A POPULAR local pub will be raising money to help Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, which is moving ahead with plans to build a new canal through Melksham.
Paul and Georgia Maloney at the Bell Inn, Lacock, decided to fundraise for the charity after learning more about its history through Paul’s father Dave, who is chairman of the Trust’s Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branch.
Paul, who has been manager of The Bell for more than ten years said, “This is our first year as leaseholders of the pub and we wanted to support a charity with a local connection.
“It would be superb if we could see the Wilts & Berks brought back to life. Everyone likes to sit in a beer garden next to a canal, watching the boats slowly passing by.
“It would also make Lacock even more popular with tourists, boosting the local economy.”
The decision also links in with the history of the pub as its address is ‘The Wharf’ – a reference to how the former row of cottages was once located near the canal before it fell into disrepair and was filled in.
The Bell has previously supported several good causes, including the RUH Forever Friends Appeal and Barnardo’s.
Paul and Georgia hope to tap into that goodwill and are already considering several fundraising events including a beer festival, classic car show and regular quiz nights.
Dave Maloney has been chairman of the local branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust since last year.
He said, “We’re delighted that The Bell has chosen us as its charity of the year and we hope the partnership will be a huge success.
“Our volunteers have already restored a significant stretch of the waterway between Lacock and Pewsham in the north, and we’re currently seeking planning permission for the ‘Melksham Link’ from the Kennet & Avon Canal to the River Avon in the south.
“We hope it would then simply be a matter of time before these two pieces of the jigsaw are joined together at Lacock, providing a wonderful new link between Melksham and Chippenham.”
For further information on supporting the local branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, email dave.maloney@wbct.org.uk or visit www.wbct.org.uk
