Free talk on local restoration of Wilts & Berks Canal

Local volunteers are inviting people to learn more about their ongoing restoration of a former waterway between Melksham and Chippenham.

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is making progress at Pewsham Locks in the countryside north of Lacock, with several new structures due to be completed in the coming months.

The charity will showcase its achievements at a free talk on Tuesday 18th November at the Rachel Fowler Centre from 7.45pm, followed by a break for refreshments before the regular meeting of the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the trust.

The public are welcome to listen to the hour-long presentation and leave during the break or stay to chat to the volunteers.

The talk will be given by Semington resident and branch chairman Howard Wilson and illustrated with various photographs of local work parties, construction projects and environmental schemes.

Howard said, “While we wait for approval of the ‘Melksham Link’ to connect the Kennet & Avon Canal with the historic line of the Wilts & Berks Canal north of the town, we’ve been busy working on the stretch it would eventually join near Lacock.

“The presentation will focus on Pewsham Locks, which includes a flight of three locks which once lifted narrowboats almost 30 feet, as well as more than a mile of restored waterway together with a wharf, towpath, bridge and other structures.

“We’ve made rapid progress over the last year. We’re nearing completion of the carpenter’s workshop and dry dock – which includes lots of roof tiles sponsored by Melksham residents – and we’ve almost finished construction of a new bridge across the top lock.

“Thanks to the generous support of donors and corporate work parties, we’ve also established a new wildflower meadow, woodland and wildlife habitat at Naish Hill.

“I’ll end the evening by talking about some of our plans for the next few years, followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

“We hope people will enjoy learning more about the charity and perhaps be inspired to join our campaign. New members are always welcome.”

The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.

For further information on joining the branch, email howard.wilson@wbct.org.uk or visit www.wbct.org.uk

Pictured: Howard Wilson alongside the restored section of the Wilts & Berks Canal between Melksham and Chippenham