West
Vale Branch |
With the onset of the dryer spring and early summer weather, we have begun to see significant progress in several areas in our section. It is always good to be able to see and report progress as it provides its own rewards to our volunteers as well as highlighting to the casual observer that “those daft restoration ‘erberts seem to be getting somewhere!”
At the Canalside Park we have re-started our mid-week evening work parties in order to keep on top of the grass cutting and litter collection. Currently we have only the two petrol push-mowers working as the ride-on cutting deck main bearing failed. However this has been repaired by our Workparty Organiser and will be running at our next evening session. The tree and shrub planting that we did three years ago (doesn’t time fly!) is now really doing well with well over 60% of the initial 1300 plantings showing good growth. We have suffered a little with minor vandalism but, other than being a little annoying, has not caused too much permanent or costly damage.
The towpaths are still in good condition in most areas between Tuckmill Brook and Steppingstone Lane Bridge (SLB), although we have been asked to help the Shrivenham Jubilee Walk Committee to put a short section of “board-walk” near SLB as this low lying section of path turns into wellie-grabbing mud when we have even minor rainfall. Additionally, we have built a small footbridge across a drainage ditch near Steppingstone Lane Bridge to aid walkers on the walk. All good for local PR! The problem with the soft towpath in this area will eventually go away when we restore the original towpath on the north side of the canal in due course.
The bridleway diversion at SLB is now complete to an acceptable standard. A meeting was held at the bridge site on Saturday 4th May with the Bridleways Officer for the Vale of White Horse District Council and approximately 20 concerned members of the local community. It was agreed by all attending that the diversion was to a good standard but that the hard core sections may need to be extended when the uncovered sections cut-up in wet weather. The Branch have agreed to extend the hard core at a convenient time during the summer. It was also agreed that when there was actual work in progress on the site, red flags would be flown that could be seen from a good distance when approaching from Bourton or Station Road, to give clear warning to horse riders. We were exceptionally pleased to open the new route during the meeting, when two conveniently passing riders directed their mounts along the diversion. The extant bridleway route will remain open for the time being allowing riders the choice.
We are now able to start on excavating the remains of the bridge itself. The first May workparty was attended by the usual half dozen stalwarts but despite this small number, good progress was made. We began the pumping out of the area between the dam to enable us to “dry-out” the invert. Unfortunately our (very-very old) 3 inch pump gave up after only 30 minutes leaving our much smaller but more reliable 1 inch one to carry on. This did manage to lower the depth by over a foot during the day but we all agreed that a bigger, more reliable pump will be needed for the duration of the restoration. By careful hand digging and even more careful use of the mini-digger we found and cleared the north-western wing wall complete with end buttress. We were surprised and pleased with good condition, which we verified by digging down a test hole of about 3 foot. For those with Internet access please visit our web pages at “http://www.westvalecanal.fsnet.co.uk” and see the results of our efforts.
Finding the wing wall on the north-eastern side was more difficult as it was not really obvious as to where it was. Before starting we had to battle to remove a gatepost made from the base of a telegraph pole without damaging the structure of the bridge. The size of member Richard Breese made the result of this contest a foregone conclusion and with only a little help from Orph Mable, Richard was triumphant. The wing wall was eventually located and excavation began. What a great surprise, the wall condition was, if anything, better than that of the north-western one. The end buttress and the lower 4 foot or so of the actual arch still remain! All very satisfying.
We intend to increase the number of work parties through the summer and accordingly held our second May work party on the last weekend of the month. Although only a “workforce” of four volunteers were available we achieved much. The south-western wall was found but tree roots made it very difficult to excavate. Phil Large and Chris Forward struggled with the mud and roots but eventually most of the wing wall was visible. Although the brickwork does not seem to be as good as that to the south, it is still there and includes some of the arch. In preparation for the Shrivenham Jubilee Walk, Orph Mable strimmed the towpath and placed duck-boards over the two “wellie traps”. Meanwhile Chairman Alan Norris erected our flag pole (for the warning flag) and removed some over hanging willow branches.
On the planning front, our back-room team have submitted planning applications for the Tuckmill Brook culvert (aqueduct!) and for “change of use” (Agricultural to Leisure and Recreation) for the canal bed and towpath between the Canalside Park and Tuckmill Brook. We hope to hear the results of these before the end of June. Unfortunately we still have no results on gaining the leases which have been “on-going” now for well over a year. Still we soldier on. If anyone feels like helping out in any area whether it be digging or writing, please contact the Branch Chairman or Work Party Organiser.Orph Mable - Branch Project Co-ordinator
You are visitor