THE Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has been awarded the charity's annual Tony Davy Award in recognition of their tireless efforts to restore a former waterway.
This prestigious accolade celebrates the team that contributed the most hours of volunteer support over the past year, and this local branch surpassed expectations by donating an impressive total of 10,124 hours through work parties, fundraising events, educational talks, and community activities.
Branch chairman Howard Wilson, praised the unwavering dedication of the volunteers, saying: “We’re lucky to be supported by such an amazing team of people, of all ages and backgrounds, who work together to bring this waterway back to life.”
He said that the volunteers do not seek recognition for their hard work; rather, they understand the importance of restoring the canal for preserving industrial heritage, boosting local tourism, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing biodiversity.
Recent efforts have concentrated on the revitalised stretch of the canal near Lacock, which once served as a vital route for narrowboats travelling between Melksham and Chippenham. Major projects have included the completion of the waiting wall at the base of Pewsham Locks and preparations for a new bridge over the top lock.
Additionally, volunteers have been engaged in reconstructing the former dry dock and carpenter’s workshop while developing a woodland and wildflower meadow at Naish Hill.
The commitment of the Trust’s volunteers extends beyond the waterway itself. Ongoing modernisation and refurbishment of the canalside pub, the Peterborough Arms at Dauntsey Lock, are also part of their initiatives.
The charity has actively participated in community events, providing popular tripboats for gatherings such as the Melksham Food & River Festival and Chippenham Folk Festival, as well as organising open days at Pewsham Locks.
Howard extended an invitation to the community, saying: “With so much progress being made, there’s never been a better time to join the branch. There are numerous opportunities to get physically involved, from civil engineering and project management to tree planting and canal maintenance.”
He highlighted that every contribution, no matter how small, is invaluable, and volunteers often find themselves making new friends while positively impacting the environment.
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, linking Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett, and Swindon.
To learn more about the Trust and how to get involved, visit their website at www.wbct.org.uk.
Main Photo: Branch chairman Howard Wilson with the Tony Davy Award at the restored Double Bridge near Lacock. Photo by Justin Guy.
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