An illustrated talk by John Farrow
The Wilts and Berks Canal linked the Kennet and Avon Canal at Semington, near Melksham, with the River Thames at Abingdon. Its 52 miles length enabled the transport of coal from the Somersetshire coalfields to the towns, such as Swindon, along its route. Opened in 1810, it became the victim of Brunel’s Great Western Railway, which taking its trade, caused the Canal’s eventual abandonment in 1914. The Wilts and Berks Canal, however, if restored to navigation, would form part of a superb cruising ring involving the Wilts and Berks Canal, the Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Thames.
The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust formed in 2012, has subsequently evolved into a professional restoration body. Its aim – to restore the Canal to navigation. So how are they getting on? John Farrow will bring us up to date.
Restoration
The Wilts & Berks Canal – IWA Chiltern Branch Talk
An illustrated talk by John Farrow
The Wilts and Berks Canal linked the Kennet and Avon Canal at Semington, near Melksham, with the River Thames at Abingdon. Its 52 miles length enabled the transport of coal from the Somersetshire coalfields to the towns, such as Swindon, along its route. Opened in 1810, it became the victim of Brunel’s Great Western Railway, which taking its trade, caused the Canal’s eventual abandonment in 1914. The Wilts and Berks Canal, however, if restored to navigation, would form part of a superb cruising ring involving the Wilts and Berks Canal, the Kennet and Avon Canal and the River Thames.
The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust formed in 2012, has subsequently evolved into a professional restoration body. Its aim – to restore the Canal to navigation. So how are they getting on? John Farrow will bring us up to date.
Details
Time
8:00pm
Contact
Address
Batchworth Lock Canal centre
Canal Bridge
99 Church Street
Rickmansworth
WD3 1JD
Access via steps from bridge.
