The Kennet & Avon Trust’s Claverton Branch had organised the running of the Station’s water-powered beam engine driven pumps for the occasion. Two small plaques were unveiled, in recognition of two long-serving K&A members who had donated funds towards the project. The plaques are mounted on the lifting gantry which is to be used during the fabrication of the new crane.

Earlier in the summer, dismantling of the old crane had taken place at Burbage with the assistance of a large number of volunteers. It involved the demolition of the present crane and saving of the metalwork and other essential parts. Don Cross was there to see the work start and lend his experience.

The complete job will involve the building a new jib etc. in oak at Claverton Walk on the canal near Bath. The K&A team will rebuild there using timber provided by Crown Estates, whilst the IWA is providing professional services, management and other assistance and the British Waterways transport and equipment.

The larger metal parts are now in storage at Chris Wheeler’s premises in Burbage and the smaller ones are back at Claverton. Also in Claverton are certain of the timber joints which were salvaged so as to be of use during the re-fabrication. During the dismantling other details of the existing construction were recorded so that the reconstruction can embody these.