Popular open days on a former waterway between Melksham and Chippenham have helped to raise £1,893 in donations towards its ongoing restoration.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust hosted a series of monthly events at Pewsham Locks, north of Lacock, from May to October this year.
Visitors could enjoy a pop-up café at the wharf, tours of the worksite and wildlife habitats and boat rides along the stretch that has already been rebuilt.
The open days were organised by the charity’s Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branches. Spokesperson Brian Wright said, “It was great to see so many people visiting the locks and wanting to learn more about the restoration campaign.
“They were fascinated by the tours of the dry dock and carpenter’s workshop, which are currently being rebuilt, and our plans for the flight of locks and the lock-keeper’s cottage. They were also keen to understand how it would fit in with the wider restoration of the canal, including the Melksham link to reconnect with the Kennet and Avon Canal.
“The pop-up café was a huge hit, and the boat passengers enjoyed lots of local wildlife including kingfishers, herons and swans. People are definitely keen for us to arrange another series of open days next year.”
The start of each event also included exclusive boat rides for local charities and community groups. Organisations can register an interest in booking trips for next year’s events by emailing brian.wright@wbct.org.uk.
The dates for the 2025 open days will be advertised at www.wbct.org.uk/mcc-events and on the Trust’s social media pages.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust aims to restore the waterway from the Kennet and Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames and Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
For more information, visit www.wbct.org.uk.
