In January, Dicks Folly was stripped to the bare metal with weak spots welded and rotten structures replaced. The boat was then primed and painted. Volunteers cleaned the windows and replaced seals.
“We are very pleased with the work that Jill and Michael have done,” volunteer, Chris said.
“Dicks Folly has gone from being a bit scruffy to looking shiny and brand new,” he added.
The branding on the boats has been updated with the new logo – which carries forward the colours and tradition of the former logo, with a refreshed look.
In February, Pickles Folly will be painted ahead of the return of both boats from Aylesbury to Hunton Bridge in March.
Volunteers continued work at the base at regular Thursday working bees in January. Two workbenches have been built. Construction of the steps is close to completion, with a rail to be added to the side.
Chris welcomed the contribution of several new volunteers to the Thursday working group.
“It’s great to see more people turning up on Thursdays. There is a sense of camaraderie in volunteering and a feeling of accomplishment in getting tasks complete,” he said.
Birds of the month revisited: the Mallard duck and Little Grebe
With the temperatures dropping in winter, January has been a quiet month for avian visitors to the trust’s Hunton Bridge base.
However, volunteer, Roger appreciated sightings of Mallard ducks and Little Grebes at the base (2025 Birds of the Month for May and December respectively).
“We still have a couple of pairs of Mallards circulating around the base. Normally they are gone until spring time, so it’s nice to see them,” Roger said.
He has also observed four Little Grebes at the base.
“They are expert hunters and for them to be around so long does suggest this part of the canal is thriving,” Roger said.
