Notice: Wey And Arun Canal Trust Rally Support

Published on: 19 Apr, 2017
Updated on: 19 Apr, 2017

A friendly flotilla of canoeists, kayakers and small boat owners is seeking recruits for an expedition up the River Arun. The occasion is the annual rally on the waterway between Pulborough and Pallingham Quay, organised by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust.

The event, which will take place on Sunday, May 14, celebrates the long tradition of boats navigating a river which was once part of a route from London to the South Coast.

Last year’s flotilla included, members of the Trust, enthusiasts from several canoe clubs and youth groups and even a paddle boarder. Everyone with a canoe, kayak, paddle board or small boat is welcome to join.

A paddle boarder enjoying his excursion on the River Arun during the 2016 small boats rally.

The Arun is tidal as far as Pallingham Weir and the rally date is chosen to ensure the tide is high enough for small craft to navigate a picturesque section of the waterway.

The aim is to reach the site of the original junction of the Wey & Arun Canal with the river and then go on to the Pallingham Quay, the highest navigable point for boats on the Arun. Launching at Pulborough is planned for between 3pm and 3.30pm for small boats which need to use the slipway there.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the Trust will hold another event on Sunday, June 4, known as a ‘Poddle’. The annual ‘Poddle’ supports the restoration of ‘London’s Lost Route to the Sea’, a waterway which ran from Pallingham in West Sussex to Shalford.

WACT will provide a detailed guide to the route of a 12-mile walk in beautiful countryside viewing hidden heritage sites, with a free lunch and refreshments including tea and cake along the way. The ‘Poddle’ starts and ends at Ingfield Manor School at Five Oaks, north of Billingshurst. Walkers can do half the route, either the morning or the afternoon, if they wish.

A family group taking part in the 2016 Poddle at Alfold.

In return for a great day out in the Arun Valley, walkers raise a minimum of £20 each for the Trust in sponsorship. A bonus for community groups is that they can raise money for their good causes through a 50/50 sponsorship option, without having to do any of the organising. Teams of walkers which collect more than £200, a minimum of £20 each, split their proceeds equally with the Trust.

To book places on the May 14 rally, visit www.weyarun.org.uk – which provides more information and maps – or e-mail rallies@weyandarun.co.uk.

Individuals and groups can register to join the ‘Poddle’ at www.weyarun.org.uk or email poddle@weyandarun.co.uk.