Malswick – Spring 2019


Malswick – New Bridge Grand Opening 140

Paul Henshaw writes:

Friday 24th May 2019 saw the Grand Opening of the New Bridge at Okle Clifford Farm. This was the culmination of 18 months hard work by the volunteers of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal Trust. The opening was attended by representatives of the Gloucester Charities Trust, who are landlords of Okle Clifford Farm, by Hartpury College who are the tenants and by The Canal Trust. John Uffold who acts as the Land Agent for the Gloucester Charities Trust made his opening remarks outlining the success of the 3 way partnership which resulted in the renovation of 2 brick built bridges and the construction of a new bridge in return for land being transferred to the Canal Trust.

There then was a symbolic cutting of 3 ribbons representing each of the parties. Lee Hensley cut the first ribbon for the GCT, followed by Vaughan Welch cutting the second ribbon for the Canal Trust and the final ribbon was cut by Andrew Eastabrook, the Farm Manager, on behalf of Hartpury College.

The opening ceremony was then followed by tea and cakes at the Farm.

Opening remarks by John Uffold

Lee Hensley cutting the tape for the GCT

Vaughan Welch cutting the tape for H&GCT

John Uffold, Andrew Eastabrook, Lee Hensley, Vaughan Welch and Trustees of the GCT

We also dug slit trenches across the original canal in the west woodland.

This revealed the remains of freshwater muscles — a clear indicator of the bottom of the old canal.

Further slit trenches along the route revealed a solid bed of red clay below the 400mm layer of topsoil – good news indeed, as it is likely that the red clay will hold water.

We also dug slit trenches across the original canal in the west woodland.

This revealed the remains of freshwater muscles — a clear indicator of the bottom of the old canal.

Further slit trenches along the route revealed a solid bed of red clay below the 400mm layer of topsoil – good news indeed, as it is likely that the red clay will hold water.

We have also been preparing plans for a ditch crossing point for the Gloucester Charities Trust.

Engineering drawings have been produced and the various approvals and consents have been obtained. Work will commence in June.

And finally, during the “quieter moments” the Malswick team have been adding to our log pile at the Malswick Site.

Yes, we have Logs for Sale at very reasonable prices. Buy now to avoid disappointment.

If you feel you would like to help on Tuesdays, or you would like to buy logs please contact our Malswick Team Leader Paul Henshaw