A Black Sheep?

by: Bob H.

A short while ago, we heard that a sheepdog trial style adventure had taken place as our BAT squad rounded up two mud hoppers which are now safely on our canal.

Today, lone sheep, possibly with a dark fleece, returned to the fold after being missing for several months. The reason for the long absence was said to be an extended holiday - but we on the dredging team suspect it was more homesickness being away from Patricia, and the return of Augustus Gloop.

After a leisurely (for the wet dredgers) start, and tidying the decks (and the obligatory brew) the team leader shooed the black sheep into the operators cabin and checked how much he had forgotten about operating the controls.  Very little it transpired, as mud, bits of concrete, bigger bits of concrete, bikes, fence posts and dumped tree roots found their way into the hopper.

Oil Mills bridge in a few days will be properly cleared for normal full depth service.
Hopefully, the black sheep will stay in the fold for a while until wanderlust (or some BAT squad activity) takes him away again. 

Dredging with Patricia 'What are they up to?'

by: Andrew R.

Dredging duties leading up to Oil Mills Bridge on the east side. For those who don’t know this section was filled in with builders rubble and when the bridge was rebuilt a bund put in. 
More recently the very centre channel was navigable but if you veered of course you’d come to a stop ✋.

We are clearing the approach to near full depth but it like many places near past construction sites is taking time.  As soon as we grab a block/stone/ bike/ 8in diameter posts/buckets/bricks most of the silt/ballast/fine rubble falls out and filling a hopper becomes a long task.

It’s amazing what we find!

A thought!
There is a  need to ensure in future all construction site Canal channels are cleared fully as soon as project comes to a close because once items and rubble become settled they are difficult to remove and this mix of numerous objects become a risk for vessels and people who enter the water accidentally or otherwise.  Let alone the environmental issue.

A bit of fun.
What a find!!
The Duo of the day were head over hills about this!!

Finally, another first this Monday, one of new little hoppers was trialled. 
Filled- taken by tuggers, new task for Dry Dredger’s to empty a small hopper and then today returned to us by Goliath Tuesday.  Very successful.

Harper's Field

by: Dave C.

It was a slow start in Harper's Field as the team were asked to help with re-fuelling boats before we could get to doing some real work.  Finally with mini-digger in tow, and a small but perfectly formed group of workers, we set about putting in the bottom trench.  This trench is needed to run the water and electricity for the planned permanent moorings.  Starting off at the landing stage we quickly found evidence of the old boat yard, with lengths of corrugated iron and bits of metal; evidence of a time gone by.  With Jason on the digger and Kay in the trench connecting pipes and making sure the warning tape was correctly placed, steady progress was made. 

In addition Steve P finished preparing the Groundhog Welfare Unit for transit to Dudbridge, and preparing the bent weedy frame for lift onto the trailer.  As time was moving on, the digger was brought back to the top of the field to try and load the weedy frame.  Thankfully Bob and Maurice arrived to lend a hand, and with some considerable effort, the frame was inched up and the trailer driven under it.  After a few goes we had the frame in place and secure, Bob drove in back to the depot and as it was getting dark we called it a day.

New Mud Hopper christened with Stroudwater silt

by: Andy J./Peter A.

Yesterday, the first bucket load of mud was emptied into one of our new hoppers near Oil Mills Bridge at Ebley.  

Later, the unloading process was underway at Langleys Field

Autumn provides opportunities for stunning photographs,. You frequently notice folk along the towpath with a camera slung round their necks at this time of year.  Our volunteers are often there to catch the best moments when the light is just right.

 

Blast from the past 6

by: Peter A.

Augustus Gloop now wears a most modern livery, when compared to times gone by.  Take a look at these:

Here, Alan J. and someone (could be John Willis?) in a well worn set of overalls are affixing one of the wheels.  The dredger was capable of being towed along the road, an act that did actually happen, although,  today, most unlikely.

In 'as purchased' condition

At work near Ryeford - could be 1987-8. Was then known as 'Hippo'

Thanks to David J. for these images.

Blast from the past 5 - Episode 1

By: Peter A.

Back in the late 80's a leading character in our Canal restoration was one David Boakes, you may well have seen the road, Boakes Drive, at Stonehouse named after him.

In this 4 part mini series, a recording of a talk given to a local Stroud club, gives a wonderful insite into the vision of the restoration programme back then.

Episode 1

There is also a bit on the canal's history.  Unfortunately, the tape did not get turned after 40 minutes, so the end was lost, but hope you enjoy this small slice of history.

Plate attached to the balance beam, Blunder Lock.

Augustus Gloop's return to the Stroudwater Canal

by: John Sirett

Well, what promised an exciting, if challenging day, lived up to expectations.  An early start at Western Depot, with the Ellis crane due to arrive at 8:00. Alex, Brad and John from the dredging team were already there preparing the site for the lift.  Fencing removed, gates opened, and a general tidy up. All the dots joined up! 

Spot on 8 the crane and support vehicles arrived.  A successful lift and some very careful positioning of the two ballast tanks and dredger onto the waiting lorry, and Augustus Gloop was on his way by just after 9:00  Once at Wiggals yard the process was reversed.  First the ballast tanks were taken off the lorry and placed on the ground, awaiting Gloop.

The dredger was then lifted off the lorry and placed between the tanks, which were then secured into position.  Then the big moment.  The final lift.  Dredger complete with tanks was lifted from the yard, over the wall and into the canal.  No, it didn't sink!  To much relief.

Despite light rain there were several onlookers of all ages, all of who appeared to be very impressed by the whole operation.  Once in the water, Augustus Gloop took his first 'dredge' since he came out of the water last November.  One nice 'gloopy' full bucket full of silt!

Then tug boat Goliath arrived, crewed by Myron, Jerry & Tony and was quickly coupled up Gloop then gently driven over to Ebley West landing stage, for temporary berthing.  All ready for commissioning to be started next week.   

A big thank you to the 'deployment team' of Alex Hannam, Brad Herringshaw, and Myron Burak, Tony Jones, Jerry Ceasar and John Ferris for providing support. Also a magnificent effort from Ellis's, for cranage and transportation.  All went seamlessly and more importantly, safely.

The second transport arrived shortly after mid day with x2 hoppers. Bob Hallam/Peter Asquith can probably supply words here, as we were with Gloop at Ebley when the arrived.

Now to get down to some serious digging.