West
Vale Branch |
Currently our monthly work parties are continuing to concentrate on recovering the towpath between Station Road and Steppingstone Lane Bridge. Most of the shrubs and small willows have been removed and we have identified the original line in several places, although covered by about six inches of water! It seems as though the current water level is a little high! We expect to complete the clearance work before the end of March thus avoiding the birds spring nesting.
Nothing further to report on the restoration of Steppingstone Lane Bridge as there has been no response from Oxfordshire Highways (Bridges) Dept at the time of writing. We are hoping for a response soon to enable us to make progress in the summer.
I am pleased to report that we have made a little progress on obtaining the lease for the section that includes the canal (north side only) between the Canalside Park, Savernake Brake and Tuckmill Brook crossing. At the time of writing, a term of 25 years with a sensible cost per metre of canal has been agreed. It is hoped that all the formalities can be completed by 1st April 2004 (“All Fools Day”!).
The Branch held an open Quiz Night in Shrivenham Bowls Club on the 28th February that was very well supported by the local villagers with seventeen tables of four competing for the firsts prize of £20. The ploughman’s supper that was included was enjoyed by everyone judging from comments received and our Bowls Club hosts have invited us to repeat the event next winter. The resulting £160 into Branch funds shows how worthwhile these events are. We took the opportunity to distribute membership leaflets and talk “canals” at every opportunity.
To keep abreast of the progress at Steppingstone Lane Bridge and other aspects of our branch activities please visit our web-site at www.westvalecanal.fsnet.co.uk . If anyone feels like helping out in any area whether it be digging or writing, please contact the Branch Chairman or Work Party Organiser or attend our monthly meetings at Shrivenham Bowls Club.
Orph Mable - Branch Project Co-ordinator
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