waterway recovery group

last time out was a very successful weekend on IronvilleLocks on the Cromford Canal over the weekend of 8/9th March, during which we removed a significant amount of debris, both growing and water-deposited, from the canal bed and cut down and burned an amazing amount of scrub from the offside bank. Those of you with e-mail will have seen the messages of thanks from the FCC officials.

Prior to that we spent the weekend of 16/17th February at Daisy Nook, continuing the clearance of the spillway, butchering a very overgrown willow adjacent to the top lock, and removing some substantial stumps from the wash wall on the length between the top lock and Crime Lane Aqueduct. I understand that our efforts here were also much appreciated.

John Foley then sneaked in an extra dig on the MB&B on the weekend of the last Paper Chase – 29/30th March. The work was basically scrub bashing and general tidying of the upper flight at Nob End. I didn’t see the ‘before’ but the ‘after’ looked impressive.

next time out will be the weekend of 19/20th April, when we will be back at Daisy Nook. The work will, to a large extent, be more of the same though we now have permission to extend our wash wall clearance to the Fairbottom Branch. It is also likely to include the replacement of some coping stones alongside the spillway. Meet at the Visitor Centre from 09:30 each morning. Mr. Mac will be catering and would like to know who needs feeding. General information from Jean Helliwell.

Stop Press!
A very brief note to say that the Hollinwood CS are organising an extra dig over the weekend of 17/18^th May (that after the next paper-chase). This will not be an 'official' NW dig but they would appreciate any help that individuals feel able to give. Please contact Jean Helliwell (0161-681-3623).

The work, weather permitting, will be an exploration of what appears to be either a leaky culvert under, or a drain designed to run water off from, the canal about 100 yards along the Fairbottom Branch from the top of the locks. This runs fairly continuously and water appears to be entering from the canal, though whether this is the only source of water is not known. At the time of writing the water level in that part of the canal is low enough to promise a fairly easy – and dry – investigation of what is there and, possibly, the opportunity to undertake some repairs.

after that we forego our usual long-distance May Bank Holiday dig for a return to the Chesterfield on 3rd/4th May. The work is likely to be more scrub bashing and Tirforing at Renishaw. This is only a two-day dig rather than the usual three because the accommodation, which will, as usual, be at The Den, is only available on the Friday and Saturday nights. GCW will be going from Manchester on Friday night, exact details still to be decided. Please contact John Foley for more information and to book food, etc.

The next Paper Chase will be on Saturday, 10th May, at the usual venue, following which there will be the annual search for the sales stand and stock in the further reaches of Mac’s garage.

The next ad hoc will be on Thursday, 15th May, at Jean Helliwell’s at 19:30.

The above paragraphs are part of a single-page news sheet compiled by Malcolm Bridge and sent out to those people who are actively involved in any aspect of our work. If you would like to be sent a copy of North West News, which is published about three weeks before each Dig, or to receive North West News by e-mail, contact Malcolm Bridge.

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