At Phase 1 we made the most of the two bank holidays at Easter by progressing with the restoration. The weather has been kind to us with temperatures reaching 20 C on several days so the wet and muddy areas had a chance to dry out and give us a good soil surface to work on. We still have the water overflowing from the big pipe, but even that has slowed down. Speaking of which, we had the first anniversary of its removal from this section of canal on 9 April.
Work on the offside wall has progressed well. You may remember that some of the big pipe sections were used vertically to form the bulk of the wall, and then filled with hardcore, with heritage facing bricks on the outside. It was then filled in with concrete to give it strength and a waterproof quality.
Gabion cages have been placed on top of the wall to give a retaining quality and keep soil from eroding from the top. We’ve also started to backfill the area at the end of the wall, which makes it look like it’s disappearing into the earth bank. We will always have a reminder of when this wall was built, as Geoff our bricklayer, has fashioned the Roman numerals for 2026 (MMXXVI) in blue bricks in relief. Talent abounds!
On the towpath wall, the scaffolding has been moved along and a further length of about twenty metres has been started. We’ve added a 450mm wide bench, which will enable boaters to step off their boat and moor. They can use the rings we’re placing in the wall while waiting to go through the lock, which will be constructed on the other side of Cricket Lane once the culvert has been built.
One of the great joys of working on the towpath wall, apart from the progress we’re making, is to see just how many people are using the path at the moment, including walkers, joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers. There are so many!
Sadly, there are a few who walk their dog along and just leave the deposit, without any thought of cleaning up the mess. Others do clean up, but then leave the plastic bag hanging on a fence or a tree. It’s the not bothering to take it away that upsets people.
Many of the users stop and look. Others stop, look and speak to us while we’re bricklaying. It’s always good to chat with them, and get their encouragement for what we’re doing. We get people from far and wide. One gentleman I spoke to recently is visiting from Canada. He comes to overwinter here instead of staying in the deep snow each year. I also spoke to a volunteer from the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust. It’s good to listen to their stories.
Some of the older folk remember when the canal was last in water. Others ask the how-and-why questions. We love to speak to them.
Have a great summer… until next time.
Brian Williams
Workparty teamleader
This blog first appeared in Cut Both Ways, our members’ magazine.
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