Jack Dalby, widely considered the "Godfather" of the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration, was instrumental in reviving the abandoned waterway. After surveying the canal's remains in 1969, he authored a definitive historical book in 1971 that ignited interest in its preservation. His 1977 slide show sparked the creation of the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group, where he served as its inaugural President. Known for his energetic personality, Dalby's legacy endures through a lock named in his honor and book royalties that continue to fund the Trust today.⁠⁠⁠⁠Journals/ Magazines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illustrated History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Laura and Matthew’s podcast covers the Spring 2026 Dragonfly, framing restoration as "two steps forward, one step back." They celebrate successes like the Top Lock Bridge and Swindon’s Badgers Bridge, contrasted with funding delays at Bottom Lock. The episode highlights rare wildlife sightings, such as the water shrew, and the strategic threat the White Horse Reservoir poses to the Thames connection. They also explore Melksham’s hidden history and new AI-powered archives, concluding with community news and a call for volunteer mechanics at Pewsham.

⁠⁠⁠Journals/ Magazines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illustrated History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast highlights the Trust's 2025 "momentum," celebrating over 40,000 volunteer hours worth more than £1 million. Key milestones include the first complete clearing of Uffington Gorse in a century and new water-filled sections in Swindon. The hosts also address the SESRO reservoir threat, which risks £25 million in annual benefits, while championing the 70-mile "Blue-Green Corridor".

⁠⁠Journals/ Magazines⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Illustrated History⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