Buckingham Canal bridge saved
A DERELICT 200 years old bridge has been restored as part of the Buckingham Canal restoration.
Buckingham Canal Society continues in its work to restore the Buckingham Arm of the Grand Union Canal, and has completed the re-pointing and repair of one of the remaining original bridges over the waterway, Terry Cavender writes.
Hand made
The sympathetic brick and stone restoration by skilled craft members of the Society included hand making clay bricks to achieve the original shape and size. Good progress has been made as can be seen in the photograph of the restored canal bridge at Little Hill Farm north-east of Thornton College. The bridge provides a farmer's access across the canal as part of that section.
Chairman of Buckingham Canal Society Athina Becket explained:
"Many people will be familiar with this style of traditional canal bridge. It has been a labour of love by our volunteers and completed using traditional lime mortar and original materials wherever possible.
"This has been one of our work party activities and we continue to progress our restoration work on the section at Little Hill Farm as well as Cosgrove, Buckingham and Hyde Lane. It is wonderful to see the interest that continues to grow in this exciting project. A broad mix of volunteers both young and old has worked on this project to preserve this piece of local heritage."
Imports from London
Since its opening in 1801, the canal has previously been used to transport bricks, coal and manufactured goods as well as imports from the London Docks. It also provided transport for agricultural produce from the farms and villages along its route.
The waterway to Buckingham ran a total of just under 11 miles from the Grand Union Canal at Cosgrove Lock along the Stony Stratford and Buckingham Arms. The original route passed through Old Stratford, Deanshanger, Thornton, Leckhampstead Wharf, Thornborough Mill, Maids Moreton Mill and Bourton Meadow.
Built over
Much of the canal is now dry, and parts have been built over. Certain sections of the route would need to be created anew due to the development that has taken place in and around villages since the canal's closure. Early in 2010, the Buckingham Canal Society commissioned an outline feasibility study regarding the restoration of the entire length of the canal arm. The report concluded that it was a feasible project, although significant funding and commitment will be required.
The Society is actively seeking new members to join the existing membership of around 200 and welcomes participation at all levels from the community. It is also actively seeking grants and other funding to progress its restoration activities working in partnership with Local Authorities in the area as well as other private companies.
Further work is planned for the Cosgrove and Buckingham end sections of the canal route. New volunteers are always welcome and the society runs three work parties a month on alternate Thursdays and on the second Sunday of each month. No experience necessary!