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No. 128July 1986
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Inside front cover --
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Comment - ARE WE IN TOUCH WITH YOU?
An active member of the Society recently expressed the view that he felt more in touch with activities to restore the Huddersfield Narrow, from reading the local Canal Society's magazine, than he is with progress on the Basingstoke through this Newsletter. Do you feel the same? If so, your Committee thinks the answer lies in running a regular column devoted to matters discussed by the elected members. But, if a communication gap does exist, words alone may not be sufficient to fill the void.
When the Society was formed, twenty years ago, we were totally independent and had a well defined objective: public ownership of the canal and a policy of restoration.
By 1976 the canal had changed hands. Surrey County Council completed public ownership, and restoration became our new goal.
Today, ten years on, restoration is well advanced and completion in sight. The Society must look to new horizons, create a positive future role and have fresh aims to promote in order to maintain a sense of purpose.
The way in which the Society operates has also changed. Society officers now work closely with the local authorities, sitting on various committees which implement the restoration programme. In consequence we have become less vocal in publicising our views and members are, perhaps, more remote from the activities going on.
While restoration of the canal remains our key role in the short term, the protection of the amenity we have spent so long creating, from riparian development, should be one vital long term objective. There is still a need for the campaigning zeal of the past. The future of the canal through Woking, for example. Should we not be persuading the Borough Council to consider this unique asset and plan for its integration as an amenity, free from the demands of commercially linked developments? What is the Society's official view on building an hotel on the open space opposite Brook House, and are we content to see it built over? Then there's the future of the grounds of Brookwood Hospital which command a view over the canal. What is the Society's opinion of the proposed development?
More immediate questions concerning restoration also need answering. Such as the possible acceleration of work on Lock 12 at Brookwood being the 'missing link' to re-filling the navigation down to Kiln Bridge at St. John's. How is Surrey planning to deal with the houseboats moored at Byfleet when that length is dredged? And are there any moves to introduce additional dredging to complete the Hampshire summit pound?
Most of these questions have been thought about and perhaps already addressed. Hopefully the Committee will give us the answers, because time is pressing on. There's just 30 months to go before December 1988.
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MORE TUNNEL TURMOIL
It seems we cannot win. Hampshire County Council asked all parties interested in Greywell Tunnel for more information on the habits of the bat colony. So the Society dutifully sought the services of expert consultants, in the field of scientific monitoring, to provide more facts on the creatures' numbers and movements. But, according to Dr Robert Page, of the Hampshire and I o W Naturalist Trust, we're wasting our money, and he dismisses our initiative as 'a desperate attempt to find experts to support our case' (for restoring the tunnel).
The case for restoration, dubbed a 'top secret report' by the Basingstoke Gazette, reported on elsewhere in this Newsletter, is due for publication after Hampshire CC and the Nature Conservancy Council have had a chance to comment on the draft sent to them. Accepting not everyone supports our plan, we were keen to reconsider anything deemed particularly contentious before the document goes to print.
As a Society we fully support the protection of the bats but, as accepted by the NCC, the designation of the tunnel a Site of Special Scientific Interest should not exclude consideration of restoration and re-opening it for navigation.
The possible conflict of interests has been well publicised. Let's now sit down and consider the problems and try to reach a satisfactory compromise solution. As an English teacher once said to us, there's no such word as 'can't'.
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PHOTOGRAPHS
FRONT COVER
(Top) A large crowd of Society members and local residents followed the progress of the John Pinkerton down to Brookwood Lock 14 on her first cruise into the Borough of Woking. (Bottom right) The Mayor of Woking, Mrs Pat Bottling, cuts the tape and declares Lock 14 restored. (Bottom right) A message of congratulations from Brookwood Wl strung across Sheets Heath Bridge. INSIDE PAGE (Top) The ratty scene at Ash Lock in June - boat crews
and visitors relaxing and enjoying the weekend's activities. /Centre left} A flotilla of home-made rafts entered fora 'time trial', organised by Fleet Rotaract on the canal at Reading Road South, Fleet. (Centre right) Pupils of Courimoor School, Fleet, about to set off on the Society's sponsored walk in May. (Bottom left) The busy scene at the Society % one day stall in the centre of Camberley, organised by Pauline Hadlow, which raised nearly £600. (Bottom right) John Pinkerton locking up the Deepcut flight on a members' trip in May.
(Photos by Clive Durley and Dieter Jebens).
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WORKING PARTIES and Progress - Peter Cooper
TKis Newsletter is dated at the height of summer, so now, one assumes, every possible and available member of this Canal Society will be enjoying the heat and sunshine of the long days while working on the canal, with the 1988 target date for completion firmly in mind. For these keen, active, outdoor people the usual range of working parties beckon, and are listed in detail below. It's usually best to contact your working party leader, a few days before attending, in case there is any last-minute change of plan.
St Johns Locks Every weekend
Most of the work on this flight of locks recently has been on the two locks most needing it, that is Locks 7 and 8. At Lock 7 the top cill has been cast and further patching of the brickwork of the second chamber wall has been carried out. The first chamber wall of Lock 8 is almost complete, and the top cill has also received some attention. There is very little now remaining to be done at Lock 9, and piling around the top of the flight has been completed.
The co-ordinator of the 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, to work on Locks 7,8 and 9, is: —
| (PR, KH, EC) | (PJ) | (PR, KH, EC) | (JW) |
| 5/6 July | 12/13 July | 19/20 July | 26/27 July |
| 2/3 Aug | 9/10 Aug | 16/17 Aug | 23/24 Aug |
| 30/31 Aug | 6/7Sept | 13/14 Sept | 20/21 Sept |
JW - JULES WOOD - Farnborough 515737
PJ - PETER JONES - Aldershot 313076
PR - PETER REDWAY - Woking 21710
KH - KEN HALLS - Woking 23981
EC - EDWIN CHAPPEL - Ashtead 72631
In addition, the party led by ALAN GRIMSTER (Brookwood6127)willmeet on 13 July, 27 July, 10 Aug, 24 Aug and 14 Sept.
Dredging in Hampshire Every weekend
The steam dredger Perseverance, with repair work just about complete, and with the steam grab going back on, has now passed through Chequers Bridge. The next major objective will be to reach Malthouse Bridge, about & mile further on, and the dredger crew hope to be there by this time next year. New helpers are always welcome -join now and you'll be working close to the Chequers pub, and you may be able to acquire one of the dredger team's stylish new sweatshirts; further details from ANDY STUMPF on 0923-778231 (work) or Chesham 785720 (home), or from BRIAN BANE on Hook 3627.
Lock Gate building
This party have been working on the top gates for Lock
9, and plan to go on to the bottom gates for Lock 8.
