Click on a picture to see a bigger version.

The organisers arrived at 9.30am for setting up to find boats there already and people standing by with offers to help. It turns out this was due to an article in the Leighton Buzzard Citizen a few days before and an live interview with Peter Caswell our secretary on BBC Three Counties radio on drive time Friday evening. BBC Look East also covered our event on the 5.40pm local news programme

On Saturday evening pupils from a local college took photos & video and interviewed Peter Caswell IWA MK Secretary for a school project. A couple on motorised invalid chairs who said they were over 80 arrived announcing that they wished to support us as the canal and towpath gave the easy flat access to the country side. The blockade was also well supported by the local canoe club

At 11am our "wind ensemble" drew attention to the meeting which had grown to around 120 which was opened by an introductory speech by Dave Roberts, Treasurer IWA MK branch.

Andrew Selous Conservative MP for SW Beds followed with a scathing attack on DEFRA management and informed us that DEFRA engaged a firm of consultants to review of their problems which cost £18m, this went wrong so DEFRA had engaged another set of consultants which cost a further £19m.

Bob Wheal Chairman Wendover Arm trust followed his excellent speech of support with an example of the cuts comparing them to him taking his wife shopping at nearby Tesco after the protest and when her basket was full saying " well dear, you have managed so well with your budget this year I am going to cut it as from now" but don't worry I have every faith in your ability to cope.

All speakers came over with strong support for the need for BW to have its original full grant restored now and the future to enable them to keep our heritage and canal and towpaths in good order for all to enjoy.

A range of WoW activities were available for children.

Tea coffee and biscuits were served after the meeting and taking advantage to talk to people afterwards there was no doubt left in my mind that canals are enjoyed by a wide variety of people.

Estimated number of visitors 120. Number of petition signatures gathered 241

Tony Collins
MK branch