The Society is busy with several ongoing projects, most of which are long term in their progress. Particular projects of interest include:
Information Boards – the 15 new information boards are proposed to be installed during 2021 at locations along the length of the canal. BCA agrees to the locations and themes, and Greenhouse Graphics has now provided a quotation from which BCA can place an order. The procurement route of BCA placing the order with BCS providing the funds from project-specific fundraising offers the best value for money approach. The intention is to mock up the first board before the remaining boards to check and sign off. BCS is producing the text for each board and then signed off by BCA.
Last 5 Miles walk – positive progress by our volunteer colleague working with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and Parish Councils to establish the route, land ownership and rights of way needed to establish a permanent path. A long term project is generating good support.
Online Museum – this project is to take the excellent archive material we have and put it on a digital platform. A test website will be populated on a segment by segment basis, reviewed internally by the project team, and open to members. The early stages of the project involve assessments on which material is to be digitised once access to the physical archive is possible.
Kitty Replacement – based on an agreed outline specification, several builders have requested quotations for the fully electric replacement of Kitty. She will accommodate 12 passengers, have wheelchair access, WC and kitchenette. The project will be part-funded from current BCS reserves, and the funding team are considering how to raise the remaining money through grants, sponsorship, donations, events. (See the update under Volunteers, where we are looking for help with fundraising). We will also be looking to fund and provide some electric points along the canal.
Holland Moorings – as already reported, the weekend Working Party have done a great job in providing extensive mooring facilities in Farnborough, with income going to the BCA. A few photos of the facility are below.
