West
Vale Branch |
We have been busy at Steppingstone Lane Bridge during September as those who walk or ride past will have seen. At the time of writing this we have completely cleared away the in-fill from the northern bridge base. This has brought to light two or three feet of the inside arch which for the most part appear sound although the outer skin of bricks at the north-western corner are in poor condition and loose. The towpath through the bridge has been uncovered but the canal “invert” has yet to be cleared and is currently still filled with the two foot diameter culvert pipe. Removing this pipe and the concrete end supports should prove “interesting”.
I am also very pleased to record that we have received a very kind donation of £300 which when coupled to the Gift Aid returned tax has enabled us to purchase a new 3 inch pump. This pump has made short work of the standing water between the two dams at the bridge site. It certainly made a remarkable change from using our very ancient diaphragm pump.
Under normal circumstances we would expect to have the bridge arch fully cleared by the end of October before the onset of winter, but this year several of our volunteer stalwarts are taking late holidays and we expect slower progress……..unless we get a sudden rush of new blood! Several people have shown an interest when passing the site, so why not go the whole hog and get involved in this very rewarding project.
For more information or to volunteer assistance please come along to one of our meetings held in the Shrivenham Bowls Club, Martens Road, on the second Wednesday of every month at 8 p.m. You will be made very welcome. For those with a computer and Internet access please visit our Branch Web Site at www.westvalecanal.fsnet.co.uk.Orph Mable - Branch Project Co-ordinator
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