"Latton Basin Heritage Site"
August 5th 2006
 
In order to raise awareness of the importance of the Basin an event was held to launch the proposed "Latton Basin Heritage Site". 
 
    The day started grey and a little bit wet, not the hot summer weather we had been promised.  This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as when the light rain stopped the temperature was just perfect.  Over the previous two weeks the number of visitors we were hoping for varied from "expecting 30 or so" to "Jan, there's eight more coming, cut more sandwiches".  On the day we had about ninety people.  Members of Alfred Howse's family, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust (WBCT), Cotswold Canal Trust (CCT), Latton Parish Council, Cricklade Town Council, and many others interested in the project arrived.  After a short series of welcoming and introductory speeches visitors were able to inspect the site, view a collection of old Basin photographs and visit the WBCT display tent.
 
    There was then a break for refreshments  Suitably refreshed many people went on a guided tour of the junction conducted by Keith Harding  (CCT).
 
   The day was also a historic renewal of an old Howse custom.  For many years it was the practice for Alfred's children to return to the Basin with their own families for holidays.  On this day we had about twenty five of them assembled.  A truly memorable day; I'm sure Alfred would be impressed.
 
    Everyone seemed to enjoy the day.  We received unanimous support for our project: the Visitor Book contains about 60 names.
 
    Once again our thanks go to Jan and Bob Mitchell, the owners of the Basin Cottage, for their support and hospitality.  Without their enthusiasm the project would be almost impossible.  Thanks, also, to local farmer Bruce Willis who very kindly provided a field for us to use as a car park.
 
The day was an unqualified success.
  
    With so many people on site I have not been too sure of putting names to faces.  Barbara took most of the photographs and I took most of the "names and addresses".  So apologies if your name doesn't appear (or if I get them wrong, please let me know).
 
Finally a BIG, BIG thank you to EVERYONE  for their support.    See you again next year???
 
 
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Car parking thanks to farmer Bruce Willis.


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Welcome to the Basin


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John Laverick, Chairman WBCT


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Bob Mitchell. owner of Basin Cottage


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Graham Perry  (WBCT)
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Tony Rose (Alfred's grandson) meets David Howse
(Alfred's great, great grandson)


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Sally Rose and David Howse


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Ann, daughter of Gloria, Alan Wheeler, husband of Gail,
Gail and of course Gloria


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Gail Wheeler and Gloria


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William Frank Prescott,  Derrick Prescott and John Prescott


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Tony Rose and Family


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Sally Rose
 


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Iris Williamson with a family photo album


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Dennis Rines with Anne Sawyer
and Betty Bradley


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"It didn't look like this when we knew it!"


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Ted Howse, grandson of Alfred, son of Joseph.


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Brian and David Howse

Brian is compiling a family tree.
Please contact him with any information.

brian_howse@hotmail.co.uk

 


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Gloria "Bubbles" Loakes, with her granddaughter.


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Betty Bradley, granddaughter of Alfred


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Break for refreshments.

Thanks to Jan, Sue and Clive


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Joan and Phil Logue (WBCT)
 


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Nady and Malcolm (WBCT)


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Clive Camburn with Maureen and Keith Walker
 


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A collection of old photos and maps was on display.


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Geof Austin and Vic Stroud (WBCT)
 


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George Smith, CCT work party leader


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Bruce Hall, Chairman CCT with George


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Off on the guided walk.


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Off on the guided walk.


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Off on the guided walk.


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Listening intently to Keith.


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Listening intently to Keith.
 


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Keith Harding (CCT) explaining the layout of the Junction.


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Keith Harding (CCT) explaining the layout of the Junction.
 


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Gloria, Jan Flan and Jan Mitchell


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Anne Sawyer


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A special thank you to Bob's mother, Win, who made some rather wonderful cakes.


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Peace returns to the basin.


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Peace returns to the basin.


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