Wilts & Berks Canal Trust Page

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Here at Tooley's we were showcasing our plans for the future, and asking people for their views - in particular on our historic wooden boat Hardy (pictured). We were also running our popular 45-minute boat trips, some of which featured children's author Dan Clacher reading from his Muddy Waters books. And in the dry dock the Three Idle Women (https://www.threeidlewomen.com/ ) entranced us with their musicality. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, helping to emphasise the evergrowing importance of the canal to the town of Banbury and its citizens. For more information on our boat trips go to: https://tooleysboatyardtrust.org.uk/boat-trips/ .

John Madden, Chair Tooley’s Boatyard Trust

Wilts & Berks Canal

My last article introduced our new CEO, Simon Caraffi. Unfortunately, once he started in post he decided to step down, so the search is on again for a new CEO. We greatly regret Simon’s decision but are grateful for the feedback he gave us in the process. However, our Visitor Centre in Swindon now has a new manager, Julie Johnson-Little (on the right), who has invigorated our team of volunteers there.

We have recently acquired Leases on two further pieces of land – Naish Hill near Lacock, and Uffington Gorse near Shrivenham. In order to look after these significant pieces of land we have acquired some new machinery, to keep them in order and save volunteer hours for other tasks, which are many! Our concerns about the viability of a short stretch of existing canal in Wichelstowe, Swindon were mentioned last time, with a photo of yours truly taking part in a depth survey. The result is shown here,

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illustrating the importance of being aware of what’s beneath the surface and what is needed to enable boats to pass each other!

Chris Barry Comms Secretary, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust

Future Events

Boat trips on Dragonfly

We are planning to run Santa trips again this year, based on the “Dragonfly Experiences” we have been doing so far. Trips will run every weekend from Saturday November 26th until Sunday Dec 18th and then every day from Monday Dec 19th up to and including Friday Dec 23rd . Trip times will be 10.15, 11.00, 11.45, 12.30, 1.30, 2.15 and 3pm. Fares will be unchanged at £12 for children, £6 for adults. Children aged 1 and under go free. For those not familiar with what we do, Dragonfly goes to find Santa; he gets on the boat and gives each child their own personal present; Santa knows who's been before, too! Bookings open - to book, please email 2santa@wbct.org.uk or ring 07401 220076. Payment must be made at least two weeks before your trip to confirm the booking. PLEASE BOOK USING EITHER OF THE ABOVE, NOT VIA THE WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE.