Our
main effort over these last weeks has been concentrated on surfacing the Cemetery
Path with scalpings. Chris Forward, our WPO [Work Party Organiser], calculated that we needed
rather a lot and 80 tons were duly delivered and deposited on the Canalside
Park carpark. We set aside a whole weekend to complete the work and hoped
for dry weather. Two small dumpers were hired to augment our own mini-digger
and whacker plate. Our plans called for these dumpers to be continually
moving delivering the scalpings to the path site if we were to complete
during the weekend. Although we had a very good turnout, including new
“navvy” John Tovill, from our Branch, the elements were against us and
the rain prevented us finishing the path. With only about 15 metres left
unfinished, we will have to spend a further work party on it in the New
Year. [08/02/01: The path is now complete! RB]
A lot
of time has been spent putting together our plans and proposals for the lift
bridge at Stainswick Lane. The main focus has been to submit an application
in October to the IWA for one of
two grants available. Our project had already got to the “short list” so
we were very hopeful. The application that was produced was very detailed
and included a topographical survey and preliminary engineering designs from
Babtie Ltd as well as many pages of
description and justification. It took several long sessions at the PC (and
not a shovel in sight - this restoration lark is somewhat varied!) to
produce it in a relatively short time. Unfortunately we have just been
notified (end of November) that we have been unsuccessful. If our effort is
anything to go by the Droitwich
Barge Canal and Wendover
Arm teams really deserve their grants. (We were in good company!) Well
done to them! The good work that has
been put into the application will not be wasted however, as we are now
researching other avenues of funding to make this lift bridge project
happen.
We are
now in the throws of submitting a Planning Application to cover our
proposals for the Stainswick Lane to Tuckmill Brook section. This again
takes lots of behind the scenes paperwork. We seem to be getting lots of writing practice just lately! This
should complete the planning jigsaw for the Shrivenham sections so we can
look forward to more physical work in the future.
On a more social note, I am pleased to
report that West Vale retained its premier position in the Annual Skittles
Challenge between West Vale, East Vale and Abingdon held at The Plough,
Longcot, in November. Not only did we win the Boat Trophy for the third year
but Graham and Amber Banks, father and daughter, won highest scoring man and
lady! For those readers with long
memories and wonder if George Eycott performed to his usual "high”
standard, I can confirm that he was again lowest scorer.
Keep trying George!
Happy New Year everyone, keep digging!
Orph Mable