IN THIS ISSUE 124 November 1985 Contents Front pictures Comment - New   Members Start Here Cover pictures info Working Parties Public Meetings New Members Visit to K & A Diary Speakers' Corner 85/86 Sales List Social Jottings Letters More on Greywell Bats 1976 0n the canal Greywell Tunnel   Inspected Deepcut Contracts Fund Raising Society hosts Council   cruises Work Camp '85 Gongoozlers' Gossip Contact the Society

.     No. 124November 1985 1 2 Inside front cover -- 1,2 3,4 5,6 Comment - NEW (AND NOT SO NEW) MEMBERS START HERE I am taking the liberty of using this column to express a few personal words of appreciation. To mark the occasion of my recent marriage, fellow directors of the John Pinkerton trip boat Company presented my wife, Sonia, and I with a fine painting of Sandy Hill Bridge by Terry Harrison, a local artist who is fast gaining a reputation for capturing the atmosphere of the waterway. The gift came as an unexpected and greatly appreciated surprise. To all who contributed, we should like to say 'thank you', for your generosity and the kind thought. One of the underlying attractions of becoming an active member of the Society is that you have the opportunity of meeting a good number of people with at least one interest in common. And as you get to know fellow members better, you may find other areas of mutual interest. The Society is the source of making many new and interesting friendships. I make the point because the last few Newsletters have seen a welcome surge in membership which now numbers over 2,000 once again. Many of you will have joined because of the persuasive powers of Chris (and Janet) Brazier, our membership Secretary! Others will have signed on simply to demonstrate your support of the Society's efforts to complete the restoration of the Basingstoke Canal, and that is appreciated. Some other new recruits may also be willing to become actively involved and we hope you'll make yourselves known. Working Party volunteers, jumble sale organisers, social events secretaries, committee members, public speakers, publicity and promotional experts, sales people, administrators, typists, professional consultants in a variety of fields — the list of skilled and unskilled jobs is endless. So whatever time you can afford will be welcomed. If you want to join working parties, choose from the sites listed, turn up and ask for the leader. The dredger crew in particular is in need of more recruits working the steam dredger at Crookham; steering mud barges and off­loading, operating the dragline crane. If inside jobs suit you more, we currently need social events organisers in Fleet and Woking and for the vital job of Treasurer, which would suit a retired book-keeper or accountant. If you are uncertain who to contact, but would like to offer your services, for a specified or unspecified job, contact the 'Newsletter Office' - address on the back page. [back to top] EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE From time to time the Chairman complains (politely) that the buck stops with him if someone disagrees with something expressed in the Newsletter. Whilst no policy has ever been laid down, the editors have assumed a degree of independence within the framework of the Society's fundamental objectives. This means that we would not write something which might detract from promoting restoration of the canal, and the Society's part in the project, but we do feel free to comment on the way the Society is run or operates. So, spare the Chairman - we give him a hard enough time! But please let us have your thoughts and comments for other members to share, such as you'll find in this issue. [back to top] PHOTOGRAPHS FRONT COVER (Top) Passengers disembark from the John Pinkertan at Deepcut lock 15 at Pirbright Bridge after the first descent of the flight of 14 locks by a commercial boat for almost 40 years. (Bottom) A dramatic new photograph of Greywell Tunnel, on the approach to the eastern entrance, during a recent engineering inspection which confirmed the brickwork generally to be in good order but did not reveal any bats. INSIDE PAGE. Summer Work Camp at St Johns, Woking (Top left) Rebuilding a wing wall at Lock 7. (top right) The Camp organisers, Ken Parish (K & ESCRG) and Mike Fellows (SHCS). (Centre left) Concreting Lock 7's invert (Centre right) Casting a hollow post into which the lock gate is seated. (Bottom left) Building lock gates in the Deepcut workshop. (Bottom right) Pile driving steel sheets for bank protection between Locks 10 and 11. (Photographs: Geoff Halliwell (Greywell Tunnel), Clive Durley and Dieter Jebens). LATE NEWS: The Society has just received its first overseas order for 'Basingstoke Canal Restoration'. 100 copies have been airmailed to The Canal Captain's Press, 103 Dogwood Lane, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey 07922, USA. The Society has given the publisher, Bill McKelvey (Vice President of the American Canal Society) exclusive distribution rights in the US and Canada. His telephone number is (201)464-9335. [back to top] WORKING PARTIES and Progress - Peter Cooper Another summer season of canal restoration has come and gone, and the job has progressed that much further. Work will continue through the winter, frost and snow permitting. A fully restored canal is now becoming clearly foreseeable, so there is more incentive than ever to come along, join in, and help give the final push that will get the job finished. The working parties operating are listed below. It is usually as well to contact your working party leader a few days before attending, in case of last-minute changes of plan; this is particularly true around Christmas, as it is impossible when these notes are written (September, in this case) to know exactly which parties will operate over the Christmas period. St Johns (or Goldsworth) Flight Every weekend The restoration of these locks has received a considerable impetus from the recent work camp, on top of the efforts of regular working parties. Lock 9 is now almost completed; the main job remaining is the rebuilding of the upper recess walls, with a few finishing touches (bollards, quadrants, etc) to be done. At Lock 8 the lower hollow posts have been installed and the base of the first chamber wall has been laid. But the biggest changes have been at Lock 7; the flank walls have been rebuilt, the lower halves of both chamber walls have been completely repointed, the chamber floor has been concreted, and the top cill is partially rebuilt. This means that most of the jobs "below the waterline" are completed on this lock. Lock 7, with a pound of water below it, requires pumping out before being worked on, so it is only practicable to work there when a fairly large group of workers is present. So this lock will now tend to be worked on by large groups, while smaller groups will tend to work more on Locks 9 and 8. But these are not hard and fast rules, and working parties will find themselves set to work on whichever lock is deemed appropriate at the time. So there is no longer any point in specifying individual locks when quoting planned dates. The coordinator of the volunteer work on this flight is MIKE FELLOWS on Wokingham 787428, and for further details you should contact him, or one of the working party leaders listed below. The St Johns roster is: — (PJ) (PR & KH) 2/3 November 9/10 November 30 November/1 Dec 7/8 December 28/29 December 4/5 January (JW) (EC) 16/17 November 23/24 November 14/15 December 21/22 December 11/12 January 18/19 January JW - Jules Wood - Farnborough 515737 PJ - Peter Jones - Aldershot 313076 PR - Peter Redway - Woking 21710 EC - Edwin Chappell - Ashtead 72631 KH - Ken Halls - Woking 23981 In