As summer rapidly approaches it is time to tell you about the Summer Reunion. We have chartered a two-hour trip on the Wey & Arun canal at Loxwood, on the Zachariah Keppel, starting at 11am on Sunday 11th June. The cost is £10.00 per person and as seating is limited, if you are able to come please book early to avoid disappointment.

All bookings should be made with Derek Sturt at 8 Old Guildford Rd, Broadbridge Heath, HORSHAM, West Sussex RH12 3JU, complete with a cheque to cover the trip cost. Any queries please contact Derek by email (sturt99@hotmail.com) or telephone on 01403 261756.

l have to admit that l have a soft spot for the Wey & Arun canal restoration. This project started in 1970 and membership of the trust has grown to be one of the largest in the country.

When I stopped work a few years ago l needed an activity to keep me fit, so l joined a gym. It took me less than my first years membership to realise that rather than exercising looking out of a large window, I would rather be outside. l had considered golf, but based on my friends' playing patterns it seemed to be either addictive or not cost effective. l wanted a voluntary activity outdoors with no commitments. Horsham Green Gym and the Wey & Arun Canal Trust fulfilled these needs.

My activities now involve hedge laying and general canal related clearance work. This work highlighted to me what an amazing project it is, to restore 'London's lost route to the Sea'. Since joining the Trust l have attended the opening of two rebuilt locks (one previously blown up by the Canadians during the 2nd World War). and last year the opening of the new Compasses bridge at Dunsfold Aerodrome. This event marked the Bicentenary Celebrations of the canal opening in 1816.

It is proposed that after the trip, all those who would like a good Sunday lunch before heading off can meet at the Sir Roger Tichborne at Alfold Bars which is a few minutes' drive towards Alfold. We will need to advise the restaurant on numbers for our table, so please confirm when booking your trip if you are to join us for lunch. Further details including menus are on the website, www.thetichborne.co.uk

The canal centre is right behind the Onslow Arms in Loxwood, ideal for pre-trip refreshment, and behind that is a free car park (through the gate). Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the trip starts. Full information can be found on the Trust website. www.weyandarun.co.uk Also please make a note in your diary for the OCA Winter Reunion Dinner on the 25th November 2017, held at the College. Further details will follow in the Autumn newsletter

Dave Picknell