the second phase of the improvements to the towpath at Bonfire Hangar has just started.  As you can see from the photo it is already in use!

A huge thank you to everyone from WACT and especially to our visiting volunteers for the excellent work they have done and the very significant progress they have made.  It will greatly enhance the experience of those walking the canal.  

Volunteers have just finished repainting the iconic swing bridge at Haybarn.  After its repaint the bridge was swung open to confirm it is fully operational.  The bridge is in its second career having given many years service on the Leeds and Liverpool canal at Keighley, Yorkshire and was moved to its new site in Sussex in 2005.

The Eric Walker Group have started work to repair the leaks through the canal bank between Drungewick Bridge and Drungewick Lock.  It was first necessary to remove sevaral enormous tree trunks.  Some stretches of membrane had been laid in 2021 and the gaps which range from 7 metres to 50 metres are now being filled with Terraseal membrane.

The log store at Tickner's Depot is being treated to a new roof to better protect the impressive amount of wood now available.

An impressive quantity of rust has been recovered from Pauline and she is looking much more presentable with her newly blacked hull.  However, some urgent welding was required on the decking and other areas with more to come in future years.

Our abject apologies for mentioning Christmas this early in the year, but if we are to run a full programme of trips in December, (an important source of income) we need an extra Father Christmas.  The duties are confined to handing out presents and refreshments.  An ability to produce a convincing 'Ho Ho Ho' is not obligatory! 

We could also do with some help in the Canal Centre to prepare the biscuits, mince pies, lemonade and mulled wine.

Is it a duck?  No it is an Egyptian Goose inspecting the widening of the towpath by the Monday Group near Baldwin's Knob Lock

What have you seen and photographed recently?  Send us a photo for next month's Newsletter.

The MDV will be deployed to the following locations:

Amberly Museum               Sunday 18th August 

Amberly Museum               Sat 24th/Sunday 25th August

Macmillan Vintage Rally Balls Cross

                                            Sat 31stAug/Sun 1stSept

Surrey Hills Wood Fair        Sat 7th/Sun 8th Sept

Wey River Festival              Sat 14thSept

Roger Beazer is always happy for some back up from members to help communicate the Wey & Arun story to the public.

Our Canal Centre at Loxwood is now 13 years old serving as a a Visitor Information Centre, selling publications, taking bookings for canal trips and acting as a catering hub for trips.

The Thursday Group has been undertaking some refurbishment repositioning the internal wall and improving the storage area in the kitchen. New posters and displays are being developed.

However it does need people to run it.  Several new volunteers have come forward and we could do with some more to extend our opening hours

As you may know, Lyn Nash has recently retired but is still helping out while we find a replacement.  Could you be the new Manager?

The Trust statutory accounts along with those for our trading company have been finalised and reviewed by the external examiner.   Members who want to understand our accounts and balance sheet are encouraged to review and submit any questions ahead of the AGM.   The AGM will take place at 2:30pm on 19th October at Afold Village Hall. 

Join the Wey & Arun Canal Trust to help extend our green corridor through the beautiful Surrey and Sussex countryside. Single membership £15pa - family £20pa.

Members receive our quarterly Wey South Magazine with more in depth stories and are able to attend special members events. .