Dates are:—
5/6 July, 2/3 Aug, 6/7 Sept - FRANK JONES on
Deepcut 835711 (workshop) or Camberley 28367
(home).
Towpath work in Surrey
Following their summer recess, this party plan to restart work on the first Sunday in October. In the meantime they have made themselves useful doing bankside clearance around Locks 2 and 3, as part of the preparations for the Work Camp. For details of working location, when work restarts, contact PETER JACKMAN on Woking 72132.
Lock 4 (Woodham)
Second weekend of the month - 12/13 July,9/10 Aug, 13/14 Sept.
Both chamber walls are now complete, so attention has now turned to the bottom cill, and the offside upper wingwall. For further details contact PABLO HAWORTH on Byileet 42081.
Lock 1 (Woodham)
Third weekend of the month - 19/20 July, 16/17 Aug, 20/21 Sept.
The return walls are being rebuilt,and also the lower recess walls. When these are done only the finishing touches — bridge, etc. — will remain. 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.
Full time work
The Society's team of full time workers have completed their culvert work between Brookwood and St Johns, and are now building the new tow path under the road bridge by Lock 12; carpentry work also continues, back at the workshop. The next main task will be the refurbishment of Woodend Bridge, St. Johns.
The NACRO team have completed the first chamber wall on Lock 12, and are now working on the offside lower flank wall.
The Surrey wardens have been busy with weed-cutting in the Surrey top pound and around the Deepcut Flight.
Weekday volunteering
Several people have corne along to help during the week, and their efforts have been very valuable, particularly in the area of carpentry. More of the same would be much appreciated. Anyone who can come along and help in the week should contact FRANK JONES on Deepcut 835711 (workshop) or Camberley 28367 (home).
Work Camp
This is positively the last call for the 1986 Work Camp. If you haven't already done so, fill in your application form; it is particularly important that the organisers know who is coming along, and when to expect them. For further details contact MIKE FELLOWS on Wokingham 787428.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Canal through Woking
6th June 1986
Dear Sirs
Having read Vie Trott's 'Comment' on planning in Woking, I am shocked by the apparent lack of 'security of tenure' that we have regarding the canal environment in Woking. The town is the largest urban area adjacent to the canal. The canal should be a major parkland feature of the town centre and a major attraction to bring in visitors.
He makes a dangerous assumption that "the expensive excavation of the car park site could only be afforded by a high value development alongside". The extra three feet of excavation should be a piece of cake to teams of volunteers who have rebuilt umpteen locks, dredged miles of canal, and built railways, weirs, etc.
Have we done enough to get the support of local councillors, especially those on planning committees?
Have we to spend the next twenty years of our Society's life opposing planning applications along the length of our great achievement? N. Dunbar 26 Farm Lane, Purley, Surrey.
Re-open or completion in 1988?
24th April 1986
Dear Sir
It was alarming to read in the March issue of the Newsletter that there is now a doubt over the re-opening of the Canal in 1988.1 am sure that if the same will is shown now as was shown to get the restoration started, 1988- can be achieved.
I would suggest that a way forward would be to take on two more full time workers for a twelve month contract. The Society's funds are strong and this can well be afforded. Further I suggest that the Society should apply for a grant from the I.W.A. which has ample funds, so that a further two workers could be employed on the same basis. This would speed up progress considerably.
Finally I believe that having looked through the list of work still remaining, there are a number of items which though desirable are not essential to the opening of the navigation and these, if necessary, could be left until a later date. Yours faithfully, Mike McGrath 2 Weir Court, Thames Street, Weybridge, Surrey.
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OFFICIAL VIEW OF CANAL THROUGH WOKING
In our last issue (Newsletter No. 127) we invited Vie Trott to review a report, published by an IWA Study group which he led years ago, which looked at the future of the Canal in Woking.
At the same time we also asked Woking's Principal Planning Officer,Douglas Spinks, for his comments.
If any members should feel that the potential amenity value of the Canal is being ignored in the redevelopment of Woking's Town Centre and surrounding areas, then Mr Spinks has a reassuring answer. "I am anxious to ensure that opportunities to enhance the canal remain a priority in the forward planning of the Borough", he told us. He went on to comment on some specific aspects of the Canal in the town. On the question of building a 120-bed hotel on the recreation ground alongside the Canal opposite Brook House, Mr Spinks said that this is the decision of Borough councillors, but certain questions still remained to be answered. The Council's officers had been asked to consider the implications of road access to the site and to find suitable replacement land for recreation.
Mr Spinks was emphatic about the future of the Brewery Road Car Park site. The Council will seek to integrate the site with the Canal and make this a proviso of planning permission for the future development of the site.
The Council's thoughts of such a scheme were publishedin November 1982 in its 'Outline Development Brier. This was an imaginative concept for making part of the existing car park into a small canal basin for temporary moorings and to be a focal point for a waterside eating place and various other developments ranging from a hotel to studio dwellings, craft workshops and canal-orientated services. Along the canalside, a town quay' was proposed being a wide, paved terrace, and a trip boat station.
The Council deliberately put 'as few constraints as possible on the site' wishing to encourage an imaginative scheme.
But the absence of any more positive direction may have led to the entirely commercial plan for a large hotel complex on the site. With that scheme vetoed last December, the Council can once more encourage a leisure based development for the site. But will the concept be sufficiently attractive to the commercial demands of a potential developer?
Mr Spinks agreed that the view of Woking's town centre from Brewery Road car park, across the canal, did nothing to promote the new image of a new, modern town centre. The land between the existing multi-storey car parks and Victoria Way (once ear-marked for new Magistrates Courts) will now be developed as a leisure/ shopping/office complex - with the accent on recreational use. One important requirement will be for the design to incorporate an attractive view from the Canal of 'architectural interest' as Woking's 'shopwindow'.
Other canalside improvements will be a footpath on the south side of the canal between Chobham Road Bridge and the new Goldsworth Relief Road Bridge; a footbridge over the canal and Victoria Way to connect Brewery Road car park with the town centre, and restoration of the canal winding hole at Arthur's Bridge. The Council also plans to landscape and plant trees on the strip of land between the towpath and the new Goldsworth Relief Road.
To the east, part of the former Spanton's Timber Yard is allocated to a boatyard.
"We can expect these developments to improve the town centre aspects onto the Canal", Douglas Spinks told us "and well see some planned canalside integrated developments take effect over the next five years".
Woking certainly has a unique opportunity in the presence of the canal to enhance the town's environment. But unless the Council is to finance canalside improvement plans, the question remains whether the amenity benefits the canal offers and commercial demands are compatible.
