One of the canals that was officially abandoned over 100 years ago, is being restored, the Wilts-Berks canal which will link the Thames with the Kennet-Avon Canal, famous for its path through crop circle country, and is extremely popular.
Here we pay a very brief visit, while a charity, “Help The Heroes” has some of the trauma victims from the wars help rebuild, in this case the locks at Pewsham. Just off the A4 as you enter Chippenham.
Thanks to Christine-Marie, also a Bases Project volunteer, she is helping her husband recover, as the BBC visit to give the project some publicity.
This unofficial little clip shows part of the recently re-opened section, right up to the locks. The upper lock is being rebuilt, and then the canal ahead can be redug and rejoin the next section near the road. There is much to do, and volunteer help and finance are the only way, so far this project is going forward.
It will enable a short cut from the Thames down to Bath and Bristol. and able to give a circular route for holiday makers to enjoy a wider sweep of England’s green and pleasant land.
Maybe one day the Newry Canal in Northern Ireland can be brought back into use..if the M1 can be bridged near the Lagan!
With thanks to the Wilt&Berks Canal Trust.
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