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Frequently asked questions
What is the Wendover Arm Trust?
Why was the Trust formed?
What are the aims of the Trust?
What has W.A.T. achieved so far?
What are the realistic chances of the Trust achieving its aim ?
What will the Trust do once the canal is restored ?
Who controls the Trust?
Does the Trust have any staff?
Does W.A.T. own the Arm?
How many Trust members are there?
Do all the members have boats?
What is the retationship with British Waterways?
What are the benefits of W.A.T. membership?
Are Trust members simply a lot of enthusiasts?
Who should support the trust?
How can I support the trust?
How can I find out more about the trust and it’s work?
What is the Wendover Arm Trust?
The Wendover Arm Trust was formed in February I989. It is a voluntary body, set up to promote the restoration of the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal. It is a company limited by Guarantee and without share capital, and a registered charity.
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Why was the Trust formed?
To prevent further deterioration of the Wendover Arm by neglect, and the severing of the Arm by what was then only a proposal to construct the Aston Clinton By-pass.
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What are the aims of the Trust?
To promote total restoration of the Arm, its buildings and structures, to its original purpose - water supply and a navigation - and by so doing to enrich the natural flora and fauna, for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
To promote canal restoration, preservation, and maintenance of inland waterways in general and of the Wendover Arm in particular.
To inform interested parties on the history, use and associated wildlife of canals in general, and the Wendover arm in particular.
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What has W.A.T. achieved so far ?
The achievements of the Trust have been numerous:
- Public credibility. The trust is now a widely known and respected body, drawing its support from many quarters.
- The Trust was able to positively influence the Public Enquiry into the Aston Clinton Bypass, so that the Arm will not be bisected by the construction.
- A continuing series of very successful Canal Festivals over the late May Bank Holiday each year. The income has contributed significantly towards the accumulation of restoration funds
- The support of all of the local authorities whose area the canal crosses, including the establishment of a forum where Trust directors and local authority members meet to discuss progress.
- The Trust was instrumental in the restoration of the "Rothschild" Bridge in Halton.
- A considerable amount of scrub clearance work is undertaken by Trust volunteers throughout each Winter. in the dry section of the Arm.
- The rebuilding of the bridge at Little Tring - paid for by Trust funds principally raised at the annual Festivals.
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What are the realistic chances of the Trust achieving its aim ?
The main obstacle to the restoration is the lack of funding. The engineering problems are relatively straightforward, but the solutions are unfortunately expensive.
Detailed planning has not yet gone beyond what can be realistically achieved with identified funding, but that is already enough to complete work on the first phase, and the restoration of Little Tring Bridge.
What will the Trust do once the canal is restored ?
The Trust's interest in the Arm does not cease once restoration is complete. The Trust will continue to keep the best interests of the Arm under review, and keep a watching brief for the future.
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Who controls the Trust ?
The Trust is controlled by a board of between 6 and 20 Directors, elected by the membership each year at the A.G.M.. Directors are unpaid, and may also be co-opted.
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Does the Trust have any staff ?
No. all the work of the Trust is carried out by members in their own time. Any specialist work (surveying, auditing, etc.) is paid for on a commercial basis, although, as a charity, we are always happy to receive donated services.
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Does W.A.T. own the Arm ?
No. The Trust does not own any part of the Canal, nor any property or land adjacent to it. The Wendover Arm is wholly owned and managed on behalf of the nation by British Waterways, a nationalised industry.
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How many Trust members are there ?
The membership of the Trust is currently over 680 paid-up members. There are several Corporate members representing special interest groups or local organisations, each with single voting rights. Almost half of the Trust's members live locally, within 5 miles of the Arm.
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Do all the members have boats ?
Analysis of the Trust membership showed that about two thirds of the members did not own a boat. The membership ranges from organisations with a specific interest (such as the environment) to individuals who support the aims of restoration in general. In all, the membership covers a wide range of interests, including, but not restricted to boating.
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What is the retationship with British Waterways?
The restoration of the Arm cannot proceed without the positive participation of the owners and operators, British Waterways. The Trust is delighted therefore that the management of BW have aligned themselves firmly behind the aims of the restoration. and have a presence on the Trust board, so that both bodies can act in a proper partnership.
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What are the benefits of W.A.T. membership ?
The main benefit in belonging to the Trust, is that of knowing that a worthwhile cause is being supported. And of course active participation in the Trust's work is particularly welcome. With the many meetings, events, talks, and Trust 'appearances', there is a social side, too.
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Are Trust members simply a lot of enthusiasts ?
Members could be excused for believing there is good reason for being enthusiastic! In engineering terms, the restoration is much more viable than several other projects which are in discussion up and down the country.
There are no insuperable obstacles, and the Canal is on one level.
The legal ownership of the Arm is not in question.
The project has widespread support from individuals and from interested organisations.
The restored Arm does not pass through any major conurbation, and so will provide a haven for a greater variety and abundance of wildlife than currentlv exists.
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Who should support the trust?
We think all individuals or families who live alongside, or within the vicinity of the canal should support the work of the trust. The canal will become a feature of the countryside in the area, allowing scenic walks, wildlife to flourish, a focus for visitors to come to the area. Of course, waterways enthusiasts will have an interest in part of Britain’s waterways heritage, but it isn’t just for canal people but for the community as a whole.
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How can I support the Trust ?
By becoming a member of the Trust.
By attending public meetings and supporting the aims of the Trust.
By helping at the annual Canal Festival.
By attending monthly working parties on the Arm.
By promoting the aims of the Trust i.e. by talking to other users of the Arm whilst walking the towpath.
You can find more information on this in the How to Help section of this website.
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How can I find out more about the trust and it’s work?
Write or talk to any of the Trust Officers.
Join the Trust and receive the regular Newsletter which keeps members up to date with developments.
Call at the Trust Stand in many local events throughout the Summer.
Attend a presentation about the Arm by the Trust to interested groups.
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