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FUND RAISING NEWS - Derek Truman
Sponsored Walk
Congratulations to Graham Meade for organising a very successful sponsored walk this year. Thanks also to all those who helped with marshalling and to those who participated. Please send your money as soon as possible to Bert Savill, 3 Rushmoor Close, Fleet, Hants. The sooner we have your money, the more interest we earn, and we are about to enter the period when our cash flow becomes rather less favourable. On the other hand, if you are a serious contender for the challenge cups for the single walker and the couple who raise the most money, we won't mind a short delay if this means you can be sure of a three figure contribution. (Inside information suggests that £200 is the figure to beat).
Annual Draw
You should all have received three books each containing five 20p tickets last month. We would like to make a profit of £2000 after all expenses this year and if you need any more tickets, Bob Humberstone, 11 Titchbourne Close,Frimley, Camberley, Surrey GUI 6 S RP (Camberley 22883) will be delighted to oblige. Members in the Fleet locality can get more tickets from Derek Truman, 91 Tavistock Road, Fleet (Fleet 613435).
Camberley Stall
Pauline Hadlow ran a plant and bric-a-brac stall in Camberley on 17 May. She and friends from the Society, despite foul weather, raised £600 for the Society. That shows what can be done with planning and a great deal of effort. We are very grateful to Pauline. Would anyone else like to try something similar in another town?
Support the Autumn Fair
The organisers of the Autumn Fair, being held on Saturday, October 4th at the Civic Hall, Fleet From 10.30am to 12 noon, would welcome offers of bric-a-brac, books, Betterwear, cakes, garden and house plants, toysetc.lt would be helpful if contributions can be made nearer the date to: Rosemary Millett, 14 Dinorben Close, Fleet (Tel: Fleet 617364), or Janet Hedger,7 Corse Way, Fleet (Tel: Fleet 617465). In the meantime please think of something to provide and make a note of the date in your diary.
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'BASINGSTOKE CANAL RESTORATION' ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION
To mark the Society's 20th Anniversary, we have produced a limited edition of the book published last year "Basingstoke Canal Restoration" by Dieter Jebens and David Robinson.
The paperback edition has already sold over 2,000 copies and is well into profit. It has been widely acclaimed as one of the most attractive books to be published in the world of waterways. Until now it has been available only in paperback, but the Society felt that the story of how the canal has entered a new and exciting phase of its existence should be more appropriately recorded in the form of 125 casebound copies with gold blocked spine, each one individually numbered and signed by the authors. They will undoubtedly become collectors books and perhaps even an investment for their rarity value!
The book contains 100 photographs, and a map of the canal printed from high definition continuous tone printing plates, in two colours, giving extremely clear reproduction. It chronicles the canal's history and some original material on the Harmsworth family's connection, as well as detailed coverage of the restoration progress.
The edition is strictly limited to 125 copies. Place your order now by sending a cheque or money order for £8.95 incl. packing and postage to: Aubrey Slaughter (SHCS Sales Manager), 37 Fir Tree Way, Fleet, Aldershot, Hants.
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NEW GUIDE TO THE CANAL PUBLISHED
Following the successful introduction of a "Guide to the Basingstoke Canal" by Roger Cansdale and Dieter Jebens, published by the Society two years ago, a completely revised edition has just come out.
Containing 16 pages printed in three colours, the booklet contains maps of the entire canal from its junction with the Wey Navigation at Byfleet to Basingstoke.
For the new edition, Roger Cansdale has produced the maps of the canal in the conventional layout, based on ordnance survey 1:50,000 series. They contain a great deal more information about the canal than conventional maps. And the topical information has been updated to provide the towpath walker (and boater) with points of interest along the route and refreshment stops. The new A5 size booklet also includes a number of new photographs and a page entitled 'Useful Information' of addresses to contact for angling permits, Canoe Club membership, boating licences and so on.
A really handy book to help you explore the canal and learn a little more about its past and present.
Priced at £1.75 incl. postage and packing from the Society's Sales Manager, Aubrey Slaughter.
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CURIO CORNER
There are few early illustrations of the Basingstoke Canal so we were interested to see something unusual from Chris Wright of 'Printed Page' in Winchester.
It appeared in The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News'on January 10th in 1880. Entitled 'Bridge of" Boats' Basingstoke Canal' it is believed to originate from a scene in the Aldershot area, depicting an Army bridging exercise.
We'd be interested to hear from any member who has early photographs, illustrations, or engravings of the canal. The best known scenes show King John's Castle and the Canal at Old Basing.
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AGM REPORT
AGM ROUND-UP '86
"A year of steady, if not exciting, progress." "A strange year for volunteers, because although we've all been beavering away working as hard, if not harder than before, I cannot report any startling advances."
Two people quoted from the reports presented at the 1986 AGM of the Society, sum-up 1985. David Millett, vice chairman, and Mike Fellows, working party organiser, along with Frank Jones our full-time team leader, presented illustrated reviews from which the highlights have been extracted.
The second Ash Lock Rally together with the annual sponsored walk were the most successful events of the year from the point of view of public involvement, money raising and publicity, reported David Millett. The year had seen the publication of the long-awaited prestigious Society book "The Basingstoke Canal Restoration" and the audio-visual presentation prepared by Arthur Dungate had been shown to many audiences and has shown its worth in promoting the Society and its aims.
Membership figures have shown an encouraging increase of some 250 over the year largely due to the enthusiastic efforts of Chris and Janet Brazier. The John Pinkerton had had its best year ever despite a slow start caused by the appalling weather. Ash Lock as a starting point proved an outstanding success. The newly formed Marketing Group within the Society had also played a part in our membership gain, continued David Millett. This was due in the main to the relatively successful and newly revived public meetings programme.
The end of the MSC scheme had occasioned the employment of Frank Jones and Jim Reid in addition to the Society's existing 2 employees, Martin Smith and Ron Wheeler.
Various cruises on the John Pinkerton of a special nature had been undertaken during the year — these had focused on showing various local councillors and officials the benefits of a restored canal amenity and in October, for members' benefit, the focus was on the Deepcut flight when all 14 locks were navigated for the first time.
David Millett closed by thanking all members who had contributed to the restoration effort during 1985 and by thanking the county councils for their continued support. He expressed the hope that this co-operation will increase to ensure completion of the restoration by 1988.
Consolidation before the final assault
"No locks have been completed (at least by volunteers); no new locks started; no vast mileage of canal bank has been raised; and yet it has been a tremendous year which has greatly advanced the restoration of the canal". Mike Fellows introduced his report in this fashion, the theme of which was consolidation before the final assault.
During 1985 the dredger Perseverance has made some 1200 yards progress despite the appalling weather and at year end was halfway through Chequers Bridge. In part due to the bad weather and in part due to problems with the annual overhaul the Open Day for the dredger had to be cancelled. Two new barges had arrived however from British Shipbuilders to aid with spoil removal. Mike Fellows predicted that by the next AGM Perseverance should be within sight of Malthouse Bridge.
Lock gate building had continued apace, so much so that production has been reduced, due to lack of stockpiling space above lock 15. Lower gates for locks 9 and
10 had been completed during the year and the gates for lock 13 had been installed. Towpath raising between locks 15 and 21 had been undertaken by regular visiting groups and was done excellently despite the fact that they had said they never wanted to see another pile of hoggin after their previous experience!
Lock 9 had been all but completed, lock 8 had seen completion of demolition works and the rebuilding of the offside chamber wall and much other brickwork completed and lock 7 had seen the most dramatic changes with most work having been completed on the work camp. Another vital task completed during the camp was the piling between locks 10 and 11. The work camp had been a huge success, continued Mike Fellows, with 45-50 people attending during the first week and 30-35 people during the second week. Many months of planning had ensured maximum output and despite continuous rain throughout the two weeks the camp input restoration work worth some £20,000 at contractors' prices.
Lock 4 had seen the completion of the top half of the offside chamber wall and the nearside chamber wall had been rebuilt. Lock 1 's chamber walls were finally completed too.
Bankside clearance had continued under the new leadership of Peter Jackman who had taken over from Bert and Betty Scammell. Sections cleared during the year included Monument Bridge to Chertsey Road, Langmans Bridge to Goldsworth Park Road Bridge (where some work was undertaken standing on the ice) and above Kiln Bridge, St. John's.
Volunteer effort — a major Society input
In all 26,600 man hours had been contributed by volunteers during the year which represents a major Society input. Mike Fellows concluded with an analogy related to the Society's loss of its MSC scheme and the consequent impact on the restoration programme. "I rather liken this to the final stages of a race. At the beginning of the year the finishing post was not in sight, but we knew we were coming around the last bend and only the final long straight remained between us and our goal. Soon we came around the bend but there was one last hurdle. As we get closer we see this hurdle more closely - it is locks 2 and 3. They must be tackled by us in order to achieve our goal. We are tired but we must not stumble now. We must gird our tired limbs into more action so that we may easily leap this last obstacle and then comfortably canter up to the finishing post, COMPLETION IN 1988".
April 1985 had started with the Society's full-time team centring their work around the Deepcut flight, making several major adjustments to gates and re-applying safety and draught considerations to the flight, reported Frank Jones. The work was largely necessary because the gates had been installed without water being present and without true levels being available. Later the work camp was supported, before, during and after, acting in part as liaison between the Society and Surrey County Council.
Very high standards
The work then moved to Brookwood where locks 13 and 14 were gated and completed just before Christmas. These locks are outstanding examples of very high standards in every department resulting from all the
experience that had gone before, continued Frank Jones.
Other works tackled included a new towpath wall at Kiln Bridge, a new towpath together with steps and bridge at Connaught Bridge and culvert replacement between Brookwood and Hermitage Bridge. This latter was undertaken in the severest of winter weather when Hymacs and crawler dumpers were frozen to the ground and concrete and brickwork were out of the question. Jim Reid, Martin Smith and Ron Wheeler still succeeded in meeting their timescale!
Weekday volunteers have helped considerably in aiding restoration progress, added Frank Jones. The year's work had been helped considerably by being unfettered by MSC considerations and the policy of the Society in employing a full-time workforce had paid off handsomely. The agreement reached during the year that volunteers should restore locks 2 and 3 had been successfully achieved on the basis that the full-time team will concentrate on projects that require continuity or a skill level not capable of being guaranteed by volunteers.
Liaison with SCC has enabled the programme to be in the forefront of both our minds and all the complex requirements that the Society had pressed upon SCC had been met. The formula of SCC providing money and materials and the Society doing the work will see us through to a finish on time, concluded Frank Jones.
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In the News
A NICE LITTLE EARNER ON THE LEVEL
Dr John Holgate was kind enough to mention to his next door neighbour, Peter Bond, that he had a few things which the Society might like. Amongst other items was an old surveyor's level, complete with the original case and tripod, date 1877. Peter thanked the doctor very much and looked around within the Society for someone to tell. In due course the level was passed to Dr and Mrs E. Clutterbuck, who suggested that it should be auctioned. They took it to Philips of New Bond Street. Auctions of scientific instruments are held infrequently in London, so time went by. But the outcome of the team effort, something over a year after Dr Holgates gift was received by Peter Bond, was a net gain to the Society of £86.02.
Many thanks to Dr and Mrs Holgate for this gift and to Dr and Mrs Clutterbuck for their initiative and trouble taken in arranging for auction. Peter Bond of course deserves credit for being that vital link in the chain.
Anyone got any old Rembrandts?
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Weekend 5th/6th July
IWA Second Annual Trail Boat Rally at Droitwich, near Worcester.
Weekend 12th/13th July
Guildford Festival and IWA Water Wey Fayre — see Newsletter 127 for further details.
Tuesday 19th August and every Tuesday thereafter
Club Evenings on the John Pinkerton return to Ash Lock from Colt Hill, Odiham. Time 7.00 pm.
Weekend 23rd/24th/25th August
IWA National Waterways Festival at Brentford on the Grand Union Canal.
Tuesday 9th September
Last Club Evening on the John Pinkerton for 1986. Venue Ash Lock and time 7.00 pm.
Sunday 28th September
"Medway Double Cruise" — another of the famed outings organised by Rosemary and David Millett. Cruise on a narrow boat on the upper River Medway and on the coal burning steam boat Kingsweir Castle on the lower river. See Social Jottings for more details.
Saturday 18th October
SHCS 20th Anniversary Celebration — see elsewhere for
details on how to book for this historical event.
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THE CANAL AND ITS FINANCES
At a meeting of the Joint Management Committee of the Basingstoke Canal (J.M.C.) held late last year the following details of the finances of the canal and its restoration were tabled for both the past year and the coming year.
Riparian borough councils made significant contributions during the year 1985/86 to the Society and its funding of additional craftsmen employed on the restoration of the canal. These contributions were from Guildford (£1,000), Runnymede (£840), Surrey Heath (£1,750) and Woking (£3,000). Levels of funding for 1986/87 are not yet decided but discussions are currently under way and it is to be hoped that the amounts will at least be at the same level as last year, if not higher.
The Society itself provided an enormous input in the year past in terms of volunteer effort. 26,660 hours were contributed during 1985/86 which is valued at £66,650. 1986/87 will see a similar contribution it is expected, say 24,000 hours valued at £60,000.
In addition the Society contributed funds of £35,170 last year and anticipate a figure of £42,000 during 1986.
