*** Apologies from the webmaster for this late post – it turns out a new baby and a house move do not mix well! ***
Dear Members of the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Society,
Welcome to the latest edition of the newsletter.
Draycott Open Day
As open days go, you have a good one or a bad one. We had an excellent one. A massive response to the call for helpers on the day starting work at 8.30 in the morning and working non- stop until close of business at 4.30pm. We attracted over 150 visitors to the site and showed them around all three floors, raised a good amount of funds from the collection tins and even sold some society merchandise. This was another show of the support that we are now attracting as life gets busy along our stretch.
Society Meeting
The monthly members meeting moved away from the Willmott Arms to the Coach and Horses in Draycott, the evening went well and all who attended appreciated the more welcoming environment, thank-you to Mark and the staff for putting us up. We are aware that space will be limited for things like the AGM, but plans are in place.
This month’s speakers are Jeanne and Derek Smith talking about Cruising on remote waterways. Meeting starts at 7.30pm, normal rates apply for members and guests.
New Equipment
We have some new equipment thanks to our friends at the Co-Op and Erewash Council and also our own Trust, the equipment will help the growing working parties complete more work – but quicker, smart equipment equals smarter working.
Picture below shows Keith on a test run on private land prior to our full road registration and insurance, please look out for him – and stay clear! If you fancy being trained on how to operate this new piece of equipment and can offer regular working hours please get in touch, we will only have a limited number of named drivers, one of which will be myself.
Talking of machines, look what we had at the cottages this week, a mini digger helping us to remove the old earth from underneath the floors so that we can replace with modern floor bases.
A busy team of wheelbarrows ensured that the digger did not stop!
Local Support
On a final note, a big thank-you to the Draycott Off Licence, next to the big Mill, for raising even more funds for the dig out via the collection tin on the counter, we hope this continues as the new owners take over as Alison has stepped down – we wish her well. Also Wilsons Chemist in Draycott for promoting us as their charity of the month earlier in the year raising even more funds.
Breaston Carnival
We are at Breaston Carnival on May Day Bank Holiday Monday – come and say hello or join us to help!