addition, the party led by ALAN GRIMSTER (Brookwood 6127) will meet on 10 November, 8 December and 12 January. As before, volunteers who wish to share accommodation with a visiting group are welcome to do so, and should contact MIKE FELLOWS to make arrangements. Dredging in Hampshire Every weekend The dredger is now clear of the Hart Embankment, and over halfway from Coxmoor Bridge to Chequers Bridge; the crew hope to reach Crookham by Christmas. The dragline has now moved to a new dump site by the Hart Embankment. The team have been joined by some new recruits, but could still do with some more. For further details contact ANDY STUMPF on Chesham 785720 or BRIAN BANE on Hook 3627. Lock 4 (Woodham) Second weekend of the month - 9/10 Nov, 7/8 Dec, 11/12 Jan. This party have now laid the first courses of their second chamber wall, and will be continuing work on this wall for the next few months. Further details from PABLO HAWORTH on Byfleet 42081. Lock 1 (Woodham) Third weekend of the month - 16/17 Nov, 14/15 Dec, 18/19 Jan. The coping stones have now been replaced on the second chamber wall, so both these walls are now finished. Work continues on the bottom wing walls and flank and return walls, and the hollow posts will be cast soon. For further details of this party, which operates under the auspices of the Guildford branch of the IWA, contact DICK HARPER-WHITE on Weybridge 42074 or ROY DAVENPORT on 01-979-7075. Lock gate building These working parties are continuing to build further gates, for whichever lock requires them. Dates and leaders are:— 2/3 Nov, 7/8 Dec, 4/5 Jan - FRANK JONES on Deepcut 835711 (workshop) or Camberley 28367 (home). 24 Nov, 22 Dec - ALAN GRIMSTER on Brookwood 6127. Towpath Work First Sunday of the month - 3 Nov, 1 Dec, 5 Jan, 2 Feb, 2 Mar. Peter Jackman has offered to take over the leadership of bankside working parties in Surrey and these will start on Sunday November 3rd. This is unskilled work, mainly on the towpath, and is suitable for volunteers of all ages, especially family parties. Wear old clothes,including boots and gloves. Tools are provided. Bring your own lunch. The aim to to get good sized working parties and really make inroads into the dense undergrowth that still requires to be cleared on parts of the towpath in the Woking area. As well as being essential work, they are good fun as well, with lunchtimes round the bonfire. Meet MONUMENT BRIDGE, WOKING but always check with PETER JACKMAN on Woking 72132 to confirm details first. Weekday Navvying If you are free for a few days (or even longer) to work on the canal during the week, then you should contact FRANK JONES on Deepcut 835711 (workshop) or Camberley 28367 (home), and he will be happy to put you to work. Full-Time Team The Society's full-time team,having finished work on the Deepcut Flight, are now tackling the remaining works on Locks 14 and 13 at Brookwood. This mainly involves building the remaining gates, and fitting the full set of gates. They have finished this work on Lock 14 and have now moved onto Lock 13. Other people have also been at work in ihe area. A NACRO scheme sponsored by Surrey County Council have begun work on Lock 12, the bottom lock on the Brookwood Flight, by the road bridge; a party from Toe H did some of the piling work at St Johns; and the County Council have been inspecting the culverts below Lock 12, with generally favourable results. [back to top] PUBLIC MEETINGS TO BOOST SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP The Marketing Group (Newsletter 112) has devised a logotype to promote our planned 1988 target for completing restoration and re-opening the canal. The logo will feature at a series of three public meetings, The first will be held at the Chernocke Hall in Fleet's Civic Centre on Wednesday, 20th November starting at 8.00pm. The nest meeting will be held at the Centre Halls, Woking on Tuesday, 3rd December at 8.00pm, and a third meeting will be held in Ash Vale next February. The purpose of the meetings will be to promote the Society's voluntary work, increase support and recruit new members. Exisiting members will be welcome too. Arthur Dungate's audio-visual slide show will be screened and a panel of experts will be on hand for an 'Any Questions" session. Plus the sales stand, exhibition photo display and membership stand. So come along and support your Society. Welcome to New Members Mr P. Hardyman - Woking James Caiger - Church Crookham Cranbourne School - Basingstoke MrP.G.Barfoot - Basingstoke Mr Bert Gregory - Havant Peter Jackman - Send Mr D. Bishop - Ash Vale Mrs M. Sadler - Frimley Mrs D.M. Binning - Farnborough Mr & Mrs M.Laishley - Cosham Mr & Mrs J.E.Tudgey - Farnborough Mrs A.H. White - Crookham Mr & Mrs S.Bristow - Addlestone Chris & Don Faulkner - Ash Mr & Mrs Peter Collins - Basingstoke Sue & Kim Taylor - Blackwater David Comens - St Johns Miss S.M.Keene - Fleet Mr J.W. Noble - Farnham Mrs R.K.Casson - St Johns Martin Phillips - Poole Margaret Olive - West Byfleet Mr & Mrs F-D.Boettcher - Woking Mr & Mrs T.W.Neale - Farnborough Mr & Mrs Ireland - St Johns Mr & Mrs Culshaw - Woking Mr & Mrs L.E.Stevenage - Fleet John Fraser - Farnborough MrsJ.M.Fifield - Alton Mr R.W. Brown - Farnborough Martin Turner - Farnborough Mrs P. Jacobs & Family - Fleet Mr & Mrs W.A. Thompson - St Johns Mrs J. Sayers & Family - Alton Mr David Terry - Walton-on-Thames Miss Susan Moore - Claygate Dr & Mrs BP.Mullins - Farnborough Alistair Grant & Family - Ash Vale Mr & Mrs Paget - Farnborough Mr J.A. Erskine - Woking Trevor Denham - Woking Mr & Mrs C.F.FIetcher - Sunbury-on-Thames Mrs V.J. Moxley - Ash Vale MrC.I.Doubell - Farnborough Mr & Mrs R.G.Cox - Fleet Mr Neil Thompson - Farnborough New Life Members Sir James Scott - Alton Mr & Mrs R.G.Ellen - Farnham Mr & Mrs R.L.SpaWing - Woking Miss E. Carling - Alton Charles Meyer - Coulsdon [back to top] Awayday Visit A VISIT TO THE RENNET & AVON - Len and Christine Butler On Saturday 13th July two coaches left Fleet at an early hour bound for the Kennet and Avon Canal. The planned trip had proved so popular that Rosemary and David Millett had organised the party into two groups and one coach headed straight for Bradford-on-Avon to join the NB Ladywood at the Wharf for the outward journey to Bath. The other group stopped off at Devizes to visit the Caen Hill Flight of Locks. A few people stayed in the coach and explored part of the town but most walked up the flight from Marsh Lane Bridge to meet them at Devizes Wharf. Not far up the flight we passed the old clay pit where the gault clay used for making bricks to construct the canal was obtained. Some of the old buildings still remain. A quarry was being worked here until a few years ago. The British Waterways Board has completed patching and repointing work to the lock-chamber walls. However, this may not prove adequate as we noticed several leaks where water had seeped behind the lock wall and had found weak spots to spurt through, ready to dampen future boaters. Galvanised steel top-gates have been fitted and some have their crooked balance beams attached which look somewhat out of place. Their shortness could make operating the gates more of an effort. On the few gates that have been painted the paintwork is already chipped and tatty. All in all, traditional wooden gates would have been so much better but at least the flight will be usable again eventually, when enought money has been raised to pay for the tail-gates. Footbridges are being installed to cross the locks and these are being financed by various organisations. Some have brass plaques on the wooden parapet to show who had paid for them. All the 17 locks in the Caen Hill Flight have side-ponds but the rest of the Devizes Locks are built further apart and the ponds between them are wider than usual to store as much water as possible, so side ponds are not necessary. These locks have wooden gates and look very attractive with white paint and grassy banks. The magnificent view from the lock cottage at the top of Caen Hill Locks was rather obscured by the mist that shrouded the high land that morning but it was still a beautiful place. The local British Waterways main-tenence yard is situated behind the cottage so there is a decent road up to it and someone has had the brilliant idea of providing special places for disabled anglers along the canal bank by this road, with wooden planks against which wheelchairs can be safely parked. We walked on up the flight to visit the Canal Inform­ation Centre on Devizes Wharf. A row of galleried ware­houses have been refurbished to provide small shops and offices and a museum has been opened on the first floor by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. The display shows the history of the canal and how it was planned and built and is very informative. A large warehouse alongside the canal has been converted into a theatre and the whole area looks attractive. The coach met us at the wharf and we continued our journey in brilliant sunshine, reaching Bath soon after 11 am. The party then split up as we had time to wander round and admire the beautiful Georgian architecture or visit a museum or the shops before meeting up again to walk along the canal towpath to meet the trip boat. The weather was glorious as we strolled past the Pump Room and Abbey and down to the riverside gardens near North Parade Bridge. As it was the 'Britain-in-Bloom' festival week the flowerbeds looked especially splendid and a display bed had been constructed with small rock plants and house leeks in the shape of Paddington Bear and a Steam Locomotive to commem­orate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Great Western Railway. After a hot walk beside the River Avon and an even hotter climb up the Widcombe Locks on the Kennet and Avon we met our other group on the NB Ladywood at Sydney Wharf at exactly 130pm; However, finding somewhere to board the boat was not easy as the usual landing stage was demolished last year when a lorry crashed on the road bridge and fell into the canal. Luckily the trip boat which was usually moored there had been moved a few hours earlier! If the lock-keeper had not been at lunch the boat could have descended the locks to the winding hole down the flight. Not wanting to wait the crew decided to reverse the boat back to the winding hole at the Wharf after disembarking the other group and loading us and our lunches on board just above the top lock. Winding proved tricky but the manoeuvre was even­tually completed without mishap, just as another trip boat hove into view. We proceeded under the splendid iron footbridges crossing the canal as it passes through Sydney Gardens, and through two short tunnels, one of which goes under Cleveland House which was once the offices of the canal company. As we emerged from the second tunnel into the sunshine the views across the city were magnificent and these continued until the canal turned right at Bathampton towards Claverton and the water-powered pump house. The boat made slow progress as the canal became shallower and very weedy. This made the interior like an oven as the large window at the bows could not be opened to let in cooling fresh air. At least there was an electric fan but on such a hot day this was not sufficient. The brief stop to let people off for a walk came as a great relief and most of our party decided that it was time to stretch their legs on the towpath. We all stopped at Dundas Aqueduct to admire the view down into the valley and the unusually ornate stone-work. Where the canal bends sharply to cross the aqueduct the derelict Somersetshire Coal Canal joins the Kennet and Avon Canal. The lock cottage at the junction changed hands recently and the new owner, Tim Wheeldon, is constructing a basin for boats just beyong the first lock on the old canal. He has excavated the stone-sided lock chamber to use as an entrance channel. It is in remarkably good condition considering it was entirely buried under the garden of the cottage for years. Tim was hoping to open the basin to boats by August. The next section of canal at Limpley Stoke curves along the side of a wooded hill and has always been notorious for leaks. It has now been lined with concrete and stone. Earlier this year it was dry for several months because of another leak. BWB had problems finding exactly where the water was going until Mike Corfield of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust solved the mystery. He searched through the old plans and records of the original construction in the archives. The hill contains deposits of Fullers Earth which expands when saturated with water and is unstable. To avoid this soil being washed down in to the canal the engineer had constructed a system of drains to take rainwater running off the hill safely away under the canal. Water was leaking into one of these drains through a hole in the bed of the canal. BWB found this hole and repaired it thanks to the research work and the section was re-watered a week or two before our excursion. It was due to be closed again shortly after for the installation of back-pumping equipment. After crossing Avoncliff Aqueduct we approached the lock at Bradford-on-Avon, passing an ancient Tithe Barn that stands beside the canal. It is huge with stone walls and roof. The lock looked very attractive with white paintwork and the old wharf buildings beside it. As the water rushed into the wide lock the boat was buffeted from side to side and we discovered the reason for the fixed window at the bows - we could have got quite wet had it been open. We did not stay long on the wharf after disembarking but hurried to board the coach before the thunderstorm which had been threatening for some time finally broke. The rain continued most of the way back to Fleet where we arrived at about 9pm after a most enjoyable day. No doubt this outing wiU be known as the very hot boat trip'. Thanks are due to Rosemary and David Millett for their excellent organisation and to the crew of the NB Ladywood for their time and hard work. The return trip to Bath meant a very long day for them. [back to top] DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Monday 11th November Talk on "Industrial Archaeology "by John Denton. Christ Church Hall, Woking, 8.00pm. WEDNESDAY 20th NOVEMBER TARGET 1988 -the first of a series of Public Meetings to launch this campaign. Guest Chairman plus disting­uished panel, Chernocke Hall, Fleet Civic Centre, 8.00pm. Tuesday 26th November "Hampshire and Its Country Parks" presented by Hampshire County Council. Fleet Cricket Club room, Calthorpe Park, Reading Road North, Fleet,7.45pm. TUESDAY 3rd DECEMBER TARGET 1988 - Public Meeting in Woking. Distinguished panel to answer your questions. Centre Halls, Woking, 8.00pm. Monday 9th December "Save Our Swans" -a follow up.Christ Church Hall. Woking,8.00pm. Tuesday 17th December Christmas Get Together plus Mystery Event! Fleet Cricket Clubroom, Calthorpe Park, Reading Road North, Fleet,7.45pm. Monday 13th January 1986 The Mid Hants Railway - an update. Christ Church Hall, Woking, 8.00pm. Monday 10th February 1986 "From Hampton Court to Burgundy" - a film present­ation by John Humphries. Christ Church Hall, Woking, 8.00pm. Monday 10th March 1986 "Birds of the Surrey Waterways" - presented by the RSPB. Christ Church Hall, Woking, 8.00pm. Monday 14th April 1986 "Thames Walks" — the Ramblers Association. Christ Church Hall, Woking,8.00pm. [back to top] SPEAKERS CORNER - Pauline Hadlow After seven years of being talks organiser I feel it's time for a change. Janet Greenfield has happily agreed to take over. It's really rather a cosy job - talking on the telephone and writing letters so it would seem an appropriate moment for me to say a big thank you to all our gallant speakers who turn out in all sorts of weather, sometimes travelling many miles and sometimes to just a handful of people. Well done and please continue the good work. Janet Greenfield's address and telephone number is: 9 Mistletoe Road, Yateley, Camberley, Surrey. Telephone: Yateley 873167. Thank you Janet and Good Luck. Editors Note: Thankyou, Pauline for organising this important PR service for the Society which brings us valuable support and goodwill, not to mention income from sales, new members and donations. If you'd like to join the Speakers Panel, contact Janet Greenfield. HELP ORGANISE NEXT YEAR'S RALLY Help make the 1986 boat rally on the Basingstoke Canal even more successful than before. It will be the third rally, probably based at Ash Lock again,on the weekend 14th-15th June. Organiser Vic Trott wants to make it a very special event to mark the Society's 20th year. But he cannot organise it on his own. Please volunteer to join the team and help plan the occasion. Not just on the day but now -well in advance, so that it turns out to be the mosi memorable rally of them all. Let's have your ideas. Give Vic Trott a call on Woking 68607 or write to him at: 21 Lime Grove,Westfield,Woking, Surrey. [back to top] SALES PRICE LIST - WINTER 1985/86 Goods Available from Aubrey Slaughter, 37 Fir Tree Way, Fleet, Hants. GUI 3 9NB. Tel: Fleet 23102. Cash with order please. GOODS AVAILABLE BY POST Special Offers on Books by Paul Vine "London's Lost Route to Basingstoke" American Edition - signed by the Author - £12.50 plus £1.00 p.p "London's Lost Route to the Sea" - £7.50 plus £1.00 p.p. "Pleasure Boating in the Victorian Era" Special price to Members for limited time - £5.00 plus £1.00 p.p. Society Publications £2.95 plus £0.50 p.p. £0.75 plus £0.23 p.p. £0.75 plus £0.23 p.p. Basingstoke Canal Restoration by D. Jebens and D. Robinson - £2.95 plus £0.50 p.p. Western Length Book - £0.75 plus £0.23 p.p. Guide to the Basingstoke Canal - £0.75 plus £0.23 p.p. Towpath Walks by the Basingstoke Canal - £0.50 plus £0.23 p.p. History of the Basingstoke Canal - £0.50 plus £0.23 p.p. Waterside Inns of the Basingstoke Canal - £0.40 plus £0.23 p.p. Other Goods Sweatshirts with Society Logo Small (36), Medium (38), Large (42), Ex. Large (44) Colours: Navy blue, Wine, Green £8.50 plus £0.85 p.p. Tea Towels: Narrow Boats — blue or yellow: Roses & Castles — green: Principal Canals: Canal Locks: Canal Code: Quiet Waters: Waterside Inns. - £1.40 plus £0.30 p.p. "Adeline" The Story of a Basingstoke Canal Houseboat - £4.95 plus £0.50 p.p. Members Enamel Lapel Badges - £0.75 plus £0.23 p.p. Boat Race Game - £1.00 plus £0.30 p.p. Members ties - blue - £2.00 plus £0.23 p.p. Members Car Badges - £1.30 plus £0.30 p.p. The following items may be added to an order for any of the above without further postage charge or separately at £0.23p. postage. Notepads - £0.15 Ball Pens - round with cap, white or yellow - £0.18 Car Stickers - £0.20 Leather Bookmarks — various colours £0.50 Painted Pendants and Brooches, roses design £0.75 Painted Coasters £0.55 GOODS NOT AVAILABLE BY POST 1 Pint Tankard - Society Logo £3.25 1/2 Pint Tankard - Society Logo £2.50 Coffee Mug - Society Logo £2.10 Ash Trays - Society Logo £1.00 Coffee Mug — with Proprietors Seal £1.55 Ceramic Coaster — Society Logo £0.55 Key Fobs (leather - red/brown) £0.95 Key Fobs (plastic) £0.20 Postcards — John Pinkerton, 3 views £0.10 Hangers for tea towels £0.45 Painted miniatures £1.20 Balsa models — open narrow boat £1.50 Balsa models - closed narrow boat £1.60 (Available as boat or butty) Balsa model - Hire craft £1.30 Cut outs — Canal boatman & woman, canal horse £0.20 [back to top] SOCIAL JOTTINGS The season of talks, films and slide shows is now under way and your fullest support is appreciated. This winter the Hampshire meetings are at a new venue at the Fleet Cricket Clubroom, Calthorpe Park, Reading Road North, Fleet. The meetings will be on the LAST TUESDAY of the month. The Woking meetings will continue on the 2nd MONDAY of the month. DO COME ALONG and bring your friends. WOKING SOCIAL EVENINGS: At the Christ Church Hall, Town Square, Woking (50 yards from the Centre Halls). Coffee and biscuits available, plus the Sales Stand. Monday llth November, 8.00pm A talk on Industrial Archaelology by John Denton. Monday 9th December, 8.00pm "Save Our Swans". Following on from the article in Newsletter 123 come and hear all about the plight of our Mute Swans - and how YOU can help. Monday 13th January 1986, 8.00pm The Mid Hants Railway will be featured — its progress and future. John Adams is the speaker. Monday 10th February 1986,8.00pm "From Hampton Court to Burgundy". John Humphries, one time IWA Chairman and now a Vice-President of the Society, will present another of his justly famous film presentations. Don't miss it! Monday 10th March 1986,8.00pm "The Birds of Surrey Waterways". Brian Nobbs of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds will be the presenter. FLEET SOCIAL EVENINGS: At the Fleet Cricket Clubroom, Calthorpe Park, off Reading Road North, Fleet. (1st left about 200 yards from the Oatsheaf Public House traffic lights on the A323 Fleet — Hartley Wintney road.) Bar available plus coffee and biscuits. Tuesday 26th November, 7.45pm A chance to see a slide presentation by Hampshire County Council's Recreation Department. Many are the country parks maintained by HCC — this is your chance to learn more and to whet your appetite. Tuesday 17th December, 7.45pm NOTE THE DATE. A Christmas Get Together and a Mystery Event. Come and celebrate the Festive Season! See you there. Tuesday 28th January 1986,7.45pm Speaker to be announced. Book the date now. [back to top] LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Dieter, In the near future we shall be moving house which means that Audrey and I will no longer be able to carry out our distribution task with the newsletters. We receive all the Newsletters for an area covering East Molesey in the East to Brookwood in the West. They are then distributed to the main distribution points — Knaphill, Woking, Weybridge, etc. Somebody new will have to take over. Will a member in the area please volunteer? Thanks for the article re Narrow Boat Trust Ltd. in the last newsletter. Nuneaton is now on the Thames carrying 20 tons of fuel (smokeless). Kind regards, STUART BROWNING 32 Parvis Road, West Byfleet, Surrey KT14 6HA. P.S. If my memory is correct I took over the original post round from June Sparey and that must have been 10 years plus ago!! Editor's Note: Thank you Stuart for your help in distributing the Newsletters in your area for such a long time. Whilst on the subject, another volunteer for the post of SHCS Newsletter postman is required for the CoppedHall/Upper Chobham Road/Heatherside area of Camberley, to deliver approximately 8 newsletters. Offers please to Janet & George Hedger on Fleet 7465. Dear Sir, Now that the main length of the canal is within sight of completion, I am very glad to see the increasing interest being shown in the top section of the navigation — Greywell Tunnel and beyond. It seems to be axiomatic of canal restorations that the most interesting bits are just beyond the head of navigation. There does seem to be a very worthwhile goal to be reached just beyond Greywell Tunnel if it could ever be reopened. However, it now seems that