Camp reports Wilts&Berks:NWPGontheDig Deep project at Summit Lock Camp 0207: Wilts & Berks Canal 13th – 20th July With the suspension of volunteer work at Valley Lock on the Thames & Severn due to the private garden suspended precariously above the chamber, the hunt was on to find a suitable alternative for this year’s NWPG camp, preferably on one of the Dig Deep projects. The obvious site was Summit Lock which needed an urgent boost following last year’s delays due to the site being inaccessible because of Foot and Mouth. Three volunteers from Rachael’s camp had booked to stay on for a second week in sunny Wiltshire and, in addition to a dozen regular NWPG volunteers, we were joined by five new volunteers, all of whom excelled themselves during what turned out to be at times a fairly hectic and very hot week.
But what about accommodation? Having scoured most of the surrounding countryside and discounted various options Peter Smith suggested Foxham Reading Room. But isn’t a Reading Room supposed to be quiet and roomy? Not with the RAF’s Hercules transporter aircraft flying directly overhead at minimal altitude seemingly at five-minute intervals throughout each evening and twenty beds crammed into the main hall. However, at least it was clean, had decent washing facilities, and was close to the Foxham Inn. It is even closer to the local Post Office which occupies approx. 20% of the total sleeping space and opens for business every Monday and Thursday morning requiring all other occupants and bedding to be cleared by 8.30! Just as we had sorted out the accommodation Matt arrived with the plans for the foundations of the new bridge for the bottom end of Summit Lock. A very substantial quantity of reinforcing bar was going to have to be wired together to form a rigid cage. (How many lengths of wire!?) Somehow each section had to be put together, carried down into the chamber, formwork constructed, and everything supported with Acrow Props in just two days before the first load of readymix concrete was due on the Tuesday. It is a great credit to all those involved that the job was completed on time, to a high standard, and with a minimum of fuss. The only injuries sustained were a few sore hands from all that wire twisting!
Installation of reinforcing ready for casting the concrete foundations for the lock tail bridge at Summit Lock. The lock and bridge have been built as independent structures, with a fibre seal separating them.
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