Jubilee Lake Nature Trail

Towards the end of 2022, The RWB Shed were approached by Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council to see if we could assist in the refurbishment of the signage for the Jubilee Lake Nature Trail. 

We were keen to help and with the assistance of Administrative Services Officer of Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council, Rachel Deegan, who joined Albi and Phil for a site survey.

It was quite clear that the original transfer displays had seen better days, but Rachel told us that the new displays were to be printed onto aluminium sheets to the be affixed on top of the original. It also became apparent that over the years, some of the securing fixings had been changed from the originals and were far from giving an aesthetic appearance. 

The lecterns themselves were generally in reasonable order but were dirty, where rain had splashed dirt up the legs. It could also be seen that the paintwork, in various locations, was chipped and needed touching in.

The project plan decided upon therefore was to wash down the lecterns, touch in the paint where required and replace some of the inappropriate fixings. It was also decided that the new signs should be fixed to the lecterns by using contact adhesive.

The new signs being developed by local artist Marylin Trew, were being prepared for the relaunch of the nature in spring 2023, so with the poorer weather about to set in, it was decided that any work undertaken would be left until early spring.

February, March and early April were extremely wet and not conducive to doing the work. The relaunch had been set for the 20th April and concern was mounting as to whether it could all be completed in time. Fortunately there were a couple of nice days where the appalling weather relented, which allowed the cleaning process to begin. 

Geff, Steve, John T, John L, Albi and Phil, with buckets, sponges and paint, cleaned & prepared all of the lecterns ready for the new signs to be attached. 

Ironically, the weather turned against us again soon after completing the cleaning and it wasn't until two days before the relaunch that the new signs were fixed in place. A close call!

The relaunch went very well, with three sets of pupils from local schools trialing the new nature trail. The event was opened by the Town Crier, Owen Collier, who then introduced the Mayor, Councillor Pat Farrow, who gave a short speech of welcome to the pupils.

The participating members of The RWB Shed were also invited to attend and thoroughly enjoyed the event