Celebrating 50 years of progress in Somerset and Mid Devon
IWA West Country Branch has published a new booklet to mark the many achievements made over the last halfcentury on the waterways of Somerset and Mid Devon.
The booklet presents the achievements in chronological order, with numerous photos, including major milestones such as the 1974 reopening of the 10.8- mile Barge Canal section of the Grand Western Canal, the 1994 reopening of 15 miles of the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal and River Tone Navigation, and the 2020 completion of an ‘access for all’ project on 7.6 miles of the Upper Parrett at Langport.
Ray Alexander, West Country Branch chairman, said: “The area is fortunate to have a wonderful mix of rivers and canals which, while not joined to the national network, are cherished by locals and visitors alike. Indeed, many thousands of people, along with local businesses and the environment, have benefited as sections of waterway and adjoining paths have been brought back into use during this time.”
The book also pays tribute to the volunteers, private investors and numerous local and national organisations without whose support this progress would not have been made. IWA is proud to have played its part in this, not only through the West Country Branch and its work party volunteers but also through its specialist advisers and Waterway Recovery Group.
Ray adds: “At a worrying time of funding cuts, we hope the booklet will also serve as a reminder that all the benefits to communities and the environment cannot be taken for granted. Ongoing support is vital.”
Printed copies of the booklet are available from: ray. alexander@ water ways. org. uk or you can download it f rom : www. water ways. org. uk/ water ways/ branches/ iwa-west-countrybranch