Coming soon Winter and spring camps
As 2014 ends we look forward to 2015: the BCN Clean Up, Chelmer Camp, and a lot of work on the Cotswolds. Why? See Martin T’s piece below...
Cotswold Christmas Camp, 26 December - 1 January By the time you receive this, the Festive Season will be upon us, but in case you feel a sudden need to get away from your relatives on Boxing Day you might be interested in making a late booking for all or port of the New Year Camp - if there are still any places left. To find out, contact head office on 01494 783453 or enquiries@wrg.org.uk, or if it’s too close to Christmas and they’re on holiday contact camp leader Martin Thompson on 07736 796419.
Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation Winter Camp, 14-21 February Camp leader Bob Crow writes: The first camp of 2015 will be a slash and burn Winter Warmer on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation from 14th to 21st February. The task will be vegetation clearance on the towpath to enable the use of new wider mechanised mowing equipment, purchased by Essex Waterways Ltd in 2014, to be used to control vegetation growth in future. The accommodation will be on board the Haybay which is a converted barge with comfy bunks, on board showers and a drying room – sheer luxury! By February you will surely be missing the WRG camp scene so why not join us – book now - you’ll be made very welcome.
2015 is going to be an absolutely crucial year as regards volunteer work on the Cotswold Canals restoration. Easter Camp Leader Martin Thompson explains... Completion of the outstanding restoration of structures on the Phase 1A section of the Cotswold Canals (that’s from Stonehouse through Stroud to Brimscombe, and includes our work sites at Griffin Mill and Bowbridge locks) is a critical precursor of the Heritage Lottery Fund bid for money to pay for the Phase 1B section. Phase 1B will provide the essential connection from the restored lengths of the Cotswold Canals to the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and access to the main UK canal network. Volunteer manpower is so important to restore locks at Bowbridge, Ham Mill and Hope Mill. The first two sites are already under volunteer-led restoration and Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT) volunteers are starting dredging the channel between them. CCT need your help with this big 2015 push to return these derelict locks to fully functional restored structures. See the fruits of your labour being used by boats in the near term on this high-profile public amenity
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Pictures by Martin Ludgate
Cotswold Easter Camps, 28 March-4 April and 4 - 11 April
Task for 2015: turn this (Bowbridge)...
...into something like this (Griffin Mill)