The capital expenditure figure for Surrey CC for 1985 was £120,000 and this is expected to increase to £125,000 for 1986. Hampshire CC spent some £31,000 during 1985 and expects this to rise to £36,000 for this year.
Net revenue expenditure by comparison was £152,600 for SCC during 1985 and this is expected to reach £169,400 for 1986. HCC's net revenue expenditure figures are £114,400 and £116,200 respectively. (Net revenue expenditure is money spent on direct running costs such as wages, premises, stationery, telephone etc. minus any income derived from boat licences, mooring fees, angling permits etc. Capital expenditure is the money spent on the actual restoration works.)
The net revenue expenditure is met in full for Hampshire by the County Council. In Surrey the amount is split 50/50 between the County Council and the District Councils - thus in 1985/86 each will contribute £76,300 and in 1986/87 this will increase to £84,700 each.
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COMING EVENTS
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BIG CELEBRATION
The Society's celebration to mark our 20th Anniversary will be the big event of the year. As announced in Newsletter 127, we've booked Bisley Village Hall for an informal buffet supper on October 18th and music for dancing, or just to give a party atmosphere, will be played by Cuff Billett and the New Europa Jazz Band, well known for its New Orleans style.
A buffet supper — also with a New Orleans flavour — will be provided by Sarah Garwood of South Lodge Catering. There'll be American style Roast Turkey with cranberry sauce, barbeque chipolatas, bacon rolls, watercress and crisps on the menu. Plus Maryland Ham with Sweetcorn and Banana Rice and Baked Jacket Potatoes with cream cheese and chives. And some tasty salad dishes. Then peach pie with cream or chocolate and lemon fudge tart and cream. And coffee and marshmallows to finish.
All this for £9.95 per person. Tickets are limited to 200 so that everyone has room to dance, eat, drink and enjoy what promises to be a memorable event.
Send for your tickets now from Mrs Rosemary Millett, 14 Dinorben Close, Fleet, Hants,GU13 9SW. Cheques made out to Surrey and Hampshire Canal Society Ltd., please.
Bartenders Wanted
There will be a cash bar at the Buffet Supper. If there are volunteers to serve behind the bar on the night, the Society will benefit from the takings. Ring Marion Truman on Fleet 613435 if you 'd care for a working evening out.
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IWA'S NATIONAL WATERWAYS FESTIVAL
The big event comes South. With 500 boats expected, entertainment, large trade show and funfair there's something for everyone at Brentford '86. See the variety of boats attending, on our Interesting Boat Trail, explore nearby Boston Manor Park, on the newly created Nature Trail, visit all the other canal society stands to see how they are getting on, take advantage of reduced admission price to Kew Bridge Engines pumping station. And lots more of course.
Brentford '86 is this year's National Waterways Festival at Boston Manor Park, Brentford, Middlesex, August Bank Holiday weekend, 23-25 August. Admission £1.50 adults, £1 children and OAPs. Good public transport access via Boston Manor (Piccadilly Line), Brentford (BR Southern Region) and London bus El. Or come by boat, entry forms from Angela Percy, tel. Marlow (06284)4575.
FOR SALE
10-ft motor launch, built of fibre glass, powered by 4 hp inboard petrol engine with jet drive, and road trailer. £300 complete. Phone: Roger Bull on Fleet 625291.
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AUTUMN SPECIAL DOUBLE CRUISE ON THE RIVER MEDWAY - SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 28th
The 1986 full day autumn excursion will feature the following double cruise on the River Medway in Kent, an area not explored on Society trips before.
Morning — a 11/z hour cruise on the narrowboat Achilles downriver from Tonbridge on the scenic higher section of the River Medway. Bar and light refreshments on board.
Afternoon — a 2Vz hour cruise on the lower part of the River Medway from Chatham on the restored vintage River Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle, owned and operated by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. A chance to sample the cosy and friendly saloons, and to see the Edwardian Steam Engines working, and to experience the unique atmosphere aboard Britain's only coal-burning passenger steamship.
On this cruise the Kingswear Castle will be steaming in a Parade of Steam in company with the famous Paddle Steamer Waverley, the last sea going Paddle Steamer in the world. Bars and refreshments on board.
Bring packed food as required.
Depart from Fleet, by coach at 8.30am, with a pick up at Guildford.
Cost: £12.95 all inclusive.
DON'T MISS THIS EXCITING DAY OUT - Please book early as the number of seats are limited.
Please TELEPHONE Rosemary Millett on Fleet (0252) 617364 to reserve your seats as soon as possible. Once your seats are reserved your cheque for the number of seats booked should be sent to: Mrs Rosemary Millett, 14 Dinorben Close, Fleet, Hants, GU13 9SW together with a Stamped Addressed Envelope. (Cheque to be made payable to S. & H.C.S. Ltd.)
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TEN YEARS AGO - From newsletter No. 80 June 1978 ...
* Lord Montagu of Beaulieu named the John Pinkerton at Colt Hill and joined the inaugural cruise to North Warnborough
* North Warnborough lift-bridge was electrified. Previously it took 30 minutes to jack the bridge up by a hand operated lever moved back and forth 600 times.
* A Portakabin Basingstoke Canal Exhibition, complete with audio visual slide show, devised by David Robinson and Dieter Jebens in association with Surrey's Exhibition Unit, set out on its second tour along the canal. Over 800 visitors saw the exhibition at Ash Vale alone.
* The dredger 'Perseverance' reached Swan Cutting, N.Warnborough.
* The first Canoe Tourist Trial was organised by the Society (notably David and Rosemary Millett) and the West el Canoe Club on the Canal. Now an annual event drawing participants from a wide area, it was believed to be the first major waterborne event on the canal at Fleet since a regatta in 1920 to celebrate the end of the First World War.
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In the News
GREYWELL TUNNEL LATEST
After the media interest in Greywell Tunnel, resulting from National Bat Year publicity, the 1,230 yard tunnel is returning to relative obscurity.
Special Projects Manager, Stan Meller, has prepared a 36-page case for restoring the tunnel and canal as far as Penney Bridge at Up Nateley.
At one time the Society proposed that the canal could be restored beyond Penney Bridge, to the western end of Little Tunnel Bridge which would make an historic and unique feature of a new canal basin. But now the additional engineering work of reinstating the canal bed between Penney Bridge and Little Tunnel Bridge, which was ploughed over some years ago, and the need to raise Penney Bridge, are seen to be relatively expensive undertakings.
Although Little Tunnel Bridge remains an attractive site for a basin, the draft report suggests that Penney Bridge is 'a low cost and more practical alternative opportunity to develop a new terminus basin'. Firstly, although heavily silted, the canal bed is intact and holds water. There is a winding hole adjacent to Penney Bridge which could easily be enlarged to make a wharf or basin. Greywell Road provides immediate road access and the surrounding land is flat and suitable for land based facilities such as car parking, maintenance yard, a canal centre and museum.
