Despite the Christmas break, there has been a surprising amount of activity in the Branch. 

As the landowner at Westleaze, by Beavan's Bridge, has evicted us from the compound our Work Party was using to store its equipment, we have had to clear out everything useful to us & find somewhere to put it.  We negotiated with the Canalside team to be allowed temporary use of an almost adjacent area; the heaviest materials were carried across to there, but until the soft ground has been removed and hardcore put down, everything else has been transferred, thanks to George Eycott with his trailer, to Pewsham. 

Only one of the remaining cabins was intact enough to move, and this was done at the very end of December; it is temporarily in a piece of unused road in Wichelstowe.  Putting it there engendered some light relief - we were reported to the Police, who turned up in some force in two vehicles.  Fortunately, we were laughing so much that the Police were laughing too as they emerged from their vehicles - they were quickly reassured & they went on their way!

Here is the cabin at its new site; already tastefully decorated by the local youth.

With the canal still being blocked, we are completely unable to run Dragonfly trips even as and when Covid restrictions permit.  But the good news is that we have obtained permission to create a temporary slipway by the entrance to the Waitrose car park; this will enable The Mary Archard to be launched there, and run trips to the extreme ends of the limited stretch of canal.  As she can turn in her own length, we have no need for turning points.  But we very much hope that the situation at Westleaze will be amicably resolved, and Dragonfly, which can take more passengers and in all weathers, will be able to resume offering the boat trips that have surprised and delighted so many people over the last ten years.