the greatest obstacle in our path is a colony of bats in the tunnel, who appear to enjoy greater security of tenure than do most furnished tenants! Make no mistake, the designation of the tunnel as an SSSI by the Nature Conservancy will effectively prevent any work being done on it, and this will even pose water supply problems in the present restored lengths. What a pity if a battle has to be fought between boat-lovers and bat-lovers, and I wonder why it is not possible for these particular bats to live happily with boats. As an example of happy co-existence I put forward the case of Saddington tunnel on the Grand Union Canal, and wonder whether the Nature Conservancy here studied this. In two passages through the tunnel this year I found the bat colony there still thriving. They can be picked out in the headlamps of boats when flying, and spotted roosting on the roof if one knows where to look for them. I suspect, however, that many people pass by without realising that they are hanging there about 3 foot above their heads! Saddington is on a busy section of a canal ring, and I would estimate that a boat passes every 10 minutes or so in high season — considerably more boats in a day than the Basingstoke at the top end is likely to see in a fortnight. Yet the bats are thriving; and my 12-year old guide refers to the tunnel being "noted for its bat colony", so they have clearly co­existed with boats for many years now. So the question I would pose is: if bats can happily live with many boats in Saddington, why could they not live with a few boats in Greywell? Yours faithfully, TONY DAVIS 4 Mount Pleasant, Weybridge, Surrey Dear Mr Jebens, Being equally concerned about wildlife and canal restoration I was upset to see the article about Greywell Tunnel in the Gazette on 16 August. As a civil engineer I wondered whether the matter could be resolved by reopening the tunnel partially on a different alignment to bypass the bat roost. It is often safer and easier and hence cheaper to tunnel through virgin ground than through a collapsed zone. (Inciden­tally, how safe is the rest of the tunnel?) If you could persuade the N.C.C. to contribute towards such a realignment the bats might even be a blessing in disguise. I expect you will have considered those points already, but I would be pleased to hear your views. Yours sincerely, ROGER HAND 2 Kemsley Court, Rathgar Avenue, London W13 9PP, Editor's Note: It is to be hoped that realignment of the bore will not be necessary since bats and boats would appear to be perfectly happy co-habitants. I too have observed the many bats in Saddington Tunnel and found them in many of the tunnels that I have navigated. Dear Dieter, We still enjoy reading the canal society newsletter and hope to continue to belong, although we are staying in Belfast now until June 1987. On our periodic visits home to Basingstoke we usually manage a walk along the canal at Odiham and when we last went at Christmas, our daughter took a photo, which she enlarged and which we have framed here, as a reminder. In case you feel it may be of interest, I enclose two cuttings from the Irish Times, for the newsletter. We have found some very pleasant walks by the River Lagan — about 10 minutes walk from this house, and look forward to showing them to our various visitors from England. Thank you again for the Newsletter. Yours sincerely, EDITH and JOHN WIGZELL Quaker House, 7 University Avenue, Belfast BT7 1GX. Editor's Note: The cuttings enclosed describe a visit to the Boyne Canal at Slane and an historic piece about the Grand Canal dated August 1st, 1935. Unlike this summer, 50 years on, the summer is described as having "many hot and sunny days " during which the canal "assumed the aspect of a Lido for Dublin's poorer popu­lation ". It finishes: "The Grand Canal, for all the muddiness of its waters, is a blessing to hundreds of people". Dear Sirs, Today I enjoyed reading the Newsletter (25th September), just delivered. I am often tempted to respond to some interesting topic, but then find the copy date for the next Newsletter has already passed. Who will want to read my comments in two months time? Yours faithfully, AUDREY TOWNSEND Denning Close, Fleet. Editor's Note: It's never too late to drop us a line with your comments on some thing you read in the Newsletter. We can generally fit contributions in even if the copy date has gone, or keep it for the next issue. Incidentally, apologies to all our readers for the delay in getting the last Newsletter out. As you will all appreciate it is done in spare time so we have to be a little flexible. Dear Sir, I was very interested to see amongst the remaining work to be carried out before reopening in 1988 (shown in May '85 Newsletter), reference to demolition of a pillbox at Brookwood. This is presumably the one adjacent to Lock 12 where work has recently started. It would seem that the location of this pillbox would not affect the operation of the lock gates and therefore its removal is only to gain a clear site. This I respectfully suggest is unnecessary and time-consuming work and would remove from the canal yet one more of these now historic structures, which are tangible reminders of the canal's intended strategic role in the event of invasion in 1940, when the canal formed a defence line. Already several pillboxes have been demolished in the Ash Vale area, yet in Hampshire several remain in the Crookham/ Dogmersfield area and are referred to in the Society's own history booklet on the canal. It would be interesting to hear if any members have memories of the building and manning of these defences. Apart from the historic relevance of pillboxes to the canal, demolition will be expensive. Reported demolition costs of one to Woking Council at Knaphill in November, 1984 were £1 ,550. I therefore urge the Society and Surrey County Council to retain this building. Yours faithfully, DAVID BARTON 1 Oakfield, Goldsworth Park, Woking. "Holy Bats, Robin! The NCC aren't going to fall for this one!" [back to top] In the News MORE TALKS OVER GREYWELL BATS A further meeting with Society officials has been agreed by the Nature Conservancy Council to discuss designation of Gceywell Tunnel as a Site of Special Scientific Interest to protect a colony of bats. This follows the Society's protest to Hampshire County Council who were preparing to install the proposed grille across the eastern end of the tunnel to seal it off and prevent access. The Society pointed out that Hampshire's action was premature and prejudicial to moves being made to seek a compromise solution in protecting the bats but not excluding the possibility of future restoration and use of the tunnel. Even so the Society remains concerned that the NCC has so far done no more than acknowledge our proposed 'time-zone' outlined in a letter sent in June. With the new meeting coming only days before the closing date for comments and objections to the SSS1, the Society is less than optimistic over the prospects of the meeting producing a useful outcome. Commenting on the lack of discussion, the Society's chairman, Robin Higgs, said "Apart from an initial meeting with the NCC in March of this year, further debate appears to have been avoided on their part. Conservancy officials were invited to join a recent inspection of the western end of the tunnel but no one came. The NCC also failed to respond to a request to take part in a TV interview on the subject. More seriously the Conservancy neglected to inform one of the riparian local councils of their intention to seek an SSSI which they are required to do". As reported in the last Newsletter, the Society wishes to see the bat colony protected but believes this can be