New canal books
TWO new publications about the Wey & Arun Canal restoration project have been launched by W&A Enterprises Ltd , the trading arm of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust.
The first, The Wey & Arun Canal at Loxwood —a Short Guide, is a full-colour guide to the restored mid-section of the canal near the West Sussex/Surrey border, from Devil's Hole Lock to the Long Meadow winding hole below Drungewick Lock. It has been produced in response to demand from visitors to the canal, both those enjoying boat trips and those who have come to see the sights and walk the towpath.
The guide is intended to tell the story of this part of the canal, mainly in pictures (including many from the Canal Trust's archives). It includes specially-drawn maps to point the way to the sights along the towpath.
Other sections deal with how the major restoration projects along this stretch of waterway were planned, funded, and executed, the story of the boats used on the canal, and a guide to the plants and wildlife that the visitor may spot.
The Wey & Arun Canal at Loxwood—A Short Guide is priced at a bargain £2.00 (£2.30 by mail order).
Second launch
The second new launch from the company is a completely new, updated and expanded, version of A Guide to Restoration Progress. The new edition has been masterminded by former working party leader Colin Gibbs.
Aimed at those with a more serious interest in the canal and its restoration, this 40 pages booklet includes full-colour versions of the series of 10 sectional maps that cover the whole canal route from Shalford, near Guildford in Surrey, to Pallingham, where it joins the River Arun near Pulborough in West Sussex.
Articles
To complement the maps, there are articles written by Colin and other experts from the Canal Trust, plus a selection of photographs to illustrate the restoration story. A Guide to Restoration Progress is priced at £4.00 (£4.80 by mail order).
Both publications are available by mail order from John Wood, 24 Griffiths Avenue, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0HW; cheques payable to "W&A Enterprises Ltd". Payment by card is possible.