A ‘wee dram' to help

THERE is one thing that can be said about the members of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust—they are never short of ideas to raise cash to help its waterway restoration.

This time it's a Whisky Cruise, in conjunction with local societies, when on Saturday 7th May, participants will have the chance to experience a taste of Scotland deep in the rural West Sussex/Surrey border countryside.

Interesting malts

On the Whisky Cruise on the Wey & Arun Canal,  some 'interesting malts' will be on offer, under the expert guidance of Chris Parker, Managing Director of London & Scottish International Ltd.

Not only will this be an interesting and enjoyable event in itself, it will also benefit a worthwhile cause for the people of Loxwood and visitors to the village, by raising money for the replacement parapets for the bridge taking the Loxwood High Street (B2133) over the Wey & Arun Canal.

Not in keeping

When built, the parapets were constructed in steel, at a height demanded by bridleway regulations. All agreed that although functional, the appearance of the metal parapets was not really in keeping with their environment. Fortunately, a new design, featuring brick facings and of a more traditional appearance, has recently gained planning approval.

So the Loxwood Society, Loxwood Parish Council and the Wey & Arun Canal Trust have been working hard to raise money locally for the installation of the new parapets.

Several events

The Whisky Cruise is one of several fund-raising efforts to finance the bridge improvements. Len Milsom, of the Loxwood Society, explained:

"We are nearly there, please come and help us replace those ugly bridge parapets. This is just the first of a number of themed cruises on the canal to raise funds for the bridge. We are following the Whisky Cruise with a Cream Tea Cruise on 18th May and a Cruise with Quiz on 10th June."

50-seater boat

The Whisky Cruise starts at the wharf by the Onslow Arms, Loxwood, at 5.30 pm. The 50-seater electric boat Wiggonholt, which has wheelchair access, will be used.

Tickets for the Whisky Cruise, at £21 per person, and further details are available from Jean Lightman (01403 753117) or Len Milsom (01403 752032).