achieved without excluding any proposals to restore the 1,200-yard long tunnel. The tunnel is generally in good condition and, as an industrial archaeological feature of some importance, should be preserved and can be restored. Reopening would enable at least 1-1/2 miles of the canal at the western end to be restored and a new wharf or basin to be built at Up Nateley to replace the former Basingstoke terminus which is now the site of the town's bus station. The Society believes the extension would bring the canal's leisure facilities nearer to people living in and around Basingstoke. Engineering studies have already been undertaken by qualified members of the Society. Preliminary reports indicate that the project should be divided into three stages. The first being to restore the length from the point where the canal crossed the Greywell Road at Up Nateley to Eastrop Bridge. Assuming that voluntary labour would be utilised for a substantial amount of the ground clearance work needed, the cost of re-establish­ing this stretch has been estimated at £12,000. The second section would cover the length eastwards to the tunnel. A significant amount of earthworks and reinforcement will be required, at an estimated cost of £120,000 allowing for a maximum input from voluntary labour. The final stage would be the restoration of the tunnel. Apart from the blockage and the collapsed western portal, the tunnel is generally in good order. It requires roof repairs in three places and, based on similar work undertaken to Hardcastle Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stoke, in 1970, the cost has been estimated at no more than £200,000 to restore Greywell Tunnel. [back to top] Time Off 1976 ON THE BASINGSTOKE CANAL Audrey Townsend We are just trying out our recently acquired little boat, we are not sure if we can actually row anywhere as the cut is thick with weed and overhung by trees. My two young daughters are eager, so we arm ourselves with secateurs and a lawn-edging tool. These we need within a few yards of our launching spot, to cut through the trees and clear a channel — just enough to pole the boat through with the loom of an oar. By the time we reach the "Fox and Hounds", Fleet, our thirst demands that we moor up, with only a few pence to spend at this unanticipated watering hole, I ask the barman what can be bought for the sum in hand, explaining "We are so thirsty - we have just rowed up from Fleet". "Oh, rode" he says "Where have you put your bicycles?" "No, rowed, you know with oars", to which he responds "What, on the water! First boat we've had here for years. What would you like to drink? Don't worry about the money". Now 1985, and we walk or drive to the "Fox and Hounds", sit at their tables near the towpath and watch the ducks and moorhens on the clear, clean cut. But where are the boats? I've never seen one there, but I can hear the weedcutter at work! [back to top] CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA Yes, you've guessed it — a copy of 'Basingstoke Canal Restoration'! Sorry to plug it once again, but with Christmas not that far off, we couldn't resist a reminder that at £2.95 (or £3.50 mail order) it makes an inexpensive stocking filler — saves buying anything else! In 48 pages and 100 pictures the book tells the story of how the Basingstoke Canal was won and the restoration work to date. Available from sales stand or by post from Sales Manager, Aubrey Slaughter, 37 Fir Tree Way, Fleet, Aldershot, Hants. (Cheques to S&HCS Ltd. for £3.50 including postage and packing). 'Basingstoke Canal Restoration' is also stocked by bookshops throughout the area from Basingstoke to Byfleet. Published for the Society by Fullione (graphics) Ltd. Compiled by Dieter Jebens and David Robinson. ISBN 0900945 044. [back to top] GREYWELL TUNNEL INSPECTED David Meller The western end of Greywell Tunnel was inspected on Thursday, 1st August. Hampshire County Council were represented by Colin Bonsey, David Dixon. David Gerty and Charles Cuthbert, H.C.C's conservation specialist. The Society was represented by Robin Higgs and Stan and David Meller. The Nature Conservancy Council were invited but declined the offer. Two inflatable boats were used and all members of the party wore buoyancy aids and safety helmets. Several trips were made into the tunnel and most of the party were able to leave the boats and walk up the mound of spoil which resulted from the collapse of the tunnel. The slope extends for about 100 feet from water level to the tunnel crown. It was clear that this material had been forced along the bore, but has since dried out and shrunk, since it was moulded to the shape of the tunnel and had marks on the surface where it had obviously been scratched by brickwork. The "clay plug" could be seen to have shrunk away from the walls by about 4 inches for a considerable distance. The material blocking the tunnel was mainly clay, but with some lumps of chalk evident. This could indicate that the material has resulted from the collapse of an old construction shaft which was filled with spoil. There was evidence that considerable repair work had been carried out just west of the current collapse, possibly in the 1870s, when the tunnel is believed to have collapsed. The rest of the lining west of the fall was in better condition than expected. There was only one wet patch, similar to those in the eastern part of the tunnel. The brickwork showed signs of movement near to the portal probably when the portal itself collapsed. No bats were seen and no signs of bat roosting could be found. It was therefore concluded that if batsdo use this end of the tunnel it is probably only for hibernation. The inspection proved to be very interesting and informative, and it is hoped that further exploratory work can take place in and around the tunnel in the near future. Members are warned not to enter the tunnel themselves due to the dangers involved and the possibility of disturbing the bats. Once again we appeal to anybody with any information regarding the tunnel, especially past history, to contact Stan Meller at 101 Branksome Hill Road, College Town, Camberley, Surrey,or 'phone Camberley 32096. [back to top] DEEPCUT CANAL CONTRACTS LIMITED In order that the Society can effectively control the acquisition and completion of canal-oriented work contracts this new limited company has been formed. Frank Jones has already successfully negotiated several contracts - for lock gate construction and the works at The Swan in Ash Vale. Frank is joined as a director of Deepcut Canal Contracts Limited by Peter Fethney and Philip Riley. Mike Reed, the Society's auditor, has agreed also to handle the new company's audit. The Society's board sees the activities of the company as being a significant source of income to the Society. Frank and his team can of course very effectively compete for these highly specific types of work. Best of luck with this new venture, Frank! [back to top] Fund Raising News - Derek Truman 1988. It seems almost too good to be true - 3 more years and you can (probably) keep your money for yourselves. In the meantime,however, we need everything you can give us — and more. After all, we are responsible for 4 employees — we can't let them down — and not least we cannot waste the enormous investment in time and effort made by all the volunteers since the SHCS was founded in 1966. So we need money. We need fresh ideas for fund raising. And we need people to help. For starters, how many of you are willing to organise fund raising events in each town and village along or near the canal? A dozen assorted jumble sales, barbecues, discos/dances, handicraft sales, street collections could bring in over £2,000. And that's fairly routine stuff. Each needs some effort and planning —to get a date for a street collection, for example,can take over a year. (Please note there will be one in Fleet on 10th May 1986.) We particularly need contacts at senior levels in firms which might be prepared to make donations. All responses please to Derek Truman — address below. 