Throughout the autumn our volunteers have been installing benches along the towpath of the Northampton Arm, they are now all done and ready for any weary walker or boater to sit, rest, and admire the waterway.
Our good relationship with Cummins Power Systems, from Daventry, involved their workers helping us before, with path laying and other big jobs, where we needed extra manpower. So following this, they also wanted to donate funding towards a project or projects of our choice. We decided that some additional benches along The Arm would make a great contribution to canal users and the general feel of the canalside. Hence we now have 3 lovely new benches along the Northampton Arm.
During work parties in November we dug out and poured the concrete bases for the second and third benches, and a defibrillator, at lock 14, Pineham. We are grateful for support received by volunteers from the finance team of Network Rail Milton Keynes. We owe a big thanks to Canal and River Trust who provided equipment, expertise and transport, help which was much appreciated.
Our new benches are already being used, and will certainly be appreciated when warmer weather arrives in the spring. People using wheelchairs or pushchairs will be happy to find the extra hardstanding we have made for them alongside the benches.
The volunteer work parties normally take place twice a month along the Northampton Arm as part of the adoption by IWA Northampton. Volunteer with us.
Work in progress
First stage – dig out and frame, ready for concrete
Pouring the concrete
Preparing to install the bench
Finishing touches
The smart new bench at Lock 1
Our volunteers taking a pose at end of hard graft!
Finished bench above Pineham, lock 14
Anyone interested in coming along can look at the volunteering page for more info and check the events pages to check the latest details of task party days and specific dates.