'The creation of a basin', the report concludes, 'particularly if it catered for a variety of essential boating needs and some attractions for non-boating visitors, in keeping with the rural surroundings, could become a major feature on the canal and greatly enhance the value of the waterway as a whole'.
The Society has always envisaged the construction of a new terminus to replace the original wharf at Basingstoke, now the site of the town's bus station. Since there is no suitable site close lo the eastern end of Greywell Tunnel (which in any event we wish to have restored), sites to the west were examined. Restoring the canal to Penney Bridge would also bring the benefits of a waterway amenity closer to people in the Basingstoke area.
To restore Ihe western end of the 12th longest canal tunnel in Britain, the report proposes that the eastern half should be partitioned while work is in progress to protecl any bats and maintain the cave effect which, apparently, is the attraction of the blocked tunnel today.
The cost of restoring the tunnel and canal using voluntary labour where suitable, together with construction of a basin at Penney Bridge is put at 030,000.
The draft report is being studied by both Hampshire County Council and the Nature Conservancy Council. Both parties and the Society are continuing to collect more information on the habits of the bat colony which recent unconfirmed reports indicate is not as large in number as was originally estimated.
At the Society's recent AGM it was reported that a further meeting between the NCC, HCC and the Society to discuss the situation would be held at the end of the summer.
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MORE PROTECTION FOR GREYWELL TUNNEL
Following designation of the inside of Greywell Tunnel as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to protect a colony of bats, the Nature Conservancy Council is now seeking to protect the exterior of the tunnel too.
The move comes in a proposal to designate Butter Wood, a triangular area of woodland, bounded by the M3 Motorway, Hook Road and the Canal — an SSSI. The site takes in the western half of the tunnel and the canal as far as Eastrop Bridge at Up Nateley.
The Society has lodged a written objection with the County Council stating that the relatively small number of plants referred to in the last paragraph of the Notice. all of which we believe to be common, do not warrant the inclusion of the area to the west of the tunnel within the SSSI'. The plants referred to are: thin spiked woodsedge Carex Strigosa, distant-flowered sedge Carex Remota and alder Aluns Glutinosa. Butter Wood as a whole is described as 'an outstanding example of ancient wood pasture'.
The Society is particularly concerned about the inclusion of the western half of the tunnel because this is an area requiring restoration. Work will involve draining the ponds situated above the tunnel, which precipitated the roof fall in 1934. and removing the spoil which fell down and subsequently blocked the tunnel. Since this work would be done from the surface, the provisions of an SSSI could pose a serious threat to access. For this reason the Society's Secretary, Philip Riley, has written, stating that 'we are also concerned that the area above the tunnel should not be made subject to unnecessary restrictions which might impede our long term aim to restore the tunnel and re-open it for navigation'.
A QUESTION OF TIME
At our recent AGM, David Gerry, Hampshire's Canal Manager estimated it will take 'Perseverance' another five years dredging to reach Fleet and complete a task which was started 13-1/2 years ago.
Our own calculation comes to the same conclusion — in fact David may be a shade optimistic.
It's taken 'Perseverance' ten years to reach Chequers Bridge from Sandy Hill Bridge. That's a distance of 3i4 miles which is an average of 616 yards dredged per year.
It's two miles from Chequers Bridge to Reading Road South, Fleet so our ETA is the end of 1992 - 5!4 years from now.
The variable factor is time laid up for repairs, or severe weather conditions although the dredger crew seem to carry on regardless.
Whatever the exact date, it may be some years after the canal is otherwise restored before 'Perseverance' reaches Reading Road South.
Should the Society be seeking additional dredging support or doesn't it matter? After all, the undredged length is navigable to craft with a draught of less than 2
feet - and that includes canal narrowboats. What do boat owners think?
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GONE FISHING ON THE CANAL . . .
Andre Grandjean, Secretary to the Hampshire Basingstoke Canal Anglers Association has reminded us that Society members have free membership of the Association providing applications are accompanied by an SAE and Society membership number (to be found on the envelope containing your Newsletter).
The HBCAA and the Rushmoor Mallards are organising an angling match for up to 100 disabled fishermen, on the canal, between Eelmore and Farnborough Road bridges on 21st September.
Association club affiliates are being encouraged to become responsible for short lengths of canal and keep the banks trimmed and free of litter.
Four trial 'fishing stations' for disabled anglers are to be built by canal rangers around Claycart Bridge during the summer.
More than 20,000 fish, including tench, crucian carp, dace up to 12 oz and roach up to 2lb have been put in the canal this year around the Fleet area. The HBCAA has launched a Specimen Fish Award, open to permit holders, for the best specimen of each species caught on the canal. Anglers are reminded temporary or day tickets can be obtained at local tackle shops. Monthly or annual permits are available on application from the HBCAA Secretary, Andre Grandjean, 37 Mansfield Road, Basingstoke, Hants, RG22 6DX (enclosing SAE).
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THE SHAPE OF THE SEAGULL
From his expert knowledge of vintage steam powered inland waterways boats and observations of the hull or remains of NB Seagull, found in Brickworks Arm, Up Nateley (Newsletter No. 122 July 1985), Philip Weaver has drawn the complete boat as she was in 1890 whilst in use prior to abandonment when the brickworks closed at the turn of the century. (See also Newsletters 112 and 118).
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Those members who pay their annual subscription by cash or cheque, and have not yet renewed, were sent a reminder with their last Newsletter. The notice did not include current costs which we list below as a final reminder. If you have not yet sent in your annual subscription, please do it now — the Society values your membership as support for restoration of the canal.
Current membership rates are:
Family £7.50 Adult £6.50
Junior (under 18) £2.00 Senior Citizen £2.00
Group Affiliation £10.00 Life £80,00
Edwin Chappell, our Membership Secretary,has asked us to point out that receipts are not sent unless specifically requested, and the Society no longer issues membership cards, which,it was agreed some years ago, do not justify the cost of printing.
Deed of Covenant
Tax paying members who pay by cash or cheque are also reminded that this method of payment does not prohibit you from entering into a Deed of Covenant.
By signing a covenant (which costs you nothing extra) and undertaking to pay your subscription annually for the next four years, the Society can claim back, on your behalf, the tax you have paid on your subscription. That's £2.79, in the case of a member paying the adult subscription of £6.50, which is well worth recovering. And you are under no obligation other than your agreement to pay your subscription for a minimum of the next four years. The membership Secretary will be pleased to send you the simple Deed of Covenant form to complete. Membership Secretary, Edwin Chappell, The Spinney, Meadow Road, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 1QR. Tel: 03722 72631.
