A (very) brief History of Canals
Canals originated during the industrial revolution towards the end of the 18th century, providing a cheap means of conveying material in bulk. However, with the introduction of the railways and improved road transport the canal system fell into decline during the early 1900's resulting in the abandonment of many miles of waterway, much of it extremely remote and beautiful. Although some sections have been lost forever, due to housing developments, new road schemes etc., much still remains largely intact. However, as nature takes over once more the water channel silts up and the aquatic environment is gradually lost, causing wildlife to disappear. Restoration to navigation is therefore not only beneficial to boaters, fishermen and ramblers but is also a valuable contribution to nature conservation. The restoration movement began in 1946 with the formation of the Inland Waterways Association, a national body of volunteers, which led a number of successful campaigns to restore canals such as the Southern Stratford, The Peak Forest and the Ashton, near Manchester. There are now some 40 or 50 societies campaigning for the restoration of their own local waterways. Some of these are very close to completion whilst others are subject to feasibility studies. Group History.

The Group
The Newbury Working Party Group was formed in 1981, and was initially involved with the restoration work on the Kennet and Avon Canal. Along with other groups, NWPG began a programme of weekend working parties on the Basingstoke Canal, providing a major impetus to the restoration of both St. Johns and Woodham lock flights. Later, the group returned to the K and A, to construct the wooden footbridges for each of the 29 locks on the Caen Hill Flight at Devizes. H.M. The Queen reopened the canal at a ceremony on the same flight of locks on the 8th August 1990. With the Basingstoke and Kennet and Avon Canals now reopened we have turned our attention to projects on other, less advanced, restoration schemes. Along with two other volunteer groups we have been instrumental in setting up a project called Dig Deep. Its aim is to work closely with the local canal societies to identify and plan suitable major volunteer restoration projects.

Working Parties
We are currently working on the Basingstoke Canal, Wey & Arun Canal and the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal. We are also now working on a new project on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

Social Activities
There are regular social evenings in the "Hope Tap" in Friar Street, Reading on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from about 20:00 Hrs. This is complemented by various other one off activities eg. walks, skittles evenings and crewing the trip boat "Rose Of Hungerford"