A prestigious award has been presented to “amazing” local volunteers in recognition of their support for the restoration of a former waterway.
The Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust has received the charity’s annual Tony Davy Award.
The crystal prize, named after the Trust’s former chairman, celebrates the team which provided the most hours of support over the previous year.
Branch members donated 10,124 hours through work parties, fundraising events, talks, boatrides and other activities.
Branch chairman Howard Wilson paid tribute to all the volunteers whose efforts helped to secure the award.
He said: “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.
“They never seek any reward for their efforts. They simply recognise the value of a restored canal – not only for preserving our industrial heritage, but also for increased tourism, employment, leisure and biodiversity.”
Much of the recent focus has been on the restored stretch near Lacock, which narrowboats once used to travel between Melksham and Chippenham. Major projects include the completion of the waiting wall at the base of Pewsham Locks, and preparations for a new bridge across the top lock.
Teams have also continued working on the reconstruction of the former dry dock and carpenter’s workshop, and the creation of a woodland and wildflower meadow at Naish Hill.
Elsewhere, volunteers continued to modernise and refurbish the Trust’s own canalside pub, the Peterborough Arms at Dauntsey Lock.
The charity also provided popular tripboats for events including Melksham Food & River Festival and Chippenham Folk Festival, as well as arranging a series of open days at Pewsham Locks itself.
Howard added: “With so much progress being made, there’s never been a better time to join the branch.
“There are lots of opportunities to get physically involved, including roles such as civil engineers, project managers, bricklayers, chainsaw operators, digger operators, dumper drivers and mechanics, together with grasscutting, planting trees and hedges, and clearing weeds from the canal.
“People can also help with towing and crewing the tripboats, while others like to bake cakes for sale at our open days.
“We would also welcome additional support with fundraising, events, research, planning, community partnerships, environmental policy and finance.
“Volunteering is a great way to make friends and make a difference. Every hour is always sincerely appreciated.”
The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
Visit www.wbct.org.uk
