Volunteers helping to restore the Wilts & Berks Canal have been recognised with a prestigious award after contributing more than 12,000 hours of work over the past year.
The Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has received the charity’s annual Tony Davy Award, presented to the branch providing the greatest number of volunteer hours.
Members donated a total of 12,173 hours through activities including work parties, fundraising events, talks, boat trips and guided tours – an increase of more than 20 per cent on the previous year. The contribution is estimated to be worth more than £238,000 when used to support matched funding bids.
Branch chairman Howard Wilson paid tribute to the volunteers, saying the growth in hours showed increasing local support for the restoration project.
He said the canal’s potential benefits extended beyond recreation, highlighting its value for biodiversity as well as walking, cycling and boating. He added that volunteers also enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills and be part of a community project.
Much of the branch’s recent work has focused on the restored section at Pewsham Locks, where major projects have included rebuilding the dry dock and carpenter’s workshop and constructing a new bridge. All are due to be officially opened later this year.
Volunteers have also continued refurbishment work at the Trust’s canalside pub, the Peterborough Arms at Dauntsey Lock, and operated trip boats at events such as the Melksham Food & River Festival and Chippenham Folk Festival.
Mr Wilson said the Trust hoped the award would encourage more people to get involved, with opportunities ranging from practical outdoor work to home-based roles including research, fundraising and design.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust aims to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, reconnecting communities including Chippenham, Calne and Swindon. The charity has more than 2,350 members.
Photo caption: Branch chairman Howard Wilson with the Tony Davy Award at Pewsham Locks.
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