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In the News
MAYOR ENTERS BOROUGH BY BOAT
It was more like an autumn day than a morning in Spring. Damp, grey and distinctly cool for the time of year. Yet there was sense of celebration in the air on May 17th at Brookwood.
Moored in Lock 15, above Pirbright Bridge, John Pinkerton, her paintwork gleaming, helped to brighten the dullness. But even the attractive trip boat was no match for the mass of sombre coloured waterproofs, umbrellas and anoraks of the waiting crowd.
With the last of the guests on board, it was time for the Mayor of Woking, Mrs Pat Bohling, to make her historic entry into the Borough by boat. And she was clearly determined to make it a memorable occasion. Hatless and without a coat, the Mayor stood on the bows of the boat, oblivious of the weather, her chain of office gleaming despite the lack of sunshine. She was clearly delighted to be making such an unusual journey into her Borough and to greet all the people lining the banks, few of them realising that the Mayor was so keen to cruise along the canal, that she joined the John Pinkerton for the 2-hour trip down the Deepcut flight in the morning.
The residents of Brookwood reciprocated the Mayor's warm and enthusiastic greetings. They helped make it a memorable and happy day. Gardens at the waters edge were festooned with balloons and bunting, dozens of people lined the banks and towpath and the local W.I. members strung a message of congratulations across Sheets Heath Bridge. On, past the bottom of the garden at No. 56 Connaught Crescent, once the home of Jim Woolgar, who, with Flo Fleming, started the Canal Society twenty years ago. Down to Brookwood Lock 14 for the tape cutting ceremony and unveiling of a plaque to declare the lock restored.
A large crowd watched as John Pinkerton locked through, turned and cruised back to Pirbright Bridge with the Mayor at the tiller. One had the impression that this was not the first time Pat Bohling had steered a narrowboat. All the way she waved to people on the bank while her husband constantly pointed her towards camera lenses in all directions.
This was the last of 1,000 civic engagements, performed by the outgoing Mayor of Woking, and she said that she was determined not to miss it.
What better person to make this historic trip than the Mayor of Woking, or more canal interested councillor than Mrs Pat Bohling. Thank you for making it such a memorable event.
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NAVY DAYS ON THE CANAL
A dozen naval ratings from the training establishment HMS 'Dryad' at Go sport spent a useful five days in June working on Woodend Bridge crossing the canal at St. John's.
They removed a thick mass of ivy covering the accommodation bridge and demolished unsafe brickwork in readiness for complete restoration by Society employees.
The ratings, aged between 17 and 20 years, were either waiting to start training, or transfer to ships. "They enjoy this sort of community service work rather than waiting around", said Warrant Officer Bob Nichols in charge.
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MORE SUPPORT NEEDED FOR BIG FUND RAISER - Graham Meade, 1986 Sponsored Walk Organiser
The Society's largest one day fund raising event this year — the sponsored walk — was held on May 18th in ideal conditions. Initial returns indicate that the event has again raised a large sum of money for the Society. If all the money pledged is collected, the total amount for the Society will be around £4,600 with an additional £1,660 going to other organisations. Although slightly less than last year, the event was a successful fund raising venture.
The sponsored walk could not be held without the support of marshals (involving 30 Society members), the walkers of course, plus the support of other organisations. I should therefore like to thank all those who took part for their valued support.
As the money raised by individuals and organisations still has to be verified, it is perhaps premature to single out any one group, but I feel Aldershot Manor School deserves a special mention. The school has supported the Society on a number of our sponsored walks, and this year 97 pupils took part. To them, their teachers and parents I extend a big thank you. The children have collectively raised approximately £950 to be divided between the Society and their school. I think this is a marvellous achievement. The school will be losing its separate identity when it merges with another local school at the end of the summer, but let's hope that their enthusiasm will be passed on to their new friends and colleagues.
I should like to draw members attention to a few facts concerning support for the Walk, which are not very encouraging. Out of the total number of people walking, only about 8% were Society members. When you compare this with the support given by Aldershot Manor School and other schools and organisations, it is a very poor showing for our own major fund raising event.
The facts are that we do not necessarily require everyone to raise large sums of money by way of sponsorship. But if another 50 members had walked, the Society would have gained another £500 on the basis of the known average per person. To keep up the restoration momentum we must show more interest in our fund raising events.
I therefore appeal to members that, if we hold the same event next year, to seek sponsorship and join the walk. Don't forget you can choose your own distance. So, please don't leave it to others to raise a substantial part of the money required by the Society to meet its ongoing commitments.
In organising these events we require not only people to walk but, as already mentioned, also a number of volunteers to marshal the event on the day. So next year I expect to see more support given to the regular marshals and walkers.
In the meantime, Derek Truman, and I will be pleased to hear from any member who has further thoughts on fund raising events or ideas concerning the organisation of next year's Sponsored Walk.
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County Call
COUNCIL SEEKS MORE USE OF CANAL IN SURREY
While boaters are discovering the 12-mile stretch of the restored canal in Surrey down to Lock 28 at Deepcut, the County Council would like to see more boat cruising. Use of the canal not only helps to keep excessive weed growth down but will also aid consolidation of the clay puddling along the banks in the Ash Vale area which has been used to stem the leaks.
Boat owners are reminded that there is a free public slipway at Potters pub restaurant, above Mytchett Place Bridge. And with Ash Lock open during daylight hours, there's another 15 miles of cruising on the summit pound in Hampshire as far as North Warnborough.
Once a rundown and untidy length of the canal, restoration has made a marked change to the waterway and its environment. Tree lined for the most part, and with Mytchett Lake and Great Bottom Flash as waterspace features, Ash Lock to Frimley aqueduct, makes a pleasant 1-1/2 hour cruise.
Many of the riparian householders are recognising the new amenity at the bottom of their gardens, by clearing and opening a view through and creating some attractive watersides. Perhaps the Society might encourage this move by running a 'Best Kept Canalside Garden' competition?
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COUNCIL LOOKS AT TOWPATH HEDGES
The use of mechanical flails to trim hedges, often leaving them mutilated, was criticised at the Society's AGM, when David Gerry, Hampshire's canal manager, was asked about the County's policy on maintaining towpath hedgerows.
When the canal was originally constructed, a hawthorn hedge was planted along the towpath for much of its route as an effective barrier to prevent the barge horses from straying. Years of neglect have allowed the hedging to grow into trees with branches overhanging the towpath. A good example is along the length from Colt Hill, Odiham, to North Warnborough. In springtime the May blossom is quite startling.
Elsewhere, in woodland areas and along urban stretches the encroachment of nature or man has reduced or eliminated the hedgerow.
