The good weather during
March has been a real bonus to everyone, especially towards our canal
activities. Although we have had to spread our efforts over a few places, we
have achieved a considerable amount. Hopefully this will carry on throughout
the summer.
At the time of writing
this (mid-March), we have managed to carryout about 350m of hedge pruning
from Tuckmill Brook towards Stainswick Lane. Hopefully we will complete this
section before the end of March, thus being well clear before the birds
start to build their nests. This section of towpath is now enjoyed by many
walkers but I must remind everyone to use only the Cemetery Path, Canalside
Park and the towpaths. All other areas are private property and must not be
accessed without permission.
At Steppingstone Lane
Bridge, one of the concrete end-walls that supported the culvert pipe has
been broken up and removed. The eastern one should quickly follow in the
near future. The Bridge invert has been cleared of the concrete
“capping” and infill leaving the brickwork open to inspection. We have
uncovered the stop-plank groove on both sides of the invert, one side even
had some wood remains in it! Some of the rubble and infill has had to be
deposited in the western lagoon as a temporary measure to allow our small
excavator into the bridge “ole” itself but this will be removed in the
future.
On a different note, I
have to report that we have suffered a little from wanton vandalism
(again!). Several young saplings on the Canalside Park entrance have been
broken down, just when we thought that they were starting to show good
growth. We were also unfortunate to have two cars abandoned in the park
recently. These have been removed by the Vale of White Horse District
Council but I fear that in the future we may be charged for this service.
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.org.uk.
Orph
Mable - Branch Project Co-ordinator