The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is inviting the public to play a part in rebuilding a historic dry dock next to the restored Pewsham Locks, offering a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the structure.
The Trust aims to breathe new life into the area, which was once a vital part of the canal network connecting Melksham and Chippenham.
Volunteers have already made significant progress, restoring over a mile of the waterway, towpath, wharf, and bridge.
Their latest ambitious project focuses on recreating the dry dock, a crucial facility used for boat repairs in the 1800s. The brick base of the dock has been rebuilt, and the oak roof frames are in place, setting the stage for the next phase of construction.
The fundraising scheme invites supporters to sponsor a slate roof tile for just £10, on which they can include a personal message. These messages will be visible from inside the dry dock, creating a lasting connection between the community and this important piece of industrial heritage.
"The Pewsham Locks dry dock was the only one on the Wilts & Berks Canal, so we’re very excited to be recreating such an important piece of our industrial heritage.
“We’ve been able to match the colour and thickness of the new slate with what we’ve found onsite and will be carefully removing the grass and soil to expose the brick floor, so it will hopefully look quite similar to the original structure.
“When complete, it will be an impressive 25 metres long and six metres wide and will display information on boat building and repairs during the nineteenth century.
“Longer-term, it would be nice to include a replica of a narrowboat too.” said Dave Maloney of the Trust’s Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch, who is leading the fundraising effort.
Almost a hundred tiles have already been sponsored by supporters from around the world, including Texas, USA. Messages range from memorials to loved ones to expressions of gratitude for the volunteers' efforts.
To learn more about the project and participate in the fundraising effort, the public is invited to the Pewsham Locks Open Day on Saturday, July 12th, from 10 am to 3 pm.
The event will feature boat rides, guided tours, and a pop-up café.
Alternatively, QR codes can be obtained by contacting
For further information on the open day and how to access the site, visit www.wbct.org.uk/mcc-open-days-2025/.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust aims to restore the waterway connecting the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, linking Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett, and Swindon.
Learn more at www.wbct.org.uk.
Dave Maloney, centre with an available tile, and fellow volunteers Dave Peatfield and Basil Raddy with some of the tiles which have already been sponsored. Photo by Justin Guy.
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