Ebley action - Dave Irving

A busy day on Saturday here at Ebley. There are 4 boats in the photo: from nearest to furthest - Samson, our wide

beam piling barge; Wooky Hole, a workboat, Perseverance, our trip boat; and Goliath, our tug with tender Aquila. 

Perseverance was kept busy with many passengers and trips in both directions. She provides trips to the public every Saturday - it's an ideal way to see your canal from the water, and the fares go towards the restoration. Come and see us!

And it was a busy day for Kingfishers, too. We had 4 sightings, including one skimming the canal right next to the trip boat. 

The WRGies @ Dock Lock update

Steady progress has been made on the two main tasks at Dock Lock.  Firstly, the steps at the western end are almost up to the top and I'm assured that they have every intention of going round the bend soon!

At the eastern end, the spill weir construction has really advanced.  Th concrete base was poured as planned on Wednesday and now the reinforced block work is well underway.  Their camp ends today, so further progress at this site will be noticeable by the colour of the hard hats changing from mostly red to green.

A few words from the DofE Award students informed me that whilst it had been hard work, they had enjoyed their time with the gang, especially meeting folk from all walks of life.

Still Life

The resident Heron that regularly patrols the Ryeford pound was out fishing this morning.  If you peer into the water at just about any location along our canal just at the moment, you'll observe abundant fish life - there's plenty on offer. 

Despite a several humans and at least 6 dogs on the towpath opposite, he held his gaze.

Bookshop news - Anna Watts

Another successful event at the Stroud Country Show in spite of a very damp start. Despite difficulties getting  on the site our very well drilled team soon had the two marquees erected and the books, records and CDs on display. Eventually the weather relented and a steady stream of  visitors kept our volunteers busy. In the meantime Janet and Roy Overall and their team kept the Brimscombe shop going with great results for the day. The show team managed to take down the marquees and reload the van in 15 minutes! 

The weekend showed the value of attending shows as well as maintaining the shop.  It was also evident that having an experienced team organising outside events is desirable to take the load off those running the shop but it needs someone to take overall control - any volunteers? The next event on the calendar is the raft race in August, a good one to start someone off. 

 David Drew MP buys an interesting book at the Stroud Country Show...

...and the town crier pays the CCT stand a visit

The WRGies attack Dock Lock


Their one week camp, based at Brimscombe, commenced last weekend.  Today, they were in full swing under a strong sun working on the south side of the lock chamber.

The main activities were, firstly, the excavations necessary to create a new spill weir. This involves preparing the earth works ready for the weir construct and a pipe that will run along side the lock to the bottom end.  Rain is forecast for tomorrow & so is the concrete!

At the west end, the steps leading up to the top of the lock were being diverted around the quadrant so that you don't end up walking into the balance beam when the gates are open.  The WRGies team is supplemented with Duke of Edinburgh Awards students.

Much to do before end of camp Friday

Augustus on the move

The Trust's dredger, Augustus Gloop, is on the move in preparation for a new phase of work along the stretch between Wallbridge and Dudbridge.  Here she is shown with workboat Annette II near Chestnut Bridge, resting before the real work starts!

Stroud & District Angling Club - Weed clearance at Thrupp

Here they are raking the canal to reduce weed before their introductory event for  juniors who would like to take up fishing.  The event will be held on the Stroudwater Canal (T&S actually....Ed.) at Thrupp from 10am on the 29^th July. This is an open event for all juniors, there is no need to be members of the club.

A qualified angling coach will be on hand to give help & advise along with members of the club who will help out if needed. tackle & bait  for the event will be supplied by the club and a short match will be held with prizes for the winners.

Their web site is http://www.stroudangling.co.uk/.