Future Events Page

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move the water also needed rewelding, another specialist task. The chute from which water flows into the aqueduct has been replaced with a Cor-Ten steel equivalent (the previous one made of wood having rotted through), while the current rubber seals used to prevent water loss between the buckets and the stone wall have also been removed and replaced with a unique stainless steel lip. Brian follows in the footsteps of restoration pioneer Winston Harwood in attempting to bring this very special structure back to life. Back in 1992 Winston and fellow volunteers discovered what appeared to be the foundations of a building. They decided to excavate (by hand) and eventually uncovered the lock and aqueduct and exposed the waterwheel chamber for the first time in 140 years. Working from only the internal dimensions of the chamber, Winston constructed a waterwheel - no mean feat with no drawings or other example. Further improvements have been made to the wheel over the years and work on the wheel will recommence in the spring (the area floods in winter making it difficult to get equipment on site). It is hoped the Wey & Arun Canal Trust will soon be able to show off this special structure in its full glory. If you want to know more about the restoration of the Wey & Arun Canal and ongoing projects, go to www.weyandarun.co.uk.

Gill Davies

Future Events

Boat trips schedule released

Boat trips will resume on the Wey & Arun from Mother’s Day, with the cream tea trips expected to be a sellout. Trips will also run across the Easter holidays starting on Wednesday, 13th April at 11.30am and 12.30pm and on Friday 15th , Saturday 16th, Easter Sunday 17th, Bank Holiday Monday 18th and Wednesday 20th . Bookings are online at www.weyandarun.co.uk.

Poddle date set

The Trust’s annual sponsored walk, the Poddle, will this year be held on Sunday June 12th . For more details, head to the website www.weyandarun.co.uk.