July’s first task party welcomed 10 volunteers from RS Components (Corby). With 18 willing and able crew, the painting of lock 5 proceeded at pace. The ‘lock waiting’ bollards along the towpath were also painted. Unfortunately the wet weather front arrived earlier than expected causing a hasty retreat to the welcoming environs of the Nelson pub.
Workboat ‘Skippy’ was in action again for the second task party when a crew of 9 replaced the rotted post and rail fence on the steps at lock 5. A rotted rail was also replaced on the weir fence and all the rails given a coat of paint. This year's vegetation growth on the weir was removed as were the arisings from strimming the lock offside.
Several ad hoc task parties this month saw :-
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The restoration of the fence that had been pushed over by the fallen hawthorn trees near the marina entrance.
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Grounds maintenance at Midland Chandlers & the junction facilities area.
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Refitting of a coping bumper beam that had come loose above lock 2.
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The vegetation strimmed along the path from Butchers bridge up to the village.