcode Lottery connections are proving very productive
Chairman's Report - We need our Trust to be a thriving and growing Trust, all our members to join in with helping as much as you can by recruiting new members
Events Team - John Minns and Doug Small have decided that the 2016 season was their last manning the Trust stand at numerous venues up and down the country
Letters to the Editor - The Melksham Food & River Festival has a new web site www.melkshamfoodandriverfestival.co.uk
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Plan to discuss at the next meeting "how Partner organisations can be more effective"
Fundraising - Partial Retirement for Kath Hatton. We had a large share of disappointments last year, competition for grants is intense now, but we must bounce back and increase the number of applications submitted. Destination Lacock appeal has reached £55,000
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 145 Dragonfly Summer 2017
Cover Image - Cover Image - Royal Wootton Bassett branch’s newly purchased work boat
Chairman's Report - Three new Trustees from external organisations. Welcome to Susan Cooper from IWA, Cllr Fleur de Rhé-Philipe from Wiltshire Council and James Harpum from the Inclusions Project.
Report from the CEO - We have not yet reached a final settlement with the external contractors on the Studley Grange design and construction cost overruns. The Peterborough Arms refurbishment project is coming to its conclusion. It is extremely important that the Trust management makes best use of the Trust resources, this means that projects may have to wait their turn for resources
Celebration - Work was recently completed and a workboat can now travel the entire length of the canal from the bottom of the former flight of locks near Pewsham to the impressive Double Bridge near Reybridge – a distance of almost 1.2 kilometres
Dragonfly - In the past six years due to the hard work of over 100 volunteers from the Trust doing the skippering, crew, booking, publicity, present wrapping, finance and boat maintenance, the Boat had generated £18,000 profit from its operation and collected £2,000 in donations
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - Discussed in some detail ways that the Partnership could be more effective, there was no single conclusion to the discussions, the Partnership should continue in its current form to look at strategic issues, it will consider ‘mini partnerships’ that were related directly to a deliverable scheme and appropriate partners would ‘sign up’ for the duration of each of these projects
NB NONSUCH - Vic Miller donats his narrowboat "Nonsuch" to the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, it was named and launched by Professor David Bellamy as part of the official opening ceremony for the 1998 National Trailboat Festival on the Wilts & Berks Canal on Saturday, 23rd May 1998 at Royal Wootton Bassett
Letters to the Editor - Thank you for Dragonfly article "Water, water everywhere" by Stuart Fisher, I would dearly like to read other articles written in the same enlightening manner for other subject areas of the canal
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 146 Dragonfly Autumn 2017
Cover Image - Medal Winners from the raft race at the Melksham Food and River Festival
Chairman's Report - Two new Trustees, Sheila Wade who will be involvement in strategy and policy setting and Gordon Olson involved in fundraising. The Studley Grange project was finished this summer. The work at the Peterborough Arms is pushing ahead towards a re-opening
Report from the CEO - Membership appeal supported the Trust in raising significant funding to cover the cost overruns incurred on the Studley Grange project
Apology - Cllr Fleur de Rhé-Philipe was inadvertently announced as a new Trustee in the last edition of Dragonfly. Our Chair is discussing with Fleur the possibility of becoming a Trustee now or in the future, but she has made no decision at the present time.
Dragonfly - The canal just North of the bridge by Waitrose is being de-watered, to allow construction work including putting a sewer across under the canal, we managed to continue public trips until mid-September, for the rest of the year Dragonfly will will operate from the original landing stage by the bottom of Kingshill in Swindon
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - The Partnership has implemented the concept of ‘mini partnership’ working with Swindon Borough Council. This has started on both the Wichelstowe and New Eastern Villages projects
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 147 Dragonfly Winter 2017
Cover Image - Reflections on Templars Firs section
Chairman's Report - 2017 has been a year of solid progress in building our momentum for future restoration. First quarterly Open Forum evening will take place at the Peterborough Arms in Dauntsey in January 2018
Report from the CEO - I was delighted to meet and have lunch with our founder member Neil Rumbol and another long term member Chris Toms. We are in the process of reorganising the executive and introducing delivery functions to the Executive to make a clear distinction between support and delivery. Membership subscription will increase for 1 January 2018, this is the first increase in 25 years. Studley Grange work continues to recover from the errors which resulted in the extremely large cost over-run of c.£300,000
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - My role is to liaise with Local Authority Partners .. to make sure the canal restoration is taken into account in policy (like the Local Plans), .. help WBCT with planning applications for various projects, .. General publicity and public relations (including social media) on behalf of the partnership
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported
No 148 Dragonfly Spring 2018
Cover Image - Elwood and Inara Minney with their rope dragonflies - Photos from Chippenham Museum event by Claire Selman
Chairman's Report - We have been busy working to put the Trust on a stable footing for the future. We have just completed the purchase of land at Queenfield Farm near Lacock.
Report from the CEO - We believe we have taken the final steps to ensuring that we have fully funded the cost overrun on the Studley Grange and two other projects. I will be discussing with the Board of Trustees what projects should be prioritised from a funding and delivery point-of-view. New Executive Organisation Structure completed. Subscription Rates Increase effective 1 March 2018
Dragonfly - At the time of writing, Dragonfly trips will start on 31 March 2018 but will run from our Kingshill Landing Stage until the canal at Waitrose has been reopened, hopefully in mid-summer
Partnership Canal Officer's Report - The March meeting of the Partnership was cancelled due to the bad weather.
Around the Branches - Activities in all areas are reported