The Trust has taken a step towards business as usual with the re-opening of the Canal Centre in Loxwood today (April 14th) and the opening of online bookings for boat trips scheduled to resume in May.
The gradual easing of lockdown restrictions has meant the Canal Centre can open its doors to the public once more, offering memberships, books, maps and merchandise for sale as well as local information and news on the restoration of the canal. The centre will be manned on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 11am to 3pm, until May 19th when it will open at 10am.
Boat trips are set to begin on Wednesdays and Sundays from May 19th, subject to no changes to the lifting of Covid restrictions by the Government. At present the guidelines are that from 19th May there will still be the need for social distancing and masks must be worn inside, meaning far fewer passengers can be accommodated than usual.
Three trips are scheduled for 10.30, 12 and 2pm, travelling to either Brewhurst Bridge (35 minutes) or Devil's Hole Lock (50 minutes).
Plans are also being made for a programme of special cruises once coronavirus restrictions are lifted at the end of June. More details will be posted on the website when details have been finalised.
Last week working parties resumed in small groups of six, with volunteers out in force across the length of the canal.
