Successful Open Day for Wendover Arm Trust
The Wendover Arm Trust held their second Restoration Open Day of this year on Sunday 6 September at St Mary’s Church, Drayton Beauchamp by kind permission of the Vicar.
After a previous week of dull and somewhat cold weather the organisers were rewarded by warm sunshine. Hundreds of people attended the event and six conducted tours of the current restoration site were arranged throughout the day. They were able to see volunteers working on restoration and to gain an insight into the methods involved, whilst on the restored section opened last April, some paddle boarders displayed their expertise. Display boards were also on show outside the Church with volunteers answering numerous questions posed by the public.
Throughout the day the Tea Tent was fully staffed by volunteers and the delicious cakes on offer were fully sold out by the close at 4.30 p.m. The Trust had one of the best ever days for new memberships and a range of new merchandise was available at the Sales Stall.
During the day the official presentation of the new box trailer, sponsored by Chiltern Branch of the Inland Waterways Association, was handed over by John Brice to Chris Sargeant, Chairman of WAT. This will be of considerable help in transporting equipment to various fairs and events throughout the year. (photograph attached).
At approximately 3 p.m the Mayor of Tring, Stephen Hearn, announced the prize winners of the 2015 Grand Draw. Twelve prizes were on offer, the first prize being a week’s holiday on a canal boat kindly sponsored by Wyvern Shipping at Leighton Buzzard. Approximately £4500 was raised this year, and the Trust is very grateful to Michael and Greta Wright, the organisers.
The Trust is currently working on restoration of a further one mile stretch of canal to join up with the restoration completed at Little Tring in 2005. The level of interest and support clearly shows that the completion of this beautiful canal in future years will be much welcomed. However, a further 400K is needed to complete Phase 11 up to Little Tring and this sum will be increased if contractors are employed to speed progress. In addition the Trust will be applying for a Heritage Lottery Grant and, in this connection, a meeting of supporters is being held on Tuesday 3 November, commencing at 7 p.m at Green Park Activity Centre, Stablebridge Road, Aston Clinton. This will be hosted by the Canal & River Trust and WAT. If any readers of “Wendover News” would like to support our efforts by attending please give us advance notice by telephoning 07547 181857. Additional members and volunteers are always needed and further information can be obtained from the website, www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk.