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A Community Asset

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About Us

The objects of the CIO are:-

                “For the public benefit to maintain, repair and preserve the canal at Latton Basin, and in particular, but not exclusively, to clear and reinstate the towpath and canal bed between the Basin and the River Thames as a public amenity.  To advance public education in the history and use of the canal at Latton Basin.”

Above is the mission statement submitted to the Charity Commission when we applied to become a Charity.

      Our Charity is community based and not a dedicated Canal Restoration project.  Whilst we are still fully supportive of Wilts & Berks Canal Trust (WBCT) aims, we realise that it will be many years before boats return to the area.  We, therefore, are determined to preserve the Basin area as an historic site, as well as providing a pleasant section of a recognised country walk.  Research is also being carried into the history of the Basin and the people who lived and worked there.

       We have worked at the Basin since 2005, originally as part of the WBCT, but in 2017 it was decided that we should become independent.  Several things then caused us many delays.  The Co-Op sold out to Welcome Trust, and the Welcome Trust replaced Savilles with Bidwells as their land agent, and then the pandemic hit.  Last October, 2020, we applied for Charity status and this was granted in January this year.  We have an open membership and do not charge membership fees.

      As well as preserving the historic infrastructure our main work involves the clearance and maintenance of the Basin, tow-path and canal bed.  The path is part of a popular circular walk which includes North Meadow

     We will also continue to welcome groups of workers from local organisation and firms as part of their Team Building days.


Trustees & Officers

NamePositionTitleContact
John MinnsTrusteeChairjohn.minns@lattonbasin.info
Vince OsgoodTrusteeWork Site Managervince.osgood@lattonbasin.info
Doug SmallTrusteeSecretary & Treasurerdoug.small@lattonbasin.info
Jan FlanaganOfficerResearch & Eventsjan.flanagan@lattonbasin.info
Graham PerryOfficerArchaeologistgraham.perry@lattonbasin.info
Marilyn TrewOfficerPublicity, Media and Artistmarilyn.trew@lattonbasin.info

Trustees can be emailed collectively trustees@lattonbasin.info

Trustees & Officers can be emailed collectively tando@lattonbasin.info


Joint Aims with WBCT

As from the 14th January 2021 we will be working fully with WBCT to forward our joint interests in preserving and restoring the W&B canal.  This is great news for us and our thanks go to Gordon Olson (CEO WBCT) for initiating this collaboration.

We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding which can be viewed here: