Another Sunday in August when we did not normally have working parties, but as per my last update, work is increasing as we get nearer to getting a stretch under water, so work must continue. So this Sunday a good turn out of volunteers met at the Bottom Lock at Sandiacre to clear the ground ready for the proposed dig out of the lock in the coming Spring. We also had a brand new helper that picked up details from our web page!
We met a lot of local residents that have expressed an interest in the canal and its future, in fact we even signed up a young couple as members on the day and lots have agreed to complete our questionnaire to back up our proposed Heritage Lottery application. You can find a copy of this here.
Interest seemed to be on the lack of upkeep of the area and people seemed pleased at the work we are striving to do on behalf of this local focal point. Work will continue in this area throughout the Winter/Spring ready for the big dig out. More helpers are needed and made welcome. If you would like to join our working party details can be found here.
Picture shows the benefit of the work done by the team to keep this valued footpath clear.
A note from Chris Madge, our Chairman, on last weekends working party…
It’s a sad admission to make, but I always turn up at the working parties ready to work and often end up just talking! My excuse is I’m the delegated person to talk to passers by who’ve stopped to see how we’re getting on. However I’ve never had a day when there’s been as much interest as we had on Sunday at Sandiacre. Firstly we were met by Brian, who looks after the Toll Cottage and was keen to understand the plans and to spread it amongst his neighbours in Lock Lane. Apparently there’s a lot of interest and support and he’s happy to coordinate it.
Then we met quite a few cyclists and dog walkers and one lady was so pleased I got a kiss in appreciation of the news about the lock excavation. Not fair on all the others doing the work though! We had offers of oral histories from many who remembered the canal operating or knew others who worked on it, filled it in, etc. And last but by no means least we met a tremendous couple living right by the lock, who couldn’t be more helpful despite the fact that a lot of the disruption would be felt by them. They couldn’t wait to get the lock and canal back and had been doing their own research about it.
It’s amazing how much these conversations and the enthusiasm of locals lifts the spirits. Thanks to everyone that stopped!
Chris