The K&ACT's 2012 Annual Members’ Survey

The 2012 Annual Members’ Survey can be downloaded here. If we have your email address we will send you a link to the survey.  Therefore, please only fill in this survey if you have not provided us with your email address.

Please note that if you answer ‘no’ to Q4, you should proceed straight to Q7.

Once you have filled it in, please send it to:

Rebecca Wells, assistant administrator

The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust

Couch Lane

Devizes, Wiltshire

SN10 1EB

 

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Sarah Chidgey at: chidgey.sarah@yahoo.co.uk.

 

The deadline for responses is 15^th January.

Amended Stoppage: Kennet & Avon Canal

Locks 68, 69 & 70

Monday 5 November 2012 - Friday 4 January 2013 UPDATE (11 December 2012): Works at Froxfield are progressing well, and water management challenges arising from intense rainfall events toward the end of November were successfully managed. The gate replacement works are running to plan.

The lock chambers are in worse condition than anticipated; with the scaffolds in place it has been possible to assess the full depth of damage. It has been necessary to break back to a depth of 500mm (approx. 20 inches) in places.  To date, over 6,000 bricks have been used to repair the chamber walls; in total the lock wall repairs will require around 12,000 bricks.

Although the brick laying is likely to be complete by the 21st December, time will be required to allow the lime mortar to cure. The use of lime mortar is important for repairing these historic structures correctly, but the recent dip in temperature could lengthen the curing time.  This section of the canal will therefore remain closed for the Christmas period; reopening will be reviewed during the first week of January.  Although this decision will doubtless cause some inconvenience to people in the short term, my priority is ensuring the long term durability of brick repairs that are intended to last the next 50 years and beyond.  Thank you for your patience and continued support of the Waterway.

MARK STEPHENS
BEng(Hons) CEng MICE

WATERWAY MANAGER
Kennet and Avon Waterways

Wasing Estate donates land for Aldermaston’s new cycle pathway

Aldermaston’s new cycling route, which links Aldermaston Wharf to the village, was officially unveiled on Sunday 25^th November in front of over 200 villagers and cyclists.

The pathway, named Wasing Way, as the majority of land, nearing 2 kilometres, 5 metres wide, was donated by Wasing Estate, provides a safe route, avoiding the busy A340, between the two villages which were before only accessible by car. Not only does the pathway offer safety to walkers and cyclists but also creates a link between the national cycle path network and those using the towpath along the Kennet & Avon Canal that runs through the Estate, offering safety for barge users who will now be able to moor up and safely get to the local shops for provisions. 

West Berkshire Council oversaw the construction of this new pathway and plans were largely managed by the cycling charity Sustrans. Aldermaston Parish Council chairman Dave Shirt said:

“When this project started we had nothing but a blank piece of paper: We got in touch with Sustrans, and boy did they help us. They helped oversee everything from planning through to land negotiation. We are extremely grateful to Wasing Estate, who gave us the land at peppercorn rent, also to AWE who provided the finance, and to West Berkshire Council which managed the actual construction”.

The Parish Council hope that this new pathway will encourage more people to get on their bikes reinforcing the already strong sense of community in the area by offering a new way for people to get together.

John Pattison, Chief Executive of the Wasing Estate stated “This initiative is a model development from a community, showing how it can work together, with numerous stakeholders, to produce something for the benefit of all, which will have lasting benefits to the community. In particular it provides a safe transit for the communities in Aldermaston village and at the Wharf. Making them together, more than ever, a fully connected Parish where facilities at either end of the cycle path can be easily accessed. In particular the journey to school for the youngsters in the community will keep them clear of busy main roads”.

Trust Council Minutes November 2012

http://www.katrust.org/tcminsnovember2012.pdfClick here to read Trust Council Minutes November 2012