The canal management is now looking at what is left with a view to felling dead and damaged hedges to encourage new growth where possible and to replant in the gaps. Hawthorn will be used mainly but holly, hazel and field maple as well.
Expressing a view shared by a number of members, Mr. Roger Cansdale appealed for the existing boundaries 'not to be tidied up too much'. If you have a view we'd like to hear from you.
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LAST BOAT THROUGH THE TUNNEL?
1934, the year in which part of the roof of Greywell Tunnel collapsed, is usually associated with the last time it was possible to navigate the tunnel from end to end. Although true of a substantial boat such as a narrowboat, we came across a newspaper report which told of a canoe passage much later.
Derek Joseph, a journalist, and a companion, made the trip which was recalled in the Basingstoke Gazette last year:
'In 1950 he crewed a two-seater canoe with Andoverian Cyril Berry, doyen of home winemakers throughout the country, who had casually suggested they navigate the tunnel. 'Joe' had no idea that the middle section had collapsed and was in a dangerous condition. That realisation came in pitch darkness when towards the centre of the tunnel the canoe grounded in about two inches of water. A flickering light revealed nothing but blackness and space ... In silence the canoe was manhandled over the mud and earth until it slid into deeper water, and the journey continued. This time both men realised the danger they were in. Finally a pinprick of light in the distance turned into Greywell opening and safety. On the return journey from Odiham not a word was spoken when the canoe reached Greywell; both adventurers automatically pulled to the near bank, lifted out the canoe and carried it overland back to the car, which was parked on the other side of the collapsed tunnel!'
Editor's note: The roof fall was caused by pressure from the weight of water in a pond above on Greywell Hill. Apparently a tree fell through which remained upright standing in the water. Presumably this was removed if the canoeists were able to get through. During the Society's existence, the tunnel has been completely blocked up to the roof, and spoil has been slowly spreading along the bore.
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DID YOU WORK ON LOCK 14?
Apart from being singled out for ceremonial treatment, Lock 14 at Brookwood holds another distinction. No other lock on the canal has been restored by so many different groups of people.
The Society's founding member Jim Woolgar was probably the first person to give the derelict chamber his attention while the canal was still privately owned. Later our member David Morgan led working parties in the early 1970's which made a start by digging out several feet of accumulated silt and vegetation.
During 'Deepcut Dig' in October 1977, when 600 volunteers from all parts of the Country spent a weekend working on the flight and 'Brookwood Three', Lock 14 was allocated to Pablo Haworth whose party tackled the decayed lower all.
Building apprentices from local firms and the R.A.E., under the auspices of the Construction Industry Training Board, made their contribution by demolishing the decayed brickwork in the off-side chamber wall.
Society working parties also took part in preparing the lock for restoration which was undertaken by Y T S workers, under Jim Reid, between 1983-84.
The Lock was completed by Martin Smith and Jim Reid who installed the new lock gates in September 1985.
Finally, the roll of honour would not be complete without Surrey County Council who supplied the plant and materials.
Is there anyone else who can lay claim to having worked on Lock 14?
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GONGOOZLERS' GOSSIP
WORK Camp '86. July 26th - August 10th. If you want to join for aU or part of the fortnight ring Mike Fellows for an application form. Tel: Wokingham (0734) 787428.
BWB now issuing one day "Waterways Explorers" licences, e.g. powered boat not exceeding 15ft in length, without use of locks cost £2.
SCENIC length of canal re-opened. The breached section of the Llangollen Canal that was closed in January 1985 was official re-opened on 18th April. This section near Trevor has now been strengthened considerably and works were undertaken on some 2000 yards of the canal in total at a cost estimated at £1.75m.
NEW membership secretary going great guns, we hear. Signed up 23 new members at the 20/40 Rally at Ash Lock.
BRIDGE on the River Wey! Runnymede Borough Council, the Countryside Commission and Surrey CC have jointly agreed to finance the building of a new footbridge between the towpath of the River Wey and that of the Basingstoke.
HEAR that the cancelled Dredger Open Day is to be re-scheduled for the autumn. October is likely to be the month.
DON'T forget our anniversary celebration in October. It will be an event to remember. Book now with Rosemary Millett.
BOATS galore at the 20/40 Rally. 43 boats were present and enjoyed what turned out to be a fine weekend in many respects — weather, enjoyment and public interest, to name a few.
CHEQUE for £75 gratefully received, as a donation to funds, from Mr and Mrs Griffiths of Woking.
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JOHN PINKERTON TRIP BOAT
For Private Parties and Public Trips. Operates from Colt Hill, Odiham, or Ash Lock, Aldershot. Seats 56 passengers. Bar and light refreshments available. Special catering on request. All weather protection.
Ideal for private parties, firms outings, society socials, school trips and get-togethers of all kinds. 2-1/2-hour duration.
Charter Tariff
Daytime cruises (incl. weekends) £50
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings £55
Friday and Saturday evenings £70
Senior Citizens and School Parties £35
Adults £1.00 Children .50p Adults £1.75 Children £1.00
Public Trips
1 hour trips from Ash Lock - Adults £1 Children 50p
2-1/2 hour trips from Colt Hill, Odiham - Adults £1.75 Children £1.00
Operating Schedule
18th June-17th August Colt Hill
20th August — 26th October (season ends) Ash Lock
Public Trips from Colt Hill operate at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoons only. Public Trips from Ash Lock operate at 2.00pm and 3.30pm on Saturdays and 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm and 3.30pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays (no advance booking).
Bookings and further information from Tony Karavis, 12 Loddon Road, Farnborough, Hants. GU14 9NT. Tel: Farnborough 549037.
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COPY DATE FOR SEPTEMBER 1986 NEWSLETTER: 15th JULY 1986
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 GU10 3NJ. (Farnham 715230)
Chairman: Robin Higgs, 18 Barnsford Crescent, West End, Woking. (Chobham 7314)
Vice-Chairman: David Millett, 14 Dinorben Close, Fleet. (Fleet 617364)
Hon. Treasurer: Mrs Gwyneth Browne, 102a Aldershot Road, Fleet. (Fleet 621745)
Hon. Secretary: Philip Riley, Meadow Vale, Guildford Road, Normandy. (Worplesdon 234776)
Membership Secretary: Edwin Chappell.The Spinney, Meadow Road, Ashtead, Surrey, KT 21 1QR (Ashtead 72631)
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: Tony Karavis, 12 Loddon Road, Farnborough, Hants. (Farnborough 549037)
Sales Manager: Aubrey Slaughter, 37 Fir Tree Way, Fleet, Aldershot, Hants. GU13 9NB. (Fleet 623102)
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)
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