As 2024 comes to an end, the final work party of the year was defined by named storm Darragh.
Whilst spared the very worst of Storm Darragh endured by other parts of the country, Saturday was still a washout. One hour of hedge planting was sufficient to convince volunteers that they were better off at home.
“The last work party of the year is characterised by the volunteer’s Christmas party (thoroughly enjoyable, as ever), a large proportion of environmental work and, sometimes, better weather”, said project manager, Tom Fulda.
“It turned out that Friday was the lull before the storm and good progress was made on various environmental activities. Hedge-laying continued towards Schoolhouse Bridge and another team planted hedging whips north of Crickheath Bridge. A further team undertook scrub clearance on the off-side bank beyond Schoolhouse Bridge which enabled surveying to take place and levels established – a vital input to the design of this future section”.
By Saturday, the storm was at its peak. Those volunteers who made it to site and huddled in the welfare container made the rather optimistic decision to continue hedge planting. But an hour in the gale and rain convinced everyone this was over-optimistic. After a refreshing brew-up, most went home. A couple of jobs persisted till lunchtime – removal of the haul road by the now-completed section in Phase 1B and a reorganisation of the storage container. For both these jobs, volunteers were mainly inside (cab or container) but nevertheless, everyone was off site by 12.30.
Sunday was still extremely windy but at least dry and even with some sunshine. Further hedge planting took place in a variety of locations and more work was done on the haul road and in the storage container.
The rain at least is filling the restored sections nicely and they look more and more like a canal as each day passes. 2024 has seen substantial progress and achievement thanks to volunteers contributing over 5,500 hours of their time.
Speaking in the run up to Christmas 2024, David Carter, Chair, Shropshire Union Canal Society said: “We’d like to thank all the supporters for their part in making 2024 such a very successful year. Whether you’re a member, a donor, a volunteer or follow our us on social media, the Society values your support and recognises the contribution you make to all our activities, for without you – nothing would happen.
“Much has been achieved this year – we’ve delivered our committed work at Crickheath, and it should be filled by New Year”, continued David.
He added: “We have expanded our work at Ellesmere by the use of the C&RT workboat and are well on the way to helping MWRT (Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust) achieve its appeal target to fund the drive towards Schoolhouse Bridge and beyond”.
“We could not have achieved all this without your support, and we hope you will continue to support us in 2025, and, on behalf of the Council of Trustees, I would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas”.