Over the Christmas period,  we carried 483 passengers.  Santa handed out over 195 gifts and the mulled wine, mince pies and biscuits were much enjoyed by all.

Our thanks to all the volunteers who made this such a successful Santa season.

During 2024 we made 130 boat trips and carried 3200 passengers despite the lack of water at certain times in the summer.  This was a 25% increase on last year.

A huge thanks to our boat crews and all the other volunteers for achieving this key part of our activities.

Here are some significant things we achieved in 2024:

Reconstruction of Towpath and clearance of Canal Bed.at Bonfire Hanger.                                                             

Replacement of pump controls Phase 1 following the damage by vandals.   

Repair of the leakage at Long Meadow.                             

Dredging and Truxor work on the Loxwood Section.           

Granting of Planning Approval for Rye Farm.

Definition of Priority Sections of the Canal to focus our Restoration Work over the immediate future.

Development of the 2030 Vision to guide our efforts over the longer term. 

As you can see, the Monday Vegetation Group have been busy cutting back the laurel hedge below Brewhurst lock after permission from the landowner.  This had grown very tall and thick over the years and was seriously restricting the use of the towpath. 

There is some serious bricklaying underway on the southern parapet of Devil's Hole Lock Bridge which was excessively cracked and must be rebuilt.  This is a tricky task as it is curved in both plan and elevation. 

Martin Edser took this lovely photo of a Goldcrest on the 23rd December Near Loxwood. An aptly named bird for sure!

What have you seen and photographed recently? If you send a photo to Dave Verrall at:      dave.verrall@weyarun.org.uk he can upload it to the Wildlife Photo section on the website.

The Spring Meeting will be held on Saturday 26th April at Loxwood Village Hall starting at 2pm.

A canal walk is being planned for that morning.and details will be available on our website soon.

The AGM will be held later in the year - as last year. 

During this freezing weather it is difficult to imagine a boat trip in warm sunshine - but Spring is inching closer day by day!  The Loxwood section of the canal will be open from late March.  Given the water shortages in recent years from Mid July onwards, the early part of the season is best for a private trip.  Our boats are much in demand for family celebrations and society outings.  Trips last 2/3 hours and we can arrange for the Onslow Arms to provide a cream tea.

John Robson will be glad to go through the options with you (john.robson@weyarun.org.uk) or complete the enquiry form using the button below. 

On Tuesday 11^th February at St Mary’s Church, Shalford, GU4 8BP Roger Carsdale is giving a talk on the History of the Basingstoke Canal.  The talk starts at 10am and parking is available behind the church with a level access and toilets available.  A levy of £6 will be requested on the door to cover expenses including refreshments (no need to book)..

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.

If you want to know more about how much we have achieved click on the The First 50 Years button below .