Perseverance – Dredging the Basingstoke Canal by Roger Cansdale

This book chronicles the history of the Society’s old steam dredger, Perseverance, largely in the words of the people who were involved in the project. It starts in 1934 with the building of Dredger No 14 for the Grand Union Canal Company, moves on to how it was found abandoned on the River Kennet and describes its acquisition by the Society. There are detailed accounts of the 2 year refurbishment to give Perseverance a second lease of life and the 18 year dredging operation of the Hampshire section of the Basingstoke Canal. The story ends with Perseverance’s situation today and a vision for the future. It’s a great reminder of the attitude and spirit of the restoration years and a tribute to all those people who worked for nearly 20 years to make the canal in Hampshire navigable again. . A5, 28 pages, colour and black & white photos. Price includes P&P.