1. The Work Party at Hulme Lock on 3rd August began its work by strimming back the grass which was obscuring the lock's features.

2. As described already, the cottage's name plate was recently donated to the Society. It was finally fixed into place by our experienced crew of brickies.

3. Still plenty of sunshine left in mid-September when another section of wall was tidied up by Colin, Roy and Paul.

4. A well-earned rest - or were the heavy gang brought in to ensure the mortar was well settled?

5. If the highlight of the IWA Festival was meeting John Craven, the low point was the breakdown of the Greenalls' Land Rover, seen here as it began its piggy-back journey back to St. Helens.

6. Tailpiece: Our Chairman visited the French twin town of St. Helens, Chalon sur Saone during his summer narrow boating holiday this year. The heat there called for an early dawn departure.

Photos: top four, George Bruce; above left: Colin Greenall; above right: Jacquie Long