The first work party organised by the Manchester & Stockport Canal Society. Work involved clearance work to the towpath bridge at the junction of the Ashton Canal and the former Stockport Branch Canal, which we aim to restore. Work was unfortunately curtailed earlier then planned by torrential rain.

Works carried out by Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal Society members, assisted by WRGNW, clearing the towpath edge for some distance either way from Ladyshore Bridge, Little Lever. (Work was progressing from the previous day, which I was unable to attend)

WRGNW and Essex WRG joint dig at the Tamworth Road (Borrowcop Locks) Site near Lichfield. Work tackled included - Removal of safety fencing around Lock 25 and re-erection around main site, removing old footbridge and erecting safety rail around lock. Dismantle existing spillway edge and lay footings for new inlet. Excavate chamber fror new bywash sump, and lay concrete pad at bottom. Mark out for new spillway channel alongside Lock 25. Continue brickwork around bywash outfall below Lock 25.

As part of return journey from Audenshaw to Huddersfield (unfortunately curtailed at Marsden due to a leaking culvert), I joined the Horseboating Society for the journey from Uppermill to Marsden, including legging Standedge Tunnel. Guest of honour aboard was Ronnie Barnes, the last legger of Standedge in his 90th year, and his wife Shiela.

More work by WRGNW on the Hollinwood Canal in Daisy Nook Country Park. Work included clearing the towpath edge of growth between Lock 20 and Crime Lake, plus resetting several copings at Pinches Footbridge and on the Fairbottom Branch.

Easter Weekend spent at Steppingstones Bridge on the Wilts & Berks Canal, straddling the end of one canal camp, and the start of another. Work progressed the construction of the bridge parapet walls, and gabions to support the roadway rising up to cross the bridge at either end.

Saturday - Tame Valley Canal between Holloway Bank and Jones Bridges, then Walsall Canal between Ocker Hill and Leabrook Road Bridge.
Sunday - Tame Valley Canal between Holloway Bank and Ball's Hill Bridges, then Walsall Canal between Metro and Willingsworth Hall Bridges

WRGNW return to the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal at Prestolee (Nob End), Little Lever. Work involved clearing 2½ years regrowth on the section to Hall Lane, then cutting back the forest from the towpath edge along the section beyond the 1936 breach site. Meanwhile, a small team were tirforing out tree stumps around the upper lock staircase.

Work by Friends of the Cromford Canal members on a previously untouched section of canal bed at Sawmills, near Ambergate. Work was mainly tree clearance, with a chipper disposing of what was cut down.

Work by WRGNW on the Lichfield Canal at Borrowcop Locks, near Lichfield. Work involved furthering the building of the brickwork facing on the 'lego-brick' wall below lock 26, and the excavation and construction of a concrete pad for the new bywash outfall below lock 25. (Originally we were to install the bywash, but plans changed during the week leading up to our visit)

Works by members of WRGNW building a roofed area between two storage containers at North Cheshire Cruising Club.

Further work by WRGNW on the Hollinwood Canal in Daisy Nook Country Park. This time, work involved the clearance of tree growth from the offside and canal bed of part of the Fairbottom Branch, and constructing a fence along the boundary adjoining Croft End Farm.

Work by WRGNW on the Montgomery Canal at Llanymynech Wharf. Work involved the laying of a surfaced access path to the canal side for disabled access to the trip boat, plus planting benches within the nearby heritage area.

Hollinwood Canal Society members cruise from Portland Basin, Ashton, to the newly opened Droylsden Basin on the Hollinwood Branch. (Shame we couldn't continue to Daisy Nook. One day......)

Further work by WRGNW on the Hollinwood Canal in Daisy Nook Country Park. Work included clearance around Locks 19 & 20, plus resetting several copings at Pinches Footbridge and on the Fairbottom Branch, including one section in imminent danger of collapse into the canal.