Keeping you in the dark

Observations by the editor in the March edition of the Canal Boat & Inland Waterways:

'The Buckingham Canal Society Work party meets at Cosgrove Lock at 10pm on the following dates…

We know that for many for restorers the dig is just a way of filling in the time before the pubs open, but we didn't realise it was now official policy'.

Can you find some spare time, or do you have any unwanted goodies? As part of the Society's fund raising efforts we shall be attending the Crick boat show, Great Linford Festival and, of course, our own boat rally this year. We could do with some more help on stands and lock wheeling etc, any time you can spare would be greatly appreciated. We are also looking to update and replenish our Bric a Brac. The present stock is depleting and beginning to look rather tatty so if you have any articles that look tidy but no longer needed please ring Athina Beckett on 01908 661217</b>

Any Ideas or Comments

The Buckingham canal Society exists because of you and your past efforts: the Navigator is a means of communication between the committee and members, but we need your articles for publication to make reading it interesting.

You know the type of reading you like, some funny story that happened on holiday, a trip you have completed and enjoyed, or maybe a Farm Shop you use and enjoy their produce. I'll set it out, so all I need is for you to write it down.

You can also use The Navigator for ideas and comments so if you feel that something needs changing or you have an idea that you feel could benefit the Society please drop me a line, or fax 01908 604731 or email me at Anthony.collins4@ntlworld.com ED

Membership Drive

As I see it the society has tackled the restoration problems in a different way to other groups in that they started by concentrating on forming work parties from02 the small band of enthusiasts. This has enabled them to start work on the Cosgrove stretch and the Buckingham end, thus reinstating the profile of the bed to show all interested parties that there is still the makings of a canal left to restore.

By the increase in numbers reported of people using the towpath at Cosgrove this has been successful, so much so that the awareness of the BCS needs to be raised to enable funds to be raised for the next stage in restoration.

This is where you, the member can help, we need to increase membership and to this end we have included with this edition of the Navigator a membership application form, please try and get at least one new member each so that we can keep the momentum going. It does work, as proved in the membership drive you assisted with for the IWA last year resulting in 17 new IWA members in this area. ED.

Legacies

None of us like thinking of the afterlife and will making is possibly well down our list of priorities but did you know that there is a campaign ongoing to increase the number of people to leave a charitable request in their will. Legacies enable the donor to plan their giving, while having the advantage of relief from inheritance tax.

It works simply by donors naming a particular charity in their will; it's as simple as that. For more information on the campaign you can contact Simon Turner on 020 7930 3154 or email simon.turner@givingcampaign.org.uk ED.

Thank you for donations

The Committee expresses their thanks to all those members who have made extra donations with their membership payments, or in any other form over the past year. These do help tremendously in our efforts.
They would also like to thank Milton Keynes & Northampton Branches of the IWA for their donations of £250 each to our funds. It is good to know that our restoration efforts are being recognised.