A dedicated volunteer has described how leading the local restoration of a former waterway has been “one of the most satisfying and enjoyable times of my life”.
Dave Maloney has stepped down as chairman of the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust. He held the role for the last nine years, working with fellow volunteers to create one of the charity’s most active groups. Achievements by the team during his chairmanship included new acquisitions of land, improvements to the popular stretch which has already been restored near Pewsham, and even the award-winning refurbishment of a canalside pub.
The branch now has around 800 members, representing around a third of the total membership of the Trust.
Dave said: “I’ve done a lot of things, but being chair of the local branch has been one of the most satisfying and enjoyable times of my life.
“I’ve always been grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a committed team of fantastic volunteers, who’ve achieved so much by working together towards a common goal – the full restoration of the Wilts & Berks Canal.”
During his time as chairman, the branch raised more than £123,000 and won multiple awards for the number of hours volunteered each year. The charity also purchased the former line through Queenfield Farm on the edge of Melksham as part of its longer-term vision to connect with the restored stretch near Chippenham, and signed a lease for Naish Hill where teams are creating a new woodland and wildflower meadow.
Dave supported the rebuilding of the dry dock and carpenter’s workshop at Pewsham Locks and helped to obtain a new lease on the canal line north of the A4 which will eventually connect to the Chippenham-Calne cycleway.
He also helped to lead the team which refurbished the charity’s own pub, The Peterborough Arms at Dauntsey Lock – a project which received a national CAMRA Pub Design Award in conjunction with Historic England – and encouraged the involvement of corporate work parties from local businesses.
A personal highlight was representing the charity at a Buckingham Palace garden party where he and his wife June were presented to Trust Patron the former Duchess of Cornwall, now the Queen.
Dave, aged 71, said: “I’ll continue to volunteer on a regular basis, including as a project lead at Pewsham Locks and giving talks to local groups, but it’s time to offer the chairman’s role to someone new.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their support. It’s always been appreciated.”
Howard Wilson is the interim chairman until next year’s branch AGM.
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.
New members are always welcome. Visit www.wbct.org.uk
