Heritage Lottery Grant will help celebrate ‘hidden gem’ of Wilts & Berks Canal

THE Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is one of the first groups in the UK to receive a Heritage Lottery Fund Sharing Heritage grant.

Sharing Heritage is a new funding programme to help people across the UK explore, conserve and share all aspects of the history and character of their local area.

Delivered in partnership with Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre, Pewsham Locks: A Centenary Commemoration will receive £7,900 to mark 100 years since the abandonment of the canal in 1914.

Melksham volunteers have been closely involved in restoring the stretch near Lacock and hope the funding will raise awareness of the charity’s work.

Events will include a series of fun activities in the museum during the February half-term, culminating in Open Days at the locks themselves on Friday and Saturday 20th and 21st June.

Kath Hatton is the Trust’s fundraising director and a member of the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch. She said, “We are delighted by the generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and look forward to encouraging interest in this hidden gem. Many people are aware of the existence of the canal but few know about the history of the locks, which once lifted narrowboats almost 29 feet on their journey between Melksham and Chippenham.

“There was a boat-building and repair business, saw-pit, carpenter’s workshop, lime kiln, dry-dock and a lock-keeper’s cottage, the remains of which can still be seen today.

“We hope the Open Days will include storytellers in period costumes, traditional music, craft demonstrations and workshops. Local primary and secondary schools will also be invited to get involved in role-play activities and challenges.

“The aim is to encourage people to learn more about their heritage and understand the significance of the site, and perhaps inspire them to join the ongoing restoration campaign.”

Nerys Watts, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West said, “Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage, and we are delighted to be able to offer this grant so that the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust and Chippenham Museum can embark on a real journey of discovery.

“Heritage means such different things to different people and HLF’s funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what’s important to them in their local area.”

For further information on the Canal Trust activities, email Kath Hatton at kath.hatton@wbct.org.uk