200 CLUB 1986 Old members, please rejoin. Newcomers start here. The 200 Club, as you will see from the enclosed form, is designed to help us redistribute wealth. Yours. The SHCS gets 50p in every pound you contribute and the rest goes back to you as prize money in 6 two-monthly draws. Membership of the Club is an excellent way of helping the SHCS if, for any reason, you can't take a more active role. (But even if you regularly join a working party, we'll still be happy to take your money.) Each subscription is £12 - no limit on numbers - payable in a lump sum or by monthly standing order. Forms to Derek Truman,91 Tavistock Road, Fleet, Hants. GUI3 SEN (Fleet 3435) August winners: Miss I. Fowler £41, Mr R. Weaver £20, Mr. J.T. Lyddon £11, Miss M.A. Adams £11. SPONSORED WALK There are a few people who have yet to return their sponsorship forms and money. Please do so as soon as possible to Bert Savill, 3 Rushmoor Close, Fleet, Hants, who has just the thing in deposit accounts waiting for you. At the time of writing we had received over £4,200 and we are extremely grateful to all who have helped to raise these much needed funds. One of the reasons why our annual sponsored walk is so successful is our 50:50 partnership with other organisations and individual walkers who help us and another favourite charity, association or school. We're very grateful to: Aldershot Manor School £400 New Maiden Rotoract £ 27 2nd Knaphill Guides £103 Ivy (Hants) Project Kenya £ 28 Baling National Trust £155 Goldwrush £ 17 Woking Multiple Sclerosis Society £155* 5th Fleet Guides £ 20 Expedition America - Woking District Scouts £138 It looks as though another 13 or so organisations should be good for a further £900 so we should well exceed £5000 in all. * And a word about Woking M.S. This marvellous figure is due to the efforts of Robin Murrell aged 9-1/2 at the time of the walk. In 1984 he and his mother Dawn raised £31 for the SHCS and the same for Woking M.S. A five-fold increase for both charities is a really remarkable achievement. Well done, Robin. [back to top] 1986 Sponsored Walk is on Sunday, 18th May - route to be announced. (Any views on this?) [back to top] SOCIETY TREASURER WANTED The Society is seeking a volunteer to take over the important post of Treasurer. The job would suit a retired accountant or bookkeeper. The Treasurer's responsibilities cover: * Keeping the Society's accounts * To present a monthly balance sheet to the executive committee * To handle the Society's insurances * To deal with wages, tax and national insurance for the Society's four full-time employees * Administer Deeds of Covenant * Presentation of accounts to audit and preparation of balance sheet. For further details contact Peter Fethney, Treasurer, on Fleet 5524 or Secretary, Philip Riley (see back page). [back to top] SOCIETY HOSTS COUNCIL CRUISES During September the Society organised John Pinkerton cruises for councillors and officers of Woking Borough Council, Guildford Borough Council and Surrey Heath Borough Council. The cruises commenced at Ash Wharf and passed through Greatbottom Flash before turning at Mytchett Lake. The aim was to show our guests a part of the canal recently restored and to emphasise the benefits to the community and to the area through which the canal passes. A prime example of this is the Ash Wharf area itself. Before restoration the Wharf area was a dumping ground for rubbish. With the canal now restored and in use the dumping has now stopped and the area surrounding the wharf has been grassed over by the local Parish Council. They have also initiated regular contact with the shopkeepers to make sure the area is kept tidy and regularly cut the grass. Joining members of the Society Board on the John Pinkerton to talk to the Councillors and officials were Ray Stedman, Surrey County Council's Countryside Officer and Gerard Brierly, the County's Canal Land Agent. All those who came on the trip found the cruise very interesting and we hope that increased co-operation and support from the District Councils will help to ensure that the target of complete restoration by 1988 will be met. [back to top] Feature Page WORK CAMP 1985 - (AND THE WETTEST SUMMER ON RECORD) - Mike Fellows Saturday 26 July saw the start of the third SHCS/ Kent and East Sussex Canal Recovery Group/WRG Work Camp on the Basingstoke Canal. I could hardly believe that it had arrived. The previous 6 months had been spent working towards the camp; and as it got closer so the pace increased; and suddenly it was here and about to happen. I just hoped that everything was ready to go as this was going to be the biggest camp ever held on the waterways. For some of us the camp actually started on Friday lunchtime so that we could organise the accommodation. This consisted of a sports hall and terrapin hut which had kindly been offered to us by the Winston Churchill School. But there were no toilet or washing facilities, no tables and chairs, no sinks and cookers — all these had to be brought in. Surrey County Council provided 2 mobile toilet units and a shower unit;WRG provided Calor gas cookers; St. John's Village Hall provided trestle tables; and various other people provided a miscellaneous selection of sinks, fridges, freezers and working tops. We then set to to try and get the basic facilities plumbed and wired in. By Friday night we had pipes everywhere but still the toilets were the only functional units. Peter Jackman fresh from a similar job at the Guildford Festival spent nearly 2 days just working on the plumb­ing and wiring. By Sunday we were finally there with some of the best accommodation imaginable — although it did lack the intimate atmosphere of the bakery! Meanwhile back at the St. Johns site on Saturday I was starting to get the first few jobs organised. Brian Gower (KESCRG) was looking after a small specialist team casting hollow posts (quoins) and mitre cills. They started with the top hollow posts at lock 9, then throughout the week worked their way through the top mitre cill lock 10, bottom hollow posts lock 8 and bottom mitre cill lock 9. Ashley Hyde was coping stone king for the fortnight and his team replaced all the stones on lock 9 chamber wall and lower wing walls. No mean feat as many of the stones were raided from other places and then "cut" to size. The other job which started on Saturday was lock 7 — the scene of much activity during the camp. Here Dave Brooker (KESCRG) took overall charge of the many activities the first of which was to break down the bow wall and start excavating the top cill. By Sunday lunchtime things were really beginning to hum as by now the 45-50 people (we never actually knew how many we had at any one time) had arrived. Ken Parish (camp leader) was finally able to get on site having spent all his time up to now organising the accommodation. The piling gangs started to organise their equipment (no piling at weekends — keeps the neighbours happy) and pointing coping stones at lock 9 commenced, and the chamber walls at lock 7 were being cleaned ready for re-pointing. Monday saw the camp really get off the ground. A small team went to the Deepcut workshop where Frank Jones kept them busy for the 2 weeks preparing all sorts of woodwork ranging from shuttering boards right through working on lock gates. At St. Johns the very helpful Hymac driver Colin had turned up and he was working with one of the piling teams with a new 8 cwt hammer. This hammer was remarkably effective and all the problems we had encountered the previous year melted into the distance. Meanwhile at the back of the compound a second team started to pile between lock 11 and Kiln Bridge using the hand held kit. This also presented no problems (apart from a lot of hard work) and by the middle of the second week the job was all but done. It was a great credit to the teams and a great relief to the leaders Tony Duffin and Andy Hunter who both were so frustrated the previous year. I don't propose to give a blow by blow account of all the work done as there was far too much to document. However at the end of the camp lock 9 was virtually complete apart from the upper recess walls, lock 8 had its chamber scaffolded out ready for rebuilding the off­side wall, and lock 7 had changed quite dramatically. Virtually all the works below the water line had been done. Both chamber walls had been re-pointed and patched up to the water line - a massive job which was excellently done. The top cill had virtually been rebuilt to water level, the bottom flank walls had been com­pleted to their full height and the chamber invert concreted. This camp was remarkable not only for the amount and complexity of work done, but also for the high standard of the finished jobs. It was also remarkable for the weather — dreadful, absolutely dreadful. I have never known such bad weather in the summer — it was like a wet April. Every day it rained, usually very heavy, although by lunchtime it was clearing up. It was a great credit to all on the camp that it hardly affected the work and it didn't dampen spirits. The only exception to this was the middle Sunday when it was heavy cold rain all morning and by lunchtime I called all work off. We spent the afternoon visiting the workshop and the dredger where we were shown around and given a lift on the tug. As usual the camp had a full programme of social events, consisting of a visit to Mikron Theatre, trips on the John Pinkerton, slide shows, canal visits, barbeque and swimming — at 7 o'clock in the morning. There were about 20 takers for this last event — must be mad! Once again the food was superb and was organised by Soo Duffin who was assisted each day by teams of local St Johns ladies who came in and washed up the breakfast things, cleaned up the accommodation, prepared sandwiches for lunch and vegetables for the evening meal. It was a great help and enabled us to get more people out working on site. During the second week Pauline Hadlow stepped into the breach and got all the cooking going as Soo had to work and couldn't get back till 5 o'clock. The camp was a difficult and complex operation involving many people in different ways and I am sure I have not really given credit to all those who deserve it. However anybody who was involved in whatever way can be proud that they were part of the largest and most successful camp ever held on the waterways. At contractors' prices a conservative estimate is £20,000 worth of work and a contractor would not have worked in the conditions. Finally a couple of little anecdotes. Firstly the camp this year was supposed to be relatively clean - but one individual who loves muck got himself covered from head to foot in foul smelling black mud when he volunteered to clear out the paddle culverts at lock 7. Secondly one newcomer to canal restoration said to me: "I have done conservation work before but NEVER anything like this. There are two main differences. One is the food - it is great and plenty of it. Secondly is the work - I cannot believe how much you expect us to do". "Are you not enjoying it then?", I asked. "Oh yes - it's great!", came the reply. [back to top] GONGOOZLER'S GOSSIP CORRECTION to last newsletter's County Call. HCC Canal Manager David Gerry designed the new SCC Work Boat. Andy Stumpf advised on the design of the new mud barge. Sorry David! BSc HONOURS Degree in Mechanical Engineering now earned by Andy Meller — this is in addition to a Civil Engineering Honours Degree earlier recorded. Congratulations. THAMES Water Authority is to dredge the canal up to lock 1 from the Wey during 1986. POUNDS - 1100 of them expected to be gained from the Inland Revenue this year for members' covenants. Have you filled yours in yet? THANKS to Mike Reid, the Society auditor, for a donation of £700 recently. Mike has most generously given the fees paid for MSC audits in respect of the schemes run on the canal. WANTED Crossply 5.90 x 14 tyre for the faithful canal warrior and oldest known surviving Austin Cambridge "Betsey". Please help the old girl. Phone: Pablo Haworth on Byfleet 42081. ENGINE on the John Pinkerton has now done 6,500 hours in service. A fine tribute to Fetter engines - a major engine-out overhaul is now being considered. "YOUR Pledge today will Sparkle with a little bit of Perseverance"'. An apt message sent by the Society's board on the occasion of the recent marriage of Sonia and Dieter Jebens. Congratulations and the very best of wishes for the future. RIPARIAN work at the Swan, Ash Vale, awaits planning permission from SCC. RECENT trips held on the John Pinkerton hosting various county councillors reported as a great success. Have you spoken to your councillor about further financial aid. TARGET 1988 logo adorns this issue. This will appear frequently in all sorts of places over the next 3 years before our target is reached. Join the queue here for T-shirts, sweat shirts, badges etc. DID you see the tribute in IWA "Waterways" about the Society's skilled publicity machine? Target 1988 will raise that profile yet higher. ANOTHER dredger open day is likely next year. Chequers Wharf may be the ideal spot. An event commemorating the Society's 20th birthday will be held next year too. REMEMBER this - 14th and 15th June 1986. The Ash Lock Rally will occur on these dates next year. [back to top] COPY DATE FOR JANUARY 1986 NEWSLETTER: 15th NOVEMBER 1985 Published by the Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society Ltd., a non profit distributing company limited by guarantee, registered as a Charity. Editors: Dieter Jebens, Chris de Wet. Production: Jo Evans. Collation and Distribution: Janet and George Hedger, Clive Durley and Helpers. Editorial Office: 60 Middle Bourne Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU103NJ. (Farnham 715230). Chairman: Robin Higgs, 18 Barnsford Crescent, West End, Woking. (Chobham 7314). Vice-Chairman: David Millett, 14 Dinorben Close, Fleet. (Fleet 7364). Hon. Treasurer: Mrs Gwynneth Browne, 102a Aldershot Road, Fleet. (Fleet 21745). Hon. Secretary: Philip Riley, Meadow Vale, Guildford Road, Normandy. (Worplesdon 234776). Membership Secretary: Chris Brazier, Heath lands, Hutton Road, Ash Vale, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5EJ. (Aldershot 25460). Working Party Organiser: Mike Fellows, 30 Reynards Close, Winnersh, Wokingham, Berks. (Wokingham 787428). Dredger Manager: Andy Stumpf, 37 Higham Road, Chesham, Bucks. (0494 785720). Working Party Information: Peter Jones, Aldershot 313076 and Peter Cooper, 01 -993-1105. Trip Boat: Ron Hursey, 119 Keith Lucas Road, Farnborough. (Farnborough 519619). Sales Manager: Aubrey Slaughter, 37 Fir Tree Way, Fleet, Aldershot, Hants. GU13 9NB. (Fleet 23102). Mobile Sales Stand: Martin Bowers, 162 West Heath Road, Cove. (Farnborough 513095). Talks Organiser: Mrs Janet Greenfield,9 Mistletoe Road, Yateley, Camberley. (Yateley 873167). Exhibitions Manager:Phil Pratt, Flat 5 Fleetwood Court, Madeira Road, West Byfleet. (Byfleet 40281). [back to top]

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Last updated April 2005