Interest in Wendover Arm

THE Wendover Arm Trust (WAT) organised a Walk & Talk for members of the Watford & District Industrial History Society, with some 20 people walking along to Tringford Pumping Station where John Kearsey of CaRT gave a slide show and guided tour, writes Peter Lloyd.

This was on Saturday 30th of August, with the walk from Drayton Beauchamp guided by Ray Orth of WAT who explained the restoration work at appropriate points along the way and put it into the historical context of the Grand Junction Canal.

Leakage problems

Originally built as a water feed in preparation for the main line, it soon became a navigable waterway. Unfortunately it was beset with leakage problems and after 100 years of failed attempts to remedy them it was closed in 1904.

WAT has been working since the 1980s to restore the canal and the completion of phase one has provided over a mile of navigable canal from Bulbourne to a winding point. Next Sunday, 7th September there will be a Restoration Open Day with guided walks to view the restoration work in progress and once again the ladies of WAT will be serving tea and cakes at St. Mary's Church, Drayton Beauchamp.