West Vale Branch
Projects

One of the few lengths of Wilts & Berks Canal actually owned by the Trust can be found on the edge of Shrivenham just to the east of Stainswick Lane at OS grid reference SU243883. Approximately 4 acres of land became available in 1996 and was purchased by the local Branch on behalf of the Trust. At this time the 100 metre length of canal was totally obscured having been used by the village for many years as a local tip before being covered over and abandoned to very rough pasture.

The Branch, as usual was very short of funds but was not daunted. A plan was made to dredge out the canal, use the spoil for landscaping a public park and to provide car-park, walkways and if possible a slipway. Much detailed design work was carried out with some good support from local Cranfield University personnel in their spare time. Plans were submitted to the Vale of White Horse District Council (VOWHDC) and approved in 1997. The VOWHDC were very supportive and recognising the benefit to Shrivenham such a park would bring, donated both funding and labour to carryout several of the major tasks. This included dredging the canal section, profiling the park and laying the car park and access road. This was completed by February 1998.

The Branch applied to the Inland Waterways Association (IWA) for, and was awarded, a grant to build a slipway at the corner of the car-park. This would have two functions, one obviously, as a slipway for boats in the future, the other as a drain for surface water into the canal from the car park. The IWA provided the structural design for the slipway and asked that it be built in memory of Ron Martin, a hard working member of the IWA who had recently died. They asked that a plaque be incorporated into the design and that we name the slip "The Ron Martin Memorial Slipway".

During 1998, the slip was dug out by local Branch members and, assisted by members of Kent and East Sussex Canal Restoration Group (KESCRG), foundations laid and concrete poured. The side walls were constructed by our Branch with good support from both Peter Smith and Luke Walker from other Branches at Wootton Bassett and Foxham & Lyneham respectively. This was the first major bricklaying job carried out by the Branch with everyone getting involved including Janet Mable who, whilst not the quickest bricklayer in the world, did a very commendable job on the west wall.

The park pathways were laid with membrane covered by scalpings using 100% branch effort. In an effort to minimise cost and maximise use of hired plant, the main paths were completed within one weekend which was a huge but satisfying effort. Members of KESCRG laid most of the towpath (approximately 60m) whilst laying the concrete at the slipway, with the remaining 40m completed later during the same path laying weekend.

Also in 1998, the raised areas of the park were planted with over 1300 native shrubs and some small trees thanks to a kind donation from the Great Western Community Forest project. It is worth noting that the Branch has been very successful in retaining 60% of these as fully established plants after 4 years! Additionally a local villager donated a eucalyptus tree which is now also very well established adjacent to the car park.

In 1999, the Branch raised funds to have the access road and car park edged with posts to prevent unauthorised access to the grassed areas. Chris Forward, our Working Party Organiser (WPO) manufactured and installed a steel gate in the line of posts at the car park to allow us access. A wooden notice-board was erected at this time displaying detail of how the park came into being and all those who helped. Unfortunately the local vandals took issue with the notices, although the board itself remained virtually unscathed, and removed them, breaking the Perspex cover. Although the board is still there, we limit its use to “happening now” type of temporary notice.

The park is very well used by villagers for relaxing in or just for walking the dog. Additionally it is included in the Shrivenham Circular Walk which is sign-posted throughout the village. Also, the park has been the focal point of the evening festivities during the Parish Fete weekend hosting both a BBQ and a firework display for the past 3 years.

Associated with the Canalside Park Project has been the building and incorporation of the Cemetery Path. Also, a lift bridge has been designed and gained local approval from Oxfordshire County Council Highways (Bridges) Dept. This will enable the restored section to the west of Stainswick Lane to be joined to the park section. Funding is being actively sort to enable this project. In the not too distant future, the Branch has plans (Project 2000) to incorporate the park into an extended recreational amenity.

The Branch members clean and maintain the park throughout the year, but do find that it is a great drain on our restoration manpower. Currently there are fortnightly grass cutting “evenings” during the summer with members occasionally spending a whole day during the winter when more major pruning sessions are required.