Popular open days on a former waterway near Chippenham have helped to raise almost £1,900 towards its ongoing restoration. The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust hosted the series of monthly events at Pewsham Locks from May to October this year.
Visitors were able to enjoy a pop-up café at the wharf, tours of the worksite and wildlife habitats, and boat rides along the stretch which has already been rebuilt. Hundreds of people attended, donating a total of £1,893. The open days were organised by the charity’s Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch.
Spokesperson Brian Wright said: “It was great to see so many people visiting the locks and wanting to learn more about the restoration campaign.
They were fascinated by the tours of the dry dock and carpenter’s workshop, which are currently being rebuilt, and our plans for the flight of locks and the lock-keeper’s cottage.
They were also keen to understand how it would fit in with the wider restoration of the canal, including the ‘Melksham Link’ to reconnect with the Kennet & Avon Canal.
The pop-up café was a huge hit, and the boat passengers enjoyed lots of local wildlife including kingfishers, herons and swans.
“People are definitely keen for us to arrange another series of open days next year.”
The start of each event also included exclusive boatrides for local charities and community groups. Organisations can register an interest in booking trips for next year’s events by emailing brian.wright@wbct.org.uk
The dates for the 2025 open days will be advertised at www.wbct.org.uk/mcc-events and on the Trust’s social media.
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
