WENDOVER ARM TRUST NEWS Paul Leech, who has been Trust Chairman for only about a year, has sadly had to tender his resignation on grounds of ill-health. During his months in office, Paul has been extremely active in promoting the cause of the Trust, and will be much missed. The Trust is also saddened to learn of the recent death of Sheila Lewis, widow of WAT Founder, Chairman, and subsequently Vice President Roger Lewis who died in April 2007. She staunchly supported Roger in setting up the Trust, and was a key figure in helping organise and run the annual Canal Festival, which raised significant funds for the restoration.
Restoration progress Despite delays due to poor weather, the re-lining of Phase 2 Stage 2 was virtually completed in November. A few metres of bed lining remain to be done when sufficient Stage 3 bank lining has been completed to allow laying of an entire roll of bed lining material. When 100 metres of Stage 3 lining (including the concreting through Bridge 4A narrows) are complete, another stretch can be rewatered. This is anticipated for around July 2014. The re-lining process has been refined such that 20 metres of lining or 40 metres of pipe capping can be completed in one week-long work-party. The Restoration Committee is considering how work can be carried out more productively during poor weather, including the laying of a roadway as part of rough profiling from Little Tring westwards.
The Trust has appointed a professional fund-raiser, to drive renewed efforts to secure funds for completion of Phase 2 of the restoration (Drayton Beauchamp to Little Tring) and for Phase 3 (Drayton Beauchamp to Wendover). It is also seeking a volunteer Fund Manager to work alongside the professional fund-raiser, to liaise with local authorities, and arrange public meetings. A volunteer is being sought for the post of Merchandise Manager, to work with newly-elected Council member Martin Bird, who has been appointed Events Manager. Volunteers are also welcome on restoration work parties—contact restoration@wendoverarmtrust.co.uk As a further effort to raise funds, WAT has joined the “Easyfundraising” scheme, in which online shoppers nominate the charity they wish to support, then some of the purchase money goes to the charity. Donations are treated as coming from the purchaser, so they are eligible for Gift Aid. To find out how to help WAT in this way, visit http://www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk/easyfundraising.html WAT is considering how to celebrate its Silver Jubilee in 2014. Ideas under discussion include a Restoration Open Day to coincide with the re-watering of Phase 2 to Bridge 4A (see left), or another “Walk an Arm’s Length” event. Other good ideas will be welcomed. The memorial plaques stolen from the seats along the Arm in July are to be replaced with plaques of a composite aluminium and plastics construction, fixed with high-security stainless steel screws. At the Trust's Restoration Open Day in September, its Grand Draw prize-winners were announced. The first three prizes (donors in parentheses) went to:
1st: Week's canal boat hire (Wyvern Shipping Co Ltd) Mrs P Preston 2nd: Day boat hire (Grebe Canal Cruises) Sue Foster Some 900 metres of pipe 3rd £100 Cash Prize (Mr & Mrs B Martin) Mrs Wright capping, and 1400 metres of lining remain to be done to reach the bund at Little Tring. At the present rate of progress, this puts completion of Phase 2 at around 2022, subject to funding. Page 12
The full results can be seen at: http://www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk/grand-draw-2013.html Thanks to those that have so generously supported the Grand Draw this year. Another Grand Draw will be held in 2014. Information on this page from Wendover Arm News, December 2013, and from Trust web site.