Popular open days on a former waterway between Melksham and Chippenham have helped to raise almost £1,900 towards its on-going restoration.

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust hosted a series of monthly events at Pewsham Locks, north of Lacock, from May to October this year.  Visitors were able to enjoy a pop-up café at the wharf, tours of the work site and wildlife habitats, and boat rides along the stretch which has already been re-built.

Hundreds of people attended the events, donating a total of £1,893.

The open days were organised by the charity’s Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch.  Spokesperson Brian Wright said: “It was great to see so many people visiting the locks and wanting to learn more about the restoration campaign.  They were fascinated by the tours of the dry dock and carpenter’s workshop, which are currently being rebuilt, and our plans for the flight of locks and the lock-keeper’s cottage.

Brian continued: “They were also keen to understand how it would fit in with the wider restoration of the canal, including the ‘Melksham Link’ to reconnect with the Kennet & Avon Canal.  The pop-up café was a huge hit, and boat passengers enjoyed lots of local wildlife - including kingfishers, herons and swans.  People are definitely keen for us to arrange another series of open days next year”.

 The start of each event also included exclusive boat rides for local charities and community groups. Organisations can register an interest in booking trips for next year’s events by emailing brian.wright@wbct.org.uk  Dates for 2025 open days will be advertised at www.wbct.org.uk/mcc-events and on the Trust’s social media.

The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust’s aim is to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon - connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.

Visit www.wbct.org.uk

Photo: A boatride at the Pewsham Locks Open Days, which raised almost £1,900 for the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.