New work-boat arrives at Royal Wootton Bassett

RWB Branch took delivery on Saturday 15th May of a 40ft, 13-ton craft at Templars Firs. The workboat features a large digger arm (known as a HIAB) on the bow, and steel outriggers to provide stability.

Once volunteers have been trained in its operation, it will be used to clear weeds along the popular stretch which has already been restored on the southern edge of the town, and later in the year to start dredging silt and aggregate which have washed into the canal in recent years.

It will also be a vital tool in supporting the eventual extension of the waterway towards other restored sections on the outskirts of Swindon in the east.

Trustee Steve Bacon said: “It was a major task to arrange delivery to such a remote site, especially as we had to use a 100-ton mobile crane to lift the work-boat from the transporter, over a hedge and down into the water."

Many thanks to Rob Locatelli of River & Canal Services who generously donated the boat. The Trust paid for delivery and for the HIAB crane.

If you wish to help pay for ‘Nelson’ as the boat is being prepared for service, please mention ‘Nelson Fund’ when making contributions. You can donate online here.

For a photo gallery of the boat’s journey from Woking to Templar’s Firs, click here.