Swindon Branch AGM – 7th June 2016-05-31
Presentation to Maureen and Keith Walker in recognition of over 30 years of voluntary effort for the WBCT.
Maureen and Keith have made a huge contribution to the progress of the trust, particularly in the Swindon branch area. They still contribute to the best if their ability.
Maureen and Keith first joined the organisation in November 1985
From March 1986 they were Joint Central Area Co-ordinators for many years.
The first restoration in Swindon was the Mouldon Hill length which started after the Moredon Primary School found the canal in 1987.
Keith was a signatory to the original Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Trust in 1988.
Subsequent restorations included rebuilding the River Ray Aqueduct at Mouldon Hill, Beavan’s Bridge, the Westlease length, Mouldon Hill again and including the partial restoration of the lock.
Other activities by one or both of them include:
• Taking the exhibition tent and display boards to events up and down the country
• Starting a canal museum at Lackham College
• Catering for local events
• Leading local canal walks
• Introducing the 2006 DVD on the canal in Swindon
• Organising and creating the shop and information centre in Swindon together with Roy Cartwright in 2008
• Organising the 2010 celebrations at Westlease
• Arranging for and fitting out the storage cabins at Spittleborough Farm
• Being Father Christmas for the Dragonfly trips over several years.
In between times they managed to live on their boat, nb Willoughby, and travel the country for several years.
Keith still turns out in the shop once a week and at other events; Maureen often supports him and other volunteers with lunches or refreshments. And of course our branch meetings are held in